The river transports sediment down the steep gradients and narrow gorges in the mountains and foothills where the gradient is at least ten metres per km.

The resulting large river transported lots of sand and gravel into the Hanau-Seligenstadt Basin.

In its pre-development state, the river transported some 175-320 million short tons (193-290 million t) per year.

Subsequently the area was covered by sea, and rivers transported sediments from the old eroding mountains on the coast.

The world's rivers transport the largest volume of suspended and dissolved loads of clay and silt to the sea, where they are deposited on ocean shelves.

There are only some small rubber producers who still use the river to transport their production.

For example, in the Andean region, rivers transport high values of organic material, up to 100 mg/l.

The river transported fertile volcanic soil downstream, replenishing the soil.

Barge traffic is increasing as chemical plants use the river to transport materials that once were carried by trains.

The river transports those metals into Lake Coeur d'Alene, and into Washington via the Spokane River.