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 2024

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 105.2 million short tons (MMst) in the third quarter of 2024. This value is 20.8% (18.1 MMst) higher than the previous quarter and 9.9% (11.6 MMst) lower than the third quarter of 2023.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 52.4 MMst of shipments delivered to 28 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 13.0 MMst of domestic coal.
• An estimated 72.3% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 10.5% were sent by river, and 7.7% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.4% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.3% of the total coal shipments.