The Quarterly Coal Distribution Report (QCDR) provides detailed U.S. domestic coal distribution data by coal-origin state, coal-destination state, mode of transportation, and consuming sector. All quarterly data are preliminary and will be updated in the Annual Coal Distribution Report.
Highlights for the second quarter of 2024
- Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 87.1 million short tons (MMst) in the second quarter of 2024. This value is 9.9% (9.6 MMst) lower than the previous quarter and 19.3% (20.9 MMst) lower than the second quarter of 2023.
- Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 38.5 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 10.0 MMst of domestic coal.
- An estimated 70.3% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 11.8% were sent by river, and 8.6% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.3% of total coal shipments.
- Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 89.5% of the total coal shipments.