Quarterly Coal Distribution Report—First Quarter 2026

The Quarterly Coal Distribution Report 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 2026

• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 100.5 million short tons (MMst) in the first quarter of 2026. This value is 6.2% (6.7 MMst) lower than the previous quarter and 2.9% (2.8 MMst) higher than the first quarter of 2025.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 52.5 MMst of shipments delivered to 24 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 11.4 MMst of domestic coal.
• An estimated 73.3% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 10.5% were sent by river, and 7.6% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 8.6% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.9% of the total coal shipments.