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Mount Vernon Today
By the People, for the People
Ports of Indiana Facility Expands Capabilities for Aluminum Imports
New bonded storage facility at Mount Vernon port enables handling of first aluminum barge shipment.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:22am
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A new bonded storage facility at Indiana's Mount Vernon port enables the handling of high-value aluminum imports, positioning the Midwest hub as a strategic logistics center.Mount Vernon TodayThe Ports of Indiana agency has opened a new bonded storage facility at its Mount Vernon port along the Ohio River, allowing the port to recently handle its first barge shipment of aluminum imported from Asia. The facility was developed in just six weeks to meet urgent customer demand from buyers and sellers of aluminum, as the U.S. aluminum market has undergone shifts in supply since tariffs were enacted on imported aluminum.
Why it matters
The new bonded storage facility positions the Ports of Indiana's Mount Vernon location as a competitive Midwest hub for duty-deferred storage of high-value commodities like aluminum. This helps address supply chain challenges faced by the aluminum industry due to recent tariffs and global trade disruptions, providing a new route for importers to access the Midwest market.
The details
The 20,000-square-foot indoor warehouse and one-acre outdoor storage yard at the new Mount Vernon facility meet federal requirements for bonded storage, including security fencing, cameras, and access controls. The facility is operated by Indiana River & Rail Terminals, a partner of Ports of Indiana, and allows companies to defer both federal duties and state-level carrying costs until goods leave the facility.
- In late March 2026, the port received its first shipment of 1,650 tons of aluminum imported from Asia and transported by barge from New Orleans.
- The new bonded storage facility was developed in approximately six weeks to meet urgent customer demand.
The players
Ports of Indiana
The state agency that operates port facilities in Indiana, including the new bonded storage facility in Mount Vernon.
Jody Peacock
CEO of Ports of Indiana.
Indiana River & Rail Terminals
The company that operates the new bonded storage facility at the Ports of Indiana's Mount Vernon port.
Jonathan Lamb
CEO of Indiana River & Rail Terminals.
Jason May
Port director at Mount Vernon for Ports of Indiana.
What they’re saying
“Opening a federally approved bonded facility within six weeks after a customer inquiry is unheard of in our world and a tremendous accomplishment.”
— Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana
“Through our partnership with Ports of Indiana, we've created new opportunities for growth and expanded our ability to serve customers. This facility opens the door to new cargoes in metals, energy and technology sectors, and we see strong potential for continued expansion.”
— Jonathan Lamb, CEO of Indiana River & Rail Terminals
“This new facility creates a long-term competitive advantage for our customers and our community. It builds on our strengths in cargo handling, multimodal transportation and Indiana's pro-business environment. We're excited to attract new industries and cargoes that don't traditionally use our ports.”
— Jason May, Port director at Mount Vernon
What’s next
Ports of Indiana plans to continue expanding the capabilities and services offered at the new bonded storage facility in Mount Vernon to attract more high-value commodity imports and support the evolving needs of the aluminum industry and other sectors.
The takeaway
The rapid development of this new bonded storage facility at the Ports of Indiana's Mount Vernon location demonstrates the agency's agility in responding to changing market demands. By providing duty-deferred storage and access to multimodal transportation, the port is positioning itself as a strategic hub for importers seeking to efficiently serve the Midwest aluminum and other industrial markets.
