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 2020

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 119.6 million short tons (MMst) in the fourth quarter of 2020. This value is 1.7 MMst (1.4%) lower than the previous quarter and 22.4 MMst (15.8%) lower than the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 55.2 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 14.2 MMst of domestic coal.
• Coal shipments by railroad, river, and truck accounted for an estimated 67.8%, 13.4%, and 9.0% of total coal shipments, respectively. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.7% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.4% of the total coal shipments.