KIRBY

KIRBY CORPORATION                                        Contact:  Steve Holcomb
                                                                   713-435-1135

FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE
- -----------------------


                       KIRBY CORPORATION ANNOUNCES RECORD
                   2004 SECOND QUARTER AND SIX MONTHS RESULTS

- -    2004  second quarter earnings per share were $.55 compared with $.48 earned
     in  the  2003  second  quarter

- -    2004  first  six months earnings per share were $.91 compared with $.77 per
     share  earned  in  the  2003  first  six  months

- -    2004  third quarter earnings per share guidance is $.50 to $.54 versus $.46
     earned  in  the  2003  third  quarter

- -    2004  year  earnings  per share guidance tightened to $1.90 to $1.95 versus
     $1.67  earned  in  the  2003  year

Houston,  Texas  (July  28, 2004) - Kirby Corporation ("Kirby") (NYSE:KEX) today
announced  record  net  earnings  for  the second quarter ended June 30, 2004 of
$13,778,000,  or  $.55  per share, compared with $11,789,000, or $.48 per share,
for  the  second  quarter  of  2003.  The  2004 second quarter net earnings were
slightly  above  Kirby's  published  earnings guidance range of $.50 to $.54 per
share.  Consolidated  revenues  for  the  2004  second quarter were $170,876,000
compared  with  $158,739,000  for  the  2003  second  quarter.

Kirby  reported  record  net  earnings  for  the  first  six  months  of 2004 of
$22,798,000,  or  $.91  per share, compared with $18,657,000, or $.77 per share,
for  the  first  six  months  of  2003.  Consolidated revenues for the first six
months  of  2004 were $328,191,000 compared with $306,939,000 for the first half
of  2003.

Marine transportation revenues increased 9% for the 2004 second quarter compared
with the second quarter of 2003, while operating income increased 14% during the
same   period.  For the first six months of 2004, marine transportation revenues
increased  9%  and  operating  income  increased 18% when compared with the 2003
first half.  The favorable results were attributable to strong petrochemical and
black oil products volumes, and normal seasonal refined products volumes, offset
to  some  degree  by  weak  liquid  fertilizer  volumes.


                                  Page 1 of 6

The  diesel engine services segment's second quarter 2004 revenues and operating
income  were  slightly above 2003 second quarter levels.  During the 2004 second
quarter,  the  Midwest  dry  cargo  river  market  continued  to improve and its
operations  were  enhanced  with  the  April  2004 purchase of the diesel engine
services operations of Walker Paducah.  The segment's rail market benefited from
several  large  orders from transit customers during the 2004 second quarter.  A
continued  weak  Gulf  Coast  offshore  oil service market, as well as weak East
Coast  and  West  Coast  marine  markets, negatively affected the segment's 2004
second  quarter  results.

Joe  Pyne,  Kirby's  President  and  Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are
encouraged  by  the  continued  improvement  in  our petrochemical and black oil
products  markets.  The  petrochemical and black oil markets contributed 68% and
18%,  respectively,  of  our 2004 first half marine transportation revenues.  We
are  forecasting net earnings for the 2004 third quarter in the $.50 to $.54 per
share  range.  This  guidance  compares  with  net  earnings  of  $.46 per share
reported  for  the 2003 third quarter.  Our 2004 third quarter guidance is based
on  similar  petrochemical  and  black  oil volumes, as well as a normal refined
products  market  and  an  improved liquid fertilizer market.  The third quarter
will  be  negatively  impacted  by  the closure of the McAlpine lock on the Ohio
River for major repairs for approximately two weeks in August.  The lock closure
will stop all waterborne traffic on the Ohio River with a destination upriver of
Louisville,  Kentucky,  including  Cincinnati  and  Pittsburgh.  We estimate the
impact  of  the  McAlpine lock closure on the 2004 third quarter results will be
approximately  $.02  to  $.03  per  share."

Mr.  Pyne  further commented, "For the 2004 year, we are tightening our earnings
guidance to $1.90 to $1.95 per share.  This guidance compares with 2003 year net
earnings  of $1.67 per share.  Capital spending guidance for 2004 remains in the
$85  to  $90  million  range  and  includes  approximately  $41  million for the
construction of 16 new 30,000 barrel petrochemical tank barges and 10 new 30,000
barrel  black  oil  tank  barges."

This  earnings press release includes marine transportation performance measures
for  both  the  2004  and  2003  second  quarters  and  first  six  months.  The
performance measures include ton miles, revenues per ton mile, towboats operated
and delay days.  Comparable performance measures for the 2003 and 2002 years and
quarters  are  available  at  Kirby's  web  site  under  the caption Performance
Measurements  in  the  Investor  Relations  section.  Kirby's  homepage  can  be
accessed  by  visiting  www.kirbycorp.com.
                        -----------------

A  conference  call  is  scheduled at 9:00 a.m. central time tomorrow, Thursday,
July  29, 2004, to discuss the 2004 second quarter and first six months, and the
outlook for the 2004 third quarter and full year.  The conference call number is
888-328-2514  for  domestic  callers and 706-679-3262 for international callers.
The  leader's  name  is  Steve  Holcomb.  An audio playback will be available at
approximately  11:00  a.m.  central time on July 29 through 6:00 p.m. on Friday,
August  27,  2004, by dialing 800-642-1687 for domestic callers and 706-645-9291
for international callers.  The conference ID number is 8949236.  The conference
call  can  also  be  accessed  by  visiting  Kirby's  homepage  at
http://www.kirbycorp.com/  or  at  http://audioevent.mshow.com/178187.  A replay
- -------------------------          ----------------------------------
will  be  available  on  each  of those web sites following the conference call.


                                  Page 2 of 6

The  financial  and  other information to be discussed in the conference call is
available  in this press release and in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission.  This  press  release  and the Form 8-K include a non-GAAP
financial  measure,  EBITDA, which Kirby defines as net earnings before interest
expense,  taxes  on  income, depreciation and amortization.  A reconciliation of
EBITDA  for the 2004 and 2003 second quarters and first six months with GAAP net
earnings  for  the  same  periods  is  included  in  the  Condensed Consolidated
Financial  Information  in  this  press  release.

Kirby  Corporation,  based  in  Houston,  Texas, operates inland tank barges and
towing  vessels,  transporting  petrochemicals,  black  oil  products,  refined
petroleum  products  and  agricultural  chemicals  throughout  the United States
inland  waterway  system.  Through  the  diesel  engine  services segment, Kirby
provides  after-market  service  for  large  medium-speed diesel engines used in
marine,  power  generation  and  industrial,  and  railroad  applications.

Statements  contained  in  this  press  release  with  respect to the future are
forward-looking  statements.  These  statements  reflect management's reasonable
judgment  with  respect  to  future  events.  Forward-looking statements involve
risks  and  uncertainties.  Actual  results  could  differ materially from those
anticipated  as  a  result  of  various  factors,  including  cyclical  or other
downturns in demand, significant pricing competition, unanticipated additions to
industry  capacity,  changes  in  the  Jones  Act or in U.S. maritime policy and
practice,  fuel costs, interest rates, weather conditions, and timing, magnitude
and  the  number  of  acquisitions  made by Kirby.  A listing of additional risk
factors  can  be  found in Kirby's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December  31,  2003,  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission.

                           CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

Date:        Thursday,  July  29,  2004
Time:        9:00  a.m.  central  time
U.S.:        888-328-2514
Int'l:       706-679-3262
Leader:      Steve  Holcomb
Passcode:    Kirby
Webcast:     http://www.kirbycorp.com/  or  http://audioevent.mshow.com/178187
             -------------------------      ----------------------------------


                                  Page 3 of 6



A summary of the results for the second quarter and first six months follows:

                               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                               ---------------------------------------------

                                                         Second Quarter         Six Months
                                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                                        2004       2003       2004       2003
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           
                                                           (unaudited, $in thousands except
                                                                 per share amounts)
Revenues:
  Marine transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $149,065   $137,156   $284,558   $262,221
  Diesel engine services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    21,811     21,583     43,633     44,718
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                       170,876    158,739    328,191    306,939
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Costs and expenses:
  Costs of sales and operating expenses. . . . . . .   108,391    101,153    211,318    202,004
  Selling, general and administrative. . . . . . . .    19,479     18,751     39,444     36,312
  Taxes, other than on income. . . . . . . . . . . .     4,150      3,485      7,402      6,536
  Depreciation and other amortization. . . . . . . .    13,591     12,894     27,388     25,126
  Loss on disposition of assets. . . . . . . . . . .       196        126        198        133
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                       145,807    136,409    285,750    270,111
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

    Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    25,069     22,330     42,441     36,828
  Equity in earnings of marine affiliates. . . . . .       494        751      1,316      1,187
  Other expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       (51)      (199)      (322)      (602)
  Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    (3,290)    (3,867)    (6,664)    (7,321)
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

    Earnings before taxes on income. . . . . . . . .    22,222     19,015     36,771     30,092
  Provision for taxes on income. . . . . . . . . . .    (8,444)    (7,226)   (13,973)   (11,435)
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------

    Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 13,778   $ 11,789   $ 22,798   $ 18,657
                                                      =========  =========  =========  =========

Net earnings per share of common stock:
  Basic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $    .56   $    .49   $    .93   $    .77
  Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $    .55   $    .48   $    .91   $    .77
Common stock outstanding (in thousands):
  Basic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    24,434     24,105     24,392     24,084
  Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    25,093     24,412     25,003     24,370

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                  --------------------------------------------

                                                         Second Quarter         Six Months
                                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                                        2004       2003       2004       2003
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                           (unaudited, $in thousands except
                                                                 per share amounts)
EBITDA:  (1)
  Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 13,778   $ 11,789   $ 22,798   $ 18,657
  Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3,290      3,867      6,664      7,321
  Provision for taxes on income. . . . . . . . . . .     8,444      7,226     13,973     11,435
  Depreciation and other amortization. . . . . . . .    13,591     12,894     27,388     25,126
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                      $ 39,103   $ 35,776   $ 70,823   $ 62,539
                                                      =========  =========  =========  =========

EBITDA per share - diluted (1) . . . . . . . . . . .  $   1.56   $   1.47   $   2.83   $   2.57
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ 32,013   $ 18,971   $ 56,060   $ 37,723
Acquisitions of businesses and marine equipment. . .  $  9,975   $  1,500   $ 11,085   $ 37,816


                                                                                  June 30,
                                                                            --------------------
                                                                              2004       2003
                                                                            ---------  ---------
                                                                              (unaudited, $in
                                                                                 thousands)
Long-term debt, including current portion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $251,453   $295,133
Stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $402,622   $343,026
Debt to capitalization ratio . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . .    38.4%       46.2%



                                  Page 4 of 6



                        MARINE TRANSPORTATION STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                        --------------------------------------------

                                                     Second Quarter         Six Months
                                                 ---------------------  --------------------
                                                    2004       2003       2004       2003
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                       
                                                         (unaudited, $in thousands)

Marine transportation revenues. . . . . . . . .  $ 149,065   $137,156   $284,558   $262,221
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Costs and expenses:
  Costs of sales and operating expenses . . . .     92,081     85,050    179,047    168,221
  Selling, general and administrative . . . . .     15,228     14,837     30,732     28,620
  Taxes, other than on income . . . . . . . . .      4,049      3,342      7,182      6,244
  Depreciation and other amortization . . . . .     12,846     12,145     25,862     23,650
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                   124,204    115,374    242,823    226,735
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------

     Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  24,861   $ 21,782   $ 41,735   $ 35,486
                                                 ==========  =========  =========  =========

     Operating margins. . . . . . . . . . . . .       16.7%      15.9%      14.7%      13.5%
                                                 ==========  =========  =========  =========


                        DIESEL ENGINE SERVICES STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                        ---------------------------------------------

                                                     Second Quarter         Six Months
                                                 ---------------------  --------------------
                                                    2004       2003       2004       2003
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                         (unaudited, $in thousands)

Diesel engine services revenues . . . . . . . .  $  21,811   $ 21,583   $ 43,633   $ 44,718
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Costs and expenses:
  Costs of sales and operating expenses . . . .     16,233     16,076     32,167     33,705
  Selling, general and administrative . . . . .      3,017      2,994      6,051      5,748
  Taxes, other than income. . . . . . . . . . .         91         77        173        160
  Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . .        286        264        619        516
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                    19,627     19,411     39,010     40,129
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------

     Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $   2,184   $  2,172   $  4,623   $  4,589
                                                 ==========  =========  =========  =========

     Operating margins. . . . . . . . . . . . .       10.0%      10.1%      10.6%      10,3%
                                                 ==========  =========  =========  =========

                                OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES
                                ------------------------

                                                     Second Quarter         Six Months
                                                 ---------------------  --------------------
                                                    2004       2003       2004       2003
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                         (unaudited, $in thousands)

General corporate expenses. . . . . . . . . . .  $   1,780   $  1,498   $  3,719   $  3,114
                                                 ==========  =========  =========  =========
Loss on disposition of assets . . . . . . . . .  $     196   $    126   $    198   $    133
                                                 ==========  =========  =========  =========


                                  Page 5 of 6

                   MARINE TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
                   ----------------------------------------------

                                                     Second Quarter         Six Months
                                                 ---------------------  --------------------
                                                    2004       2003       2004       2003
                                                 ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------

Ton Miles (in millions)  (2). . . . . . . . . .      4,321      3,991      8,056      7,446
Revenue/Ton Mile (cents/tm) (3) . . . . . . . .        3.5        3.4        3.5        3.5
Towboats operated (average)  (4). . . . . . . .        237        226        234        228
Delay Days  (5) (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,822      1,268      4,181      3,851
Average cost per gallon of fuel consumed. . . .  $    1.01   $    .81   $   1.00   $    .91
Tank barges:
  Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      887        897
  Inactive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       43         76
Barrel capacities (in millions):
  Active. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     16.3       16.3
  Inactive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       .8        1.4
<FN>

- --------------------

(1)  Kirby  has  historically evaluated its operating performance using numerous
     measures,  one  of  which  is  EBITDA,  a non-GAAP financial measure. Kirby
     defines  EBITDA  as  net earnings before interest expense, taxes on income,
     depreciation  and  amortization.  EBITDA  is  presented because of its wide
     acceptance  as  a  financial  indicator.  EBITDA  is one of the performance
     measures  used  in  Kirby's  incentive  bonus  plan. EBITDA is also used by
     rating  agencies  in  determining  Kirby's  credit  rating  and by analysts
     publishing  research  reports  on  Kirby,  as  well  as  by  investors  and
     investment  bankers  generally  in  valuing  companies.  EBITDA  is  not  a
     calculation  based  on  generally accepted accounting principles and should
     not  be  considered  as an alternative to, but should only be considered in
     conjunction  with,  Kirby's  GAAP  financial  information.
(2)  Ton  miles indicate fleet productivity by measuring the distance (in miles)
     a  loaded  tank barge is moved. Example: A typical 30,000 barrel tank barge
     loaded  with 3,300 tons of liquid cargo is moved 100 miles, thus generating
     330,000  ton  miles.
(3)  Marine  transportation  revenues  divided  by  ton  miles.  Example: Second
     quarter  2004 revenues of $149,065,000 divided by 4,321,000,000 ton miles =
     3.5  cents.
(4)  Towboats  operated  are  the average number of owned and chartered towboats
     operated  during  the  period.
(5)  Delay  days  measures  the  lost  time  incurred by a tow (towboat and tank
     barges)  during  transit.  The  measure  includes  transit delays caused by
     weather,  lock  congestion  and  other  navigational  factors.



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