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 first quarter of 2021

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 111.7 million short tons (MMst) in the first quarter of 2021. This value is 7.0 MMst (6.6%) lower than the previous quarter and 10.8 MMst (8.8%) lower than the first quarter of 2020.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 50.8 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 12.9 MMst of domestic coal.
• Coal shipments by railroad, river, and truck accounted for an estimated 66.6%, 12.2%, and 9.7% of total coal shipments, respectively. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 11.4% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 90.4% of the total coal shipments.