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[US Grain Barge Freight Rates Rise, Harvest Season Demand Supports Near-Month Prices] ⑴ US barge industry data shows that for the week ending September 13, freight rates on major routes such as the St. Louis 12-foot and Illinois River were quoted at $850 to $900 (based on benchmark tariffs). ⑵ Prices rose to $900 to $950 in the week ending September 20, and further to $950 to $1000 in the week ending September 27, showing a stepped upward trend for near-month freight rates. ⑶ Prices remained high at $950 to $1000 in the first half of October, then fell back to $800 to $850 in the second half, and further decreased to $675 to $725 in November. ⑷ Prices fell to $625 to $675 in December, and continued to decline in a stepped manner from January to March and April to July of the following year, reaching a low of $500 to $550. (5) The Memphis-Cairo segment followed a similar trend, rising to 975-1025 in late September before declining month by month, reaching a low of 400-450 from April to July of the following year. (6) The Ohio River Jeffersonville-Cincinnati segment quoted 925-975 in late September, then declined month by month, falling to 500-550 from April to July of the following year. (7) Upstream routes such as St. Paul to Savage, McGregor, and Davenport also showed a pattern of near-term strength and far-term weakness. (8) In some months, such as December, no quotes were recorded for the St. Paul to Savage route, indicating weak forward trading. (9) From a market sentiment perspective, the concentrated release of grain shipping demand during the autumn harvest season is the main factor driving up near-month freight rates. (10) With the slowdown in the pace of new crop market entry and changes in river transport conditions, forward quotes are gradually returning to the normal range. (11) Going forward, attention should be paid to the impact of harvest progress, export loading pace, and water levels on barge turnover efficiency. 12 Overall, near-month freight rates are supported by seasonal demand, while long-term rates reflect expectations of ample supply and declining demand.