The ownership and operation of Golding Barge Line traces its heritage in the barge business to 1965 when Thomas Golding started a shipyard and drydock service in Vicksburg known as Big River Shipbuilding, Inc. Big River Shipbuilding diversified into the operation of boats and tank barges in 1969 by forming the company known as Ole Man River Towing, Inc.

Steve Golding, president of GBL, began his river career at the age of 15 by working part time at Big River Shipbuilding. When Ole Man River was formed, Steve began working during the summers onboard the company's only vessel, the M/V Martha May, pushing a 3-piece tank barge tow. Upon graduation from Mississippi State University in 1972, Steve began his full time career in the tank barge industry by working as a tankerman and licensed steersman onboard the company's only towboat. Steve came ashore mid-1973, and began the steady expansion of Ole Man River Towing. He led the company from a one-boat operation to one with eight boats and forty tank barges. Along the way, he assembled an extremely dedicated and loyal team of employees. Ole Man River was sold to Kirby Corporation in the mid-1990s.

Steve re-entered the tank barge industry by forming Golding Barge Company, Inc. in 1995, and Golding Barge Line in 2001. He is quick to point out that the nucleus of his key employees, both onboard and shoreside, are former Ole Man River employees. Most of these team members grew up in the industry with Steve and eagerly came back to the newly formed tank barge operation known as Golding Barge Line, Inc.. GBL has the distinct advantage of being a company with all new equipment that is matched with a team of employees having many years of experience in the tank barge industry. We are the only tank barge operator on the inland waterway system with all new equipment. Every one of our boats has been built since 2005, and all of the barges that we operate have been built after the year 2001. There truly is no other barge company on the river quite like this very unique and dedicated operation.

GBL specializes in the movement of refined petroleum products, petro-chemicals, and chemical products throughout the entire US inland waterway system. It has been developed into a medium sized well-established barge line, with a 40-year heritage in the barge industry. All of GBL's boats are powered by CAT 3500 series engines, which are proven to be the most energy efficient source of power available on the inland waterways. Its barges have been designed and built to the company's unique set of specifications. The discharge rates on these barges continue to 'break records' for the fastest discharge times at every terminal they call on. If you are a shipper looking for the safest and most energy efficient carrier to move your liquid products, you have come to the right place. We sincerely hope you will give us the opportunity to add your company to our growing list of very satisfied and loyal customers.