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 2020

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 122.5 million short tons (MMst) in the first quarter of 2020. This value is 19.4 MMst (13.7%) lower than the previous quarter and 24.5 MMst (16.7%) lower than the first quarter of 2019.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 58.3 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 14.0 MMst of domestic coal.
• Coal shipments by railroad, river, and truck accounted for an estimated 67.0%, 13.0%, and 10.2% of total coal shipments, respectively. 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 90.9% of the total coal shipments.