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 2023
- Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 116.8 million short tons (MMst) in the third quarter of 2023. This value is 8.2% (8.8 MMst) higher than the previous quarter and 11.0% (14.4 MMst) lower than the third quarter of 2022.
- Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 61.4 MMst of shipments delivered to 28 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 15.0 MMst of domestic coal.
- An estimated 73.6% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 10.9% were sent by river, and 6.8% 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 92.3% of the total coal shipments.