According to a report Thursday from the Lake Carriers’ Association, coal shipments on the
US Great Lakes totaled 373,000 tons in January. While the total represents an increase of 62 percent compared to a year ago, January 2013 was well below previous years, and even this January’s total is 25 percent below the month’s long-term average.
The harsh weather did limit coal shipments in January. Vessels experienced significant delays due to heavy ice on the Lakes and slower loads at some docks.