Trip Pilot

American Commercial Barge Line LLC; Convent (LA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Collaborative team environment

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Comprehensive training and career development

Job summary

American Commercial Barge Line LLC is hiring a Trip Pilot to ensure safe navigation of vessels in challenging waterways. This full-time role requires a Master of Towing Vessels license, experience handling 30+ loaded barges on the Lower Mississippi River, and compliance with USCG requirements. Expect a collaborative environment with competitive salary, benefits, and comprehensive training opportunities. Join ACBL and play a key role in our commitment to safety and employee well-being.

Qualifications

• Experience with 2-4 years in a similar role is preferred.
• Must have valid USCG physical examination requirements.
• Maintain valid USCG licensing and active TWIC.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe navigation of vessels through waterways.
• Instruct crew on job performance and enforce safety policies.
• Complete required log entries and maintain radio watch.
• Participate in crew management and supervise vessel budget.

Skills

Experience running on the Lower Mississippi River

Pushing barges (tows of 20 or more)

Ability to work in all weather conditions

Communication and teamwork skills

Education

Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license

TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)

Driver's License

Job description

Job Title

Trip Pilot

Company

American Commercial Barge Line

Location

Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; Cairo, IL; Convent, LA; Harahan, LA; Channelview, TX; Jeffersonville, IN

Job Type

Full-Time

Description

Are you an experienced and dedicated Trip Pilot looking for an exciting opportunity in the maritime industry? American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is seeking skilled individuals to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of vessels through challenging waterways.

American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the U.S. Our legacy of providing the nation with the most economical, safest, and greenest mode of transportation dates all the way back to 1915, when we began moving coal on the Kentucky River. We offer a wide range of career paths in both operations and support services. Whether you are interested in working on the river or in an office, we are always searching for the best of the best to join our ACBL team.

What you will be doing…Your IMPACT

• Ensure that work completed during his/her watch is done in accordance with ACBL safety policies and practices.
• Always navigate the vessel safely.
• Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance.
• Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
• Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes. CFR 35.05-15b.
• Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the SMS (Safety Management System) and within that the Crew Endurance Management System onboard all vessels.
• Participate in crew management, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel's budget.
• Complete required log entries.
• Maintain radio watch as required.
• Report Certain Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) barges at pick‑up, drop‑off, and designated mile points to the Inland River Vessel Movement Center.
• Enforce all rules.
• Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand.
• Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures.
• Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed.
• Provide instructions and information to crew members, ACBL land‑based personnel, USCG or lock personnel.

You will need to have:

• Master of Towing Vessels upon Western Rivers license required.
• Must have experience running on the Lower Mississippi River 30+ loaded barges.
• Must meet USCG physical examination requirements.
• Must be able to travel to and from vessel / training locations via air or car travel.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to work 6 hours on 6 hours off watch.
• Must have experience pushing barges (tows of 20 or more preferred).
• Must be able to ride in or pilot a crew boat or zodiac to get to/from towing vessel.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
• Must maintain valid USCG licensing.
• Be able to maintain an active TWIC.

Even better if you have:

• Experience pushing 20+ barges.

Reasons you will love working at ACBL …

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Comprehensive training and career development opportunities.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Commitment to safety and employee well‑being

Qualifications

• Experience: 2‑4 years (preferred)
• Licenses & certifications: TWIC (required); Driver’s License (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.