Great Lakes coal shipments dropped last month to half their normal amount for January.
According to the Lake Carrier's Association, 778,971 tons of coal were shipped on the Great Lakes in January. That's only 51 percent of the tonnage shipped in January 2008 and just less than 50 percent of the five-year January average.
Shipments on Lake Superior totaled 418,844 tons last month, compared to 874,781 tons in January 2008 and a five-year January average of 631,736 tons.
The Port of Superior shipped 390,328 tons of coal last month, compared to 847,858 tons in January 2008 and a five-year January average of 595,123 tons.
The Lake Carrier's Association represents 16 American corporations that operate 63 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.
