Designing bridge structures that cross barge-navigable waterways requires that consideration be given to the lateral loads that are imparted to bridge piers during barge collision events. Similarly, assessing the vulnerability of existing structures to barge impact loading, especially bridges that form critical components of high-volume transportation networks, requires that engineers have access to tools for both determining impact loading and assessing structural response. Results are presented from a comprehensive study being conducted to develop improved procedures for quantifying barge impact loads. To understand and characterize such loads better, high-resolution contact-impact finite element analysis techniques were employed to simulate barge impact conditions with varying pier configurations, barge types, and soil characteristics. Although such models permit detailed analysis of impact phenomena, they are generally not appropriate for use in routine design. For this reason, an intermediate-resolution design-oriented dynamic finite element analysis technique is discussed; it uses predetermined barge crush data to link a design-oriented dynamic finite element pier analysis program to a low-order, nonlinear barge model. Comparisons between the two methods are presented. Finally, preliminary impact-load results from recently completed full-scale experimental barge impact tests are presented.