The Annual Coal Distribution Report (ACDR) provides detailed U.S. domestic coal distribution data by coal-origin state, coal-destination state, mode of transportation, and consuming sector. The report also summarizes foreign coal distribution by coal-producing state. All data for 2024 are final, and this report supersedes the four Quarterly Coal Distribution Reports previously issued for 2024.
Highlights for 2024
- Total coal distribution was an estimated 502.2 million short tons (MMst) in 2024. This value is 9.6% lower than in 2023.
- Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 393.9 MMst in 2024. This value is 13.5% (61.2 MMst) lower than in 2023. Foreign distribution was 108.3 MMst, 8.1% (8.1 MMst) higher than in 2023.
- Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 190.7 MMst of shipments delivered to 28 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 45.7 MMst of domestic coal.
- An estimated 71.4% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 11.0% were sent by river, and 7.8% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.8% of total coal shipments.
- Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 90.5% of total coal shipments. Industrial plants (excluding coke plants) received about 5.5% of total coal shipments, coke plants received about 3.8%, and commercial and institutional plants received about 0.2%.