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 2020 are final, and this report supersedes the four Quarterly Coal Distribution Reports previously issued for 2020.

Highlights for 2020

• Total coal distribution was an estimated 533.3 million short tons (MMst) in 2020. This value is 22.1% lower than the 2019 value.
• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 464.2 MMst in 2020. This value is 126.8 MMst (21.5%) lower than the 2019 value. Foreign distribution was 69.1 MMst, 24.7 MMst (26.3%) lower than the 2019 value.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 219.7 MMst of shipments delivered to 28 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 56 MMst of domestic coal.
• Coal shipments by railroad, river, and truck accounted for an estimated 67.1%, 12.5%, and 10% of total coal shipments, respectively. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 10.2% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.5% of total coal shipments. Industrial plants (excluding coke) received about 5.4% of total coal shipments, coke plants received about 2.9%, and commercial and institutional plants received about 0.2%.