Quarterly Coal Distribution Report (QCDR)—First-Quarter 2024

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 2024

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 96.7 million short tons (MMst) in the first quarter of 2024. This value is 12.8% (14.2 MMst) lower than the previous quarter and 17.1% (20.0 MMst) lower than the first quarter of 2023.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 47.4 MMst of shipments delivered to 28 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 11.1 MMst of domestic coal.
• An estimated 71.9% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 10.2% were sent by river, and 8.1% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.8% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 90.4% of the total coal shipments.