GULF BARGE FREIGHT HIGHER IN NEARBYS ON CALL Gulf barge freight rates continued to show a firmer tone in the nearbys on the assumption that changes in the Gulf posted prices will encourage increases in both PIK-and-roll activity and barges shipments, with a total of 21 barges traded this morning on the ST Louis Merchants' Exchange call session, versus nine yesterday, dealers said. Quotes included - - This week Mississippi River (Granite City, MLA if P/O) traded at 175 pct of tariff, five percentage points above yesterday's bid. - Next week Mississippi (Alton/Granite City, MLA if P/O) bid five points higher at 175 pct, offered at 190. - Five barges each week April MidMississippi River (Dubuque/south) traded at yesterday's bid of 170 pct. - April Illinois River (ex Chicago) 160 pct bid, offered 10 points higher at 170. - May same section 140 pct bid, offered five lower at 145. - May MidMississippi River (Dubuque/south) bid 2-1/2 points higher at 142-1/2 pct, offered at 145. - June/July lower Mississippi River (Memphis/Cairo) offered at 120 pct, no bids. - June/Aug upper Mississippi River (Lacrosse/Savage) offered at 150 pct, no bids. - Oct/Nov MidMississippi (Dubuque/south, L/H Nov Clinton/south) 170 pct bid/177-1/2 offered - no comparison. - December Illinois River (ex Chicago) 122-1/2 pct bid/127-1/2 offered - down 2-1/2 points on offer.