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 third quarter of 2020

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 121.3 million short tons (MMst) in the third quarter of 2020. This value is 23.4 MMst (23.9%) higher than the previous quarter and 34.0 MMst (21.9%) lower than the third quarter of 2019.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 56.8 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 13.8 MMst of domestic coal.
• Coal shipments by railroad, river, and truck accounted for an estimated 67.6%, 12.1%, and 10.2% of total coal shipments, respectively. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 10.1% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 92.6% of the total coal shipments.