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 fourth quarter of 2023

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 110.9 million short tons (MMst) in the fourth quarter of 2023. This value is 5.0% (5.9 MMst) lower than the previous quarter and 9.1% (11.1 MMst) lower than the fourth quarter of 2022.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 57.6 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 13.1 MMst of domestic coal.
• An estimated 74.8% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 10.3% were sent by river, and 6.3% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 8.6% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.6% of the total coal shipments.