More coal and limestone were shipped on the Great Lakes in September than a year ago, although the tonnages were less than the month's five-year-average, according to the Lake Carriers Association.
Coal shipments on the Great Lakes totaled nearly 3.65 million net tons in September, a decrease of 6.8 percent compared to August, but an increase of 32.5 percent compared to a year ago. Compared to the month's 5-year average, loadings were down 7.4 percent.
Year-to-date coal shipments total 22.3 million tons, an increase of 8.6 percent compared to a year ago but 8.7 percent below the five-year average.
Superior shipped just more than 2 million tons of coal in September; 35 percent more than last year and only 1.6 percent less than the month's five-year average.
For the year to date, Superior has shipped 12.7 million tons of coal, 2.7 percent less than the tonnage at the same time last year and 12.2 percent less than the five-year average.
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Limestone shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 3.46 million tons in September, an increase of 3.6 percent compared to August, and 16 percent better than a year ago. But, compared to the month's five-year average, loadings were down 10.7 percent.
Year-to-date limestone shipments total 20.5 million net tons, an increase of 25.2 percent compared to a year ago but 15 percent below the five-year average.
The Lake Carriers' Association represents 18 American companies that operate 55 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.
