Ouachita Terminals was birthed in 1999 through the vision of Richard Richardson. It was his desire to create a public facility for the import and export of goods into and out of the Ouachita Region. Through the determined work of Richard, internal staff, and external partners, a strategic plan for a container-focused facility was created. In August of 2004, the first cargo moved across the rail ramp at the facility. From the meager beginnings of a 1,000-foot rail spur, Ouachita Terminals has become what it is today - a fully intermodal facility serving a region radiating beyond 100 miles in all directions.

Financing and construction of a heavy-load river dock, a 275-ton Manitowoc crane, internal connector roads, substantial queuing areas, a box-car loading dock, and over 9,000 feet of high-strength rail has required many partners. Partners in the development of this first-class facility include the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, the Delta Regional Authority, the U.S Economic Development Authority, the State of Louisiana Office of Facilities Planning & Development, the Cities of Monroe and West Monroe, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Richard is the Chairman of Ouachita Terminals. It was his vision that enabled the creation of the facility on the Ouachita River in Ouachita Parish. He has personally donated all the property owned by the Greater Ouachita Port Commission, and continues to be involved in the decisions affecting the vision and strategy of Ouachita Terminals.

Richard has recently taken on the role of CEO of Ouachita Terminals. Richard is providing direction in the areas of vision, strategy, marketing and strategic partnerships. He attended Louisiana Tech University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, obtaining degrees in both Business Finance and Construction Management. Richard has held management positions in related companies since 2000.

Terry serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ouachita Terminals. He has been a member of the Ouachita Terminals management team since the inception of the vision. He has served in key marketing and development roles over the years, and now participates in strategic issues and handles all the business operations for Ouachita Terminals. Terry has Business Accounting and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Paul Trichel is the Manager of the Greater Ouachita Port, and has been a member of the Ouachita Terminals team from its inception. Paul oversees and coordinates all the traffic within the port facility. He has a degree in Forestry Management from Louisiana Tech University, and has operated his own private business. Paul is a long-time member of the Port Association of Louisiana, and currently serves on its Executive Board.