Why logistics is half the product
For most buyers the delivered price of coal is a blend of the grade and the movement. Two consignments of identical GCV can land at very different costs depending on how far and by what mode they travel — which is why logistics deserves the same scrutiny as quality.
Rake (rail) dispatch
Rail rakes move large tonnages efficiently over long distances and are the natural mode for high-volume buyers near rail-served sidings. The trade-off is that rakes need scale and siding access to be worthwhile.
Road dispatch
Road movement is flexible — it reaches plants without sidings, suits smaller and more frequent lots, and can deliver to the plant gate directly. For many industrial buyers, road from a nearby yard is the most practical mode.
The role of stockyards
Yards positioned near command areas shorten the first mile and act as buffer stock, which protects delivery schedules when production or rail availability fluctuates. A coordinating dispatch desk and yard network turns several yards into one predictable supply line.
Frequently asked
- Is rail or road cheaper for coal delivery?
- It depends on volume and distance. Rail rakes are efficient for large tonnages over long distances with siding access; road is more flexible for smaller lots and plants without a siding, and can deliver to the gate.
- Why do coal yards matter?
- Yards near the command area shorten first-mile haul and hold buffer stock, which keeps deliveries on schedule even when production or rail availability changes.