Kirby Comments on an Announcement

Recent announcement by a customer is anticipated to have minimal impact on petrochemical volumes transported 2008 second quarter and year earnings guidance confirmed

Kirby Corporation commented on a recent public announcement by a major petrochemical customer which plans to temporarily idle or reduce production of some products it manufactures at locations in the and . Kirby anticipates a minimal impact on petrochemical volumes transported for that customer.

Kirby also confirmed its 2008 second quarter earnings guidance of $.69 to $.74 per share, a 23% to 32% increase when compared with $.56 per share earned in the 2007 second quarter, and confirmed its 2008 year guidance of $2.74 to $2.89 per share, a 20% to 26% increase compared with $2.29 per share earned in 2007.

Joe Pyne, Kirby's President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "Our marine transportation and diesel engine services business levels remain favorable. The recent flooding on the Mississippi River System above is anticipated to have a minimal impact on our second quarter results."