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In February, Norfolk Southern Railway moved 244 coal trains from Pennsylvania's Monongahela Valley to northern utilities — the Class I's highest-ever monthly coal-train total, according to NS' April newsletter.

The utilities were busy rebuilding coal stockpiles because of an extremely cold Northeast winter.

"The weather actually worked in our favor, despite the difficult operating conditions it caused," said NS Director of Coal Transportation Alan Shaw, adding that high natural-gas and oil prices, and increased mine production played a role in the record-setting coal shipments.

During a three-week period, NS also moved its most-ever Monongahela coal in a 21-day span.

"We worked with the coal business group to keep trains moving to and from the mines, sometimes on very short notice," said Jim Young, NS assistant division superintendent, Pittsburgh Division.

NS officials believe coal tonnage will continue to increase in the valley through May.

"Then, we'll hope for a hot summer," said Shaw.