About Us

As the largest privately held U.S.-flag fleet on the Lakes, Interlake has been carrying the bulk cargoes that have been fueling the region's economy since its founding more than 100 years ago.

A second-generation, family run company, Interlake is propelled by a long-term vision to make its fleet of nine vessels the most efficient and environmentally responsible in the shipping industry.

Led by President Mark Barker, the company has invested more than $100 million to modernize and improve its ships to safely and reliably transport 20 million tons of raw materials annually, including iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, stone for the construction industry and coal for power generation.

Interlake employs about 400 men and women who live and work in the region and the cargoes they deliver help generate and sustain more than 103,000 jobs in the eight Great Lakes states.

We know shipping matters, today, tomorrow and in the future...

...and we're in it for the long haul.

The efficiency of Great Lakes shipping

Units needed to carry 70,000 tons of cargo

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1 - 1000 Foot Laker

Carrying capacity 70,000 tons

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700 Train Cars

Carrying capacity 100 tons each

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2800 Trucks

Carrying capacity 25 tons each

Greenest Mode of Transportation 

A Great Lakes freighter sails 607 miles on 1 gallon of fuel per ton of cargo carried.

Made in America

For more than 100 years, Interlake’s greatest asset has been its people -- stellar crew members and shore-side employees all working toward a common goal: to deliver essential raw materials that keep the nation's economy afloat safely, efficiently and responsibly.