Average Utility Contract Coal Transportation Rate per Ton by Transportation Mode, 1979-1997, Dollar Base Year: 1996. This line-graph shows the transportation rate per ton for utility contract coal shipments for each transportation mode (Rail, Barge, Truck, Multimode, and All Modes). The average utility contract coal transportation rate for shipments by rail decreased from $13.72 in 1979 to $10.81 in 1997. Barge transportation rate decreased from $3.36 in 1979 to $3.14 in 1997. Truck transportation rates decreased from $8.55 in 1979 to $5.37 in 1997. Multimode transportation rates decreased from $19.02 in 1979 to $12.18 in 1997. For all modes combined the transportation rate per ton for utility contract coal shipments decreased from $12.68 in 1979 to $9.88 in 1997.

   Note: Multimode includes shipments that use any combination of rail, truck, barge, and collier transportation.