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 2023

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 116.7 million short tons (MMst) in the first quarter of 2023. This value is 4.4% (5.4 MMst) lower than the previous quarter and 3.4% (4.2 MMst) lower than the first quarter of 2022.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 57.6 MMst of shipments delivered to 26 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 12.8 MMst of domestic coal.
• An estimated 70.9% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 11.7% were sent by river, and 7.4% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.9% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.1% of the total coal shipments.