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 2019

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 141.9 million short tons (MMst) in the fourth quarter of 2019. This value is 13.3 MMst (8.5%) lower than the previous quarter and 13.6 MMst (13.6%) lower than the fourth quarter of 2018.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 68.6 MMst of shipments delivered to 28 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 16.5 MMst of domestic coal.
• Coal shipments by railroad, river, and truck accounted for an estimated 70.3%, 11.4%, and 8.8% of total coal shipments, respectively. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.5% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.8% of the total coal shipments.