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 2021

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 130.9 million short tons (MMst) in the third quarter of 2021. This value is 11.0 MMst (9.1%) higher than the previous quarter and 9.7 MMst (8.0%) higher than the third quarter of 2020.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 64.3 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 16.4 MMst of domestic coal.
• Coal shipments by railroad, river, and truck accounted for an estimated 69.5%, 10.7%, and 9.6% of total coal shipments, respectively. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 10.1% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.8% of the total coal shipments.