Coal train loadings in the Powder River Basins have increased for three straight weeks, railroad reports showed Friday.
Data filed by the four major US railroads -- CSX, Union Pacific, BSNF and Norfolk Southern -- with the Surface Transportation Board for the week ending June 17 shows PRB coal loadings increased to 50.2 trains/d from 49.3 the previous week.
The latest total marks the highest volumes of PRB loadings since mid-February and three straight weeks of gains since the end of May.
PRB loadings averaged 44.8 trains/d through the first 24 weeks this year compared to 69.5 in the year-ago period.
Nationwide coal loadings were slightly down on week with volume declines in other basins, as totals averaged 87.2 trains/d compared to 87.6 the previous week.
US coal loadings have averaged 81.4 trains/d this year, down from 121.2 in the year-ago period.
Central Appalachian coal train loadings fell on week to 12.9 trains/d from 13.7, and Northern Appalachian slipped to 9.5 trains/d from 9.8.
Illinois Basin coal loadings dipped on week to 8.1 trains/d from 8.5.
Utica Basin coal train loadings were down slightly to 4.3 trains/d from 4.4.
Loadings from outside the primary basins increased to 2.3 trains/d from 1.9.
