Shipments of coal on the Great Lakes totaled 2,956,930 net tons in August, a slight dip compared to July (131,000 tons), but a decrease of almost 25 percent (959,000 tons) compared to a year ago.

Loadings at Lake Superior ports fell 26.7 percent compared to a year ago.  Shipments from Lake Michigan terminals rose nearly 71 percent.  Loadings at Lake Erie docks slipped 35.7 percent. Year-to-date, the coal trade stands at 15,656,348 tons, a decrease of 16.2 percent compared to a year ago.  

Lake Carriers’ Association represents 17 American companies that operate 55 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes and carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, limestone, and cement for the construction industry, coal for power generation....  Collectively, these vessels can transport more than 115 million tons of cargo a year when high water offsets lack of adequate dredging.  More information is available at www.lcaships.com.