From barge to road: How Louisville’s salt supply chain keeps winter roads safe

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — In the heart of Louisville’s winter preparation efforts, the journey of salt from the Ohio River to icy streets unfolds like a well-orchestrated ballet of logistics.

Joey Blair, a tri-axle dump truck driver, offered WDRB photojournalist Greg Schapker a front-row seat to the process at the Port of Indiana.

"Yeah, it (the salt) comes in on a barge, and then we go in here, load it up, and just take it to different places," Blair explained as his truck was filled with salt.

Blair is one of dozens of drivers waiting their turn at the Port of Indiana as a massive operation loads tri-axle trucks with almost 25 tons of salt in a process that takes about 20 minutes per vehicle. For Blair, the load destined for Magic Salt on Kentucky Street would be his last trip of the day.

"I’m taking mine to Magic Salt over on Kentucky Street in Louisville," Blair noted.

Magic Salt sells their salt supply to private contractors and several towns. Upon arrival at Magic Salt, owner Chad Chambers shared insights into the salt supply chain.

"My wife and I are planning to take over. My wife's actually worked here for 17 years, and I've been here for only three," he said, describing their deep connection to the business.

However, the salt supply chain isn’t without its challenges.

"We went through a whole lot of salt because of a once-in-20-years snowstorm. We've used more than most allotments for this region," Chambers explained.

Another challenge Chambers said is that the port of Indiana is closed for the weekend.

"We don’t like that they shut the ports down. We feel that they should keep them open on weekends during winter storms for these kinds of emergencies," Chambers said.

At Magic Salt, two towering piles of salt dominate the landscape — one, a pile of rock salt and the other pile of a special blend known as "magic salt."

"Our salt melts ice and snow down to -35 degrees," Chambers boasted. "It’s a blend of magnesium and molasses, and nothing else works like it."

The demand for salt continues to grow as businesses and communities recognize its value.

"Salt is absolutely a risk management tool," Chambers emphasized. "We’re trying to keep communities and businesses safe, keep businesses open, and mitigate hazards for employees."

Back on the road, Blair’s truck, now filled with that magic salt, heads toward a large parking lot off Watterson Expressway. As he spreads salt, the crackling sound of it hitting the snow echoes through the air, a sign that winter hazards are being kept at bay.

The intricate dance of trucks, salt, and determination ensures that Louisville remains safe and navigable even in the harshest winter storms.

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