The Great Lakes are one of America’s most important waterways. Each year they handle more than 150 million tons of cargo. U.S.-flag vessels (lakers) typically carry more than 80 million tons each year. Primary among those cargos are iron ore for steel production, limestone and cement for construction, and coal for power generation. Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) has represented U.S.-flag vessel operators since 1880 and is one of the oldest trade associations in the country. Today LCA has 13 members who collectively operate 45 vessels exclusively on the Great Lakes