Eastern railroads have done bang-up job for met exporters, are they prepared for improved steam market?

摘要

Eastern railroads are performing admirably from a metallurgical coal exporter's standpoint, according to one major player, but will the same quality service be there for thermal coal shippers if utility need emerges during the second half of 2010? That's a question steam coal buyers likely will begin to ask if demand increases at some point this year or early next year. XCoal Energy & Resources CEO Ernie Thrasher, who related his insight on the subject to a large gathering that included many utility executives at the Eastern Fuel Buyers Conference, couldn't provide an encouraging forecast regarding shipping prospects for those not involved in coking coal.