Captain Bouchard's first successor was his son commonly known in the industry as "Buster." In 1951, under "Buster's" direction, the company built three 20,000-barrel oil barges, and three accompanying tugboats, which ran the New York State Barge Canal. In the years that followed, "Buster" Bouchard became a prominent figure in the oil transportation industry. In 1955, the third generation of Bouchards entered the company. The family's involvement grew, and so did the company's fleet.

From 1951 to 1976, Bouchard Transportation consistently expanded and improved its fleet to meet its customers' increasing needs. Under the new leadership the company was credited with having brought the greatest number of large oil barges into New York Harbor between 1974 and 1978. During this period, the majority of the vessels built by Bouchard ranged from 55,000 to 110,000 barrel barge.

Even though the company's cargo carrying capacity doubled, building continued from 1979 to 1980, three 19,000 ton hot oil system barges and three 5,700 horsepower tugboats were built to transport residual products via the Gulf Coast along with two 19,000 ton clean petroleum barges. By 1989 the fleet grew to nineteen barges and eight tugboats. The barges range in size from 18,000 to 125,000 barrels. Rounding out the fleet are eight twin screw tugboats from 4,200 to 6,000 horsepower, which were more maneuverable than the original tugs. During this rapid growth period, in addition to increasing its fleet, Bouchard extended its coastal route to include the entire eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast and Great Lakes ports.