NCTA Forecast / Mine Slotting Process
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UtilityProvide demand forecast for each plant by the 25th of each preceding month by completing the 'Utility Demand Forecast' section in the coal tonnage forecast website.
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ProducerProvide supply forecast for each mine by railroad by the 1st of each month by completing the 'Producer Supply Forecast' in the coal tonnage forecast website.
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Utilities and ProducersResolve any variance and/or complete the 'Comment Section' detailing variance.
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RailroadsAssure mine slots are:
- Based on market demand and minesÕ production forecast,
- Allocated on tonnage to be delivered by each railroad.
- Tons must be identified, (new tons or a misallocation),
- A minimum of 1% change at any time during the month.
BNSF / UP Mine Slotting Protocol
- Process to re-slot when there is a significant variance between production and current forecast.
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If any mine is below its forecast by more than 4% for the prior 14 day period, and the
under-performance is not the result of railroad failure, or other circumstances beyond the
mine's control, the railroads will request a revised NCTA forecast as follows:
- revised forecast to reflect mine actual current production capability,
- revised forecast to specifically designate loadings by utility and railroad.
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Mine forecast not within 4%, (continued)
- in the event the aforementioned failure is at the time of the next monthÕs NCTA forecast, then; the new monthÕs forecast will be used for slotting, subject to ongoing monitoring of performance.
- If, after 36 hours, the involved mine is unable to furnish an updated forecast, or the under-performance continues - based upon the most recent 14 day period, then; the prior three calendar month history will be used to assign loading slots until such time the mine's performance meets the minimum requirements.