Kirby Corporation
Kirby Corporation is the largest U.S. tank barge operator, transporting petrochemicals, refined products, black oil, and agricultural chemicals on inland waterways and all three U.S. coasts. Its Distribution & Services segment distributes diesel engines, power generation equipment, and oilfield machinery through 62 branches under brands including Stewart & Stevenson.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1921
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Kirby Corporation does
Kirby Corporation (NYSE: KEX), founded in 1921 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is the largest domestic tank barge operator in the United States with approximately 5,800 employees. The company operates two reportable segments. Marine Transportation transports bulk liquid products — petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals — through approximately 260 active inland tank barges and 65 towing vessels on the Mississippi River System and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, plus a coastal fleet of roughly 26 offshore tank barges and 23 towing vessels (including approximately 30 Articulated Tug/Barge units) along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. A complementary dry-bulk business (Kirby Ocean Transport) hauls coal and sugar under term contracts, and Osprey Line handles heavyweight project cargo. Backbone infrastructure includes an in-house shipyard (San Jac Marine), 22 fleet locations with 800+ barge spots, a Coast Guard-accredited training center with wheelhouse simulator, and centralized 24/7 dispatch. Distribution and Services distributes diesel engines, transmissions, and power generation equipment under distribution agreements with Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, John Deere, Allison Transmission, MTU, Volvo Penta, and Deutz; manufactures oilfield pressure pumping equipment and power generation/battery systems; rents industrial equipment; and operates 62 branch locations across 17 states plus Colombia through the Stewart & Stevenson and United Holdings brands.
Revenue is generated primarily through asset-based service fees on per-ton/per-barrel barge movement, supplemented by hardware sales (diesel engines, manufactured oilfield equipment, power generation systems) and recurring equipment rental. The go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales: term contracts and one-off moves to major oil companies, refineries, chemical producers, agricultural chemical companies, oilfield service operators, and power utilities (including a disclosed large Florida utility customer). Distribution agreements with global OEMs and Stewart & Stevenson's 43-location international footprint provide both margin and reach.
The Marine Transportation segment is structurally protected by the Jones Act, which restricts U.S. coastwise trade to U.S.-built and -flagged vessels. Kirby defends this regulatory perimeter through senior leadership roles in the American Waterways Operators. Across cycles, Kirby has consolidated the fragmented barge industry through major acquisitions — K-Sea Transportation ($603M, 2011), United Holdings ($271M, 2011), Penn Maritime ($300M, 2012), Stewart & Stevenson (~$756M, 2017), Higman Marine ($419M, 2018), Cenac Marine Services ($244M, 2019), and a Q1 2026 $95.8M tuck-in of 23 barges and three towboats. Q1 2026 revenue reached $844.1M (up 7.4% YoY) with EPS of $1.50 (up 13% YoY), driven by mid-to-high 90s utilization in coastal operations and 45% YoY growth in the power generation vertical.
Kirby Corporation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kirby Corporation
- Legal name
- Kirby Corporation
- Website
- https://kirbycorp.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1921
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Kirby Corporation is the largest U.S. tank barge operator, transporting petrochemicals, refined products, black oil, and agricultural chemicals on inland waterways and all three U.S. coasts. Its Distribution & Services segment distributes diesel engines, power generation equipment, and oilfield machinery through 62 branches under brands including Stewart & Stevenson.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kirby Corporation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Transportation and Industrial Distribution Services
- NAICS
- Water Transportation (483), Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (333132)
- SIC
- Water Transportation (4400), Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Crude Oil & Petroleum Products Tanker Transport (TLADALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Oilfield Equipment Manufacturing & Supply (Wellheads, BOPs, Surface Equipment) (EUALABAL)
Keywords
Where Kirby Corporation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kirby Corporation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Marine Transportation: Kirby operates as the premier tank barge operator in the United States, transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and along all three U.S. coasts. The Marine Transportation segment provides transportation services for petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemical products by tank barge, as well as dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade. Kirby Inland Marine operates the nation's largest fleet of inland tank barges and towing vessels, while Kirby Offshore Marine is the largest U.S. operator of coastal tank barges and towing vessels participating in the regional distribution of refined petroleum products, black oil, and petrochemicals.
- Distribution and Services: Kirby is a leading distributor and services provider to industrial markets, offering customers a single source for after-market service and parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, and related equipment used in oilfield services, marine, power generation, on-highway, and other industrial applications. In the oil and gas markets, Kirby serves as a distributor and service provider for diesel engines, transmissions, and pumps, and manufactures and remanufactures oilfield service equipment, including pressure pumping units. The company also manufactures power generation equipment, specialized electrical distribution and control equipment, high capacity energy storage/battery systems, and rail car movers. Kirby also sells and rents equipment including generators, compressors, high capacity lift trucks, and refrigeration trailers.
- Equipment Rental: Kirby rents generators, lift trucks, refrigerated trailers, and industrial and portable compressed air to all the markets the company serves. Stewart & Stevenson Power Rental offers emergency, long- and short-term rental solutions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GICW Towing Rates |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LA & WV Harbor Shifting, Fleeting, and LMR Towing Rates |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | TX Harbor Shifting and Fleeting Rates |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels3 records
Kirby Corporation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kirby Corporation is the premier tank barge operator in the United States, transporting bulk liquid products (petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products, agricultural chemicals) via the nation's largest inland and coastal tank barge fleets across the Mississippi River System, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and all three U.S. coasts. Through its Distribution and Services segment, Kirby distributes and services diesel engines, transmissions, power generation equipment, and oilfield service equipment via brands including Stewart & Stevenson, United Holdings, Marine Systems, Engine Systems, and Diesel Dash.
Product overview
Kirby Corporation operates as the premier tank barge operator in the United States, organized into two business segments: Marine Transportation and Distribution and Services. The Marine Transportation segment includes Kirby Inland Marine (the nation's largest inland tank barge fleet), Kirby Offshore Marine (coastal tank barge operations along all three U.S. coasts), Kirby Ocean Transport (dry-bulk offshore transport), Osprey Line (project cargo transport), and San Jac Marine (vessel construction). The Distribution and Services segment includes United Holdings LLC (engine/transmission distribution and oilfield equipment manufacturing), Stewart & Stevenson LLC (power generation equipment, rental solutions, oilfield manufacturing), Marine Systems Inc. (marine engine repair), Engine Systems Inc. (power generation diesel generators), and Diesel Dash LLC (parts e-commerce). The company serves customers through a network of 62 branch locations across 17 states and Colombia, South America.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Kirby Inland Marine: Nation's largest fleet of inland tank barges and towing vessels transporting petrochemicals, refined products, black oil, and agricultural chemicals
- Kirby Offshore Marine
- Osprey Line
- United Engines
- UE Manufacturing
- Thermo King
Products and services
- Kirby Inland Marine Kirby's inland tank barge transportation service for petrochemicals, refined products, black oil, and agricultural chemicals operating across America's 26,000-mile inland waterway network including the Mississippi River System, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and tributaries, with 260 active inland tank barges (5 million barrels capacity) and 65 active inland towing vessels.
- Kirby Offshore Marine The largest U.S. coastal tank barge and towing vessel operator providing regional distribution of refined petroleum products, black oil, and petrochemicals along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts (including Alaska and Hawaii), with 26 offshore tank barges, 23 offshore towing vessels, and approximately 30 Articulated Tug/Barge (ATB) units.
- Kirby Ocean Transport Offshore dry-bulk barge and tugboat fleet transporting coal, sugar, fertilizer, and grain on domestic routes and to Caribbean destinations, including term-contracted coal movement from Louisiana to Florida for utility customers.
- Osprey Line Inland and offshore transporter of heavyweight and oversized project cargo by deck or hopper barges for manufacturing equipment, turbines, windmills, offshore rig equipment, and military equipment.
- San Jac Marine Marine vessel engineering, design, and construction company building steel vessels including towboats, inland and offshore deck barges, tank barges, pressure barges, and custom-designed dry-docks up to 150'/1800 tons.
- United Holdings LLC Distribution and services for engine and transmission products serving oilfield services, power generation, and on-highway transportation industries, plus manufacturing of oilfield service equipment including pressure pumping units via United Engines and UE Manufacturing.
- Stewart & Stevenson LLC Oilfield manufacturing, power generation, rental solutions, and aftermarket support for oil and gas, marine, construction, transportation, mining, and agricultural markets across 43 U.S. and international locations, including Manufacturing Technologies, Power Products, Power Rental, Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison, Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison, and S&S Colombia divisions.
- Marine Systems, Inc. Premium marine engine repair services, engine parts, marine engine sales, and on-location diesel engine and reduction gear repair support for marine transportation and oil & gas industries across Gulf Coast locations.
- Engine Systems, Inc. Diesel engines, generators, replacement parts, and service for critical standby diesel generators including base load, peaking, and emergency diesel generator systems for nuclear and commercial power generation applications.
- Diesel Dash LLC Online e-commerce platform selling genuine OEM replacement parts for diesel engines, transmissions, and related equipment across Kirby's industrial markets.
- Stewart & Stevenson Power Rental Rental of generators, compressors, high capacity lift trucks, refrigerated trailers, and industrial and portable compressed air equipment for emergency, long-, and short-term deployments to oil and gas, marine, construction, transportation, mining, healthcare, and agricultural markets.
Quantifiable outcome
- Q1 2026 revenue of $844.1 million, up 7.4% year-over-year
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Kirby Corporation
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Kirby Corporation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Kirby Corporation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- American Waterways Operators (AWO)coreMatt Woodruff, Kirby Vice President of Public & Government Affairs, elected as Chairman of American Waterways Operators. The organization advocates against overly broad Jones Act waivers that threaten domestic maritime industry investments and jobs. AWO sets policy priorities for the maritime industry.
- Caterpillar Inc.coreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Caterpillar diesel engines and related equipment through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, selling genuine OEM equipment and replacement parts and providing service mechanics to overhaul and rebuild engines.
- Cummins Inc.coreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Cummins diesel engines and related equipment through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, selling genuine OEM equipment and replacement parts and providing service mechanics to overhaul and rebuild engines.
- Detroit DieselcoreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Detroit Diesel engines through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, selling genuine OEM equipment and replacement parts and providing service mechanics to overhaul and rebuild engines.
- John DeerecoreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for John Deere diesel engines and related equipment through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, selling genuine OEM equipment and replacement parts and providing service.
- Allison TransmissioncoreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Allison Transmission products through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, selling genuine OEM equipment and replacement parts and providing service mechanics.
- MTU (Rolls-Royce Power Systems)coreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for MTU diesel engines and power generation systems through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, selling genuine OEM equipment and replacement parts.
- Volvo PentacoreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Volvo Penta engines and related equipment through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries.
- Deutz AGcoreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Deutz diesel engines through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, selling genuine OEM equipment and replacement parts.
- Thermo King (Carrier Global)coreThrough Thermo King of Houston and Thermo King of Dallas, Kirby provides new and pre-owned refrigeration systems, heaters, HVAC systems, auxiliary power units and aftermarket parts for trucks, trailers, rail cars, vans, buses and ocean-going containers.
- Electro-Motive DieselcoreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Electro-Motive (EMD) diesel engines through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries, providing marine and power generation applications.
- Alfa LavalcoreKirby operates as a distributor and service provider for Alfa Laval marine equipment through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries.
- Terex CorporationcoreKirby operates as a distributor for Terex equipment through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries.
- DEVELONcoreKirby operates as a distributor for DEVELON equipment (formerly Doosan Infracore) through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries.
- Atlas CopcocoreKirby operates as a distributor for Atlas Copco industrial equipment through Stewart & Stevenson and other distribution subsidiaries.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Kirby Corporation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ingram Marine Group: Operates one of the largest U.S. inland barge fleets transporting liquid and dry bulk commodities including petrochemicals, refined products, and black oil on the Mississippi River System and tributaries. Directly competes with Kirby Inland Marine for liquid bulk barge contracts across the same inland waterway network and customer base.
- American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL): Major U.S. inland barge operator moving liquid and dry bulk cargoes across the Mississippi River System and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Directly competes with Kirby Inland Marine on routes and customer segments, particularly for petrochemical, refined product, and agricultural chemical barge movements.
- Bouchard Transportation: One of the largest U.S. coastal and harbor tug-and-barge operators moving petroleum and chemical products along the East Coast and Gulf. Directly competes with Kirby Offshore Marine in coastal tank barge transportation of refined petroleum products, black oil, and petrochemicals.
- Moran Towing Corporation: Operates harbor towing, coastal towing, and barge transportation services along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf. Competes with Kirby's towing vessel and ATB operations in harbor shifting, fleeting, and coastal liquid bulk transport.
- Harley Marine Group: Operates marine transportation vessels along the U.S. West Coast, East Coast, and Gulf, transporting petroleum and chemical products. Competes with Kirby Offshore Marine in regional coastal liquid bulk distribution and with Kirby Ocean Transport in select dry-bulk trades.
Broad incumbents
- Genesis Energy: Midstream energy company operating pipelines, terminals, and marine transportation for crude oil, refined products, and natural gas liquids. Overlaps with Kirby's liquid bulk transport franchise in the U.S. Gulf and competes for industrial customers needing integrated midstream logistics.
- Wärtsilä: Global manufacturer of marine engines, propulsion systems, and power generation equipment serving merchant shipping, offshore, and energy customers. Adjacent to Kirby's marine engine distribution and service business and to Engine Systems Inc.'s power generation offerings in adjacent end markets.
- Cummins Inc. Global designer and manufacturer of diesel and natural gas engines, power generation systems, and related components. Kirby distributes and services Cummins engines through Stewart & Stevenson and United Holdings, making Cummins both a supplier-relationship and a strategic comparable in industrial power generation distribution.
- Caterpillar Inc. Global manufacturer of construction, mining, and power generation equipment including diesel engines. Kirby is a distributor and service provider for Caterpillar diesel engines, making Caterpillar a key OEM partner in Kirby's Distribution and Services segment and a strategic comparable in industrial equipment distribution.
- Trinity Industries: Manufactures inland barges, railcars, and structural steel products, including tank barges used in liquid bulk transport. Supplies new barges to operators including Kirby; a critical supply-side peer shaping fleet capacity additions in Kirby's core industry rather than a direct transportation competitor.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Kirby Corporation social profiles
Digital presenceKirby Corporation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kirby Corporation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Kirby Corporation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries14 records
Kirby Corporation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kirby Corporation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A10 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kirby Corporation
What does Kirby Corporation do?
Kirby Corporation is the premier tank barge operator in the United States, transporting bulk liquid products (petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products, agricultural chemicals) via the nation's largest inland and coastal tank barge fleets across the Mississippi River System, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and all three U.S. coasts. Through its Distribution and Services segment, Kirby distributes and services diesel engines, transmissions, power generation equipment, and oilfield service equipment via brands including Stewart & Stevenson, United Holdings, Marine Systems, Engine Systems, and Diesel Dash.
Is Kirby Corporation a public or private company?
Kirby Corporation is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Kirby Corporation founded?
Kirby Corporation was founded in 1921. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Kirby Corporation based?
Kirby Corporation is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kirby Corporation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Marine Transportation is the primary driver. The others are distribution and Services and equipment Rental.
Who are Kirby Corporation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ingram Marine Group, American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL), Bouchard Transportation, Moran Towing Corporation and Harley Marine Group. Broad incumbents are Genesis Energy, Wärtsilä, Cummins Inc., Caterpillar Inc. and Trinity Industries.
Does Kirby Corporation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kirby Corporation.
What industry is Kirby Corporation in?
Kirby Corporation's product category is Marine Transportation and Industrial Distribution Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLADALAA, Crude Oil & Petroleum Products Tanker Transport, with a secondary code of EUALABAL, Oilfield Equipment Manufacturing & Supply (Wellheads, BOPs, Surface Equipment). Its NAICS code is 483 and its SIC code is 4400.