River Speed Settings

Last updated: February 2, 2026

This article explains how River Speed Settings work and how to add, manage, and maintain them. River speed settings are used to calculate transit time, ETA, fuel burn, and pricing estimates when planning inland voyages.

What Are River Speed Settings?

River Speed Settings define the assumed average speed (MPH) for vessel movement on specific river systems or segments. These speeds are applied automatically during voyage planning to:

  • Estimate transit duration

  • Calculate fuel burn (when enabled)

  • Generate more accurate ETAs

  • Improve quote accuracy by river region

River speeds typically vary by current direction, river conditions, congestion, and seasonal flow.

Where to Find River Speed Settings

  1. Navigate to Plan Voyage → Plan Inland Voyage

  2. Open the Default Values modal

  3. Select the River Speed Settings tab

These settings are typically managed at the Company Default level to ensure consistent quoting.

Adding a New River Speed Setting

To add a new river speed configuration:

  1. Click Add River Speed

  2. Select the River System or Segment

    • Example: Upper Mississippi, Lower Mississippi, Ohio River

  3. Enter the Average Speed (MPH) for available options

    1. Laden

    2. Light

    3. Light Laden

    4. Upriver

    5. Downriver

  4. Click Save

Once saved, the speed will automatically apply to voyage legs routed through that river segment.

Editing Existing River Speeds

To update an existing river speed:

  1. Locate the river segment in the list

  2. Edit the Speed (MPH) in available fields

  3. Click blue icon to save changes

Changes apply to newly planned voyages and do not retroactively change existing voyages unless re‑planned.

How River Speeds Are Used in Calculations

River speed settings influence multiple downstream calculations:

Transit Time

  • Distance ÷ River Speed = Estimated travel time

Fuel Burn (if enabled)

  • Active GPD × Transit Time

ETA & Scheduling

  • Impacts arrival estimates at locks, terminals, and ports

Pricing

  • Longer or shorter transit times affect:

    • Day rates

    • Fuel costs

    • Demurrage exposure

Directional & Seasonal Considerations

River speeds should reflect real-world operating conditions, including:

  • Upriver vs Downriver movements

  • Seasonal river flow changes

  • High-water or low-water periods

  • Congestion-prone stretches

Best practice is to set conservative averages rather than optimistic peak speeds.