The company is one of the several billion dollar businesses that are headquartered in Houston, Texas. Its predecessors are the Kirby Industries, Inc. and the Kirby Exploration Company, Inc. Its operations started in 1969 and has since then grown to become the largest tank barge operated in the United States. Through its transportation services, they are able to move bulk liquid products in the Mississippi River Systems, along the three coasts in the country, Alaska, Hawaii and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. These bulk liquids include refined petroleum products, black oil, agricultural chemical products and petrochemicals. Part of their transportation assets are the 8 ocean-going barge and tug unit that is in charge of transportation of dry-bulk commodities.
Kirby Corporation also operates the largest fleet of inland tank barges and towing vessels. Through this fleet of high-end and giant vessels, they are able to efficiently transport materials from producers to the end users with extreme consideration to safety. In addition, the company is also known for being a preferred distributor of oilfield service equipment like pressure pumping units that are used both in the oilfield service markets and land-based pressure pumping.
The products that the business transports are considered to be hazardous and might pose a threat to the environment if handled incorrectly. Through its state of the art technology, Kirby is able to minimize the impact of these products to the environment until they are put to use. The business it operates is crucial in the industry and requires excellent attention to detail and customer needs to prevent any damages and accidents. Because of their expertise in the transportation and handling of these toxic chemicals, the company is benchmarked as the industry leader in safety, environmental protection and customer service.