Union Pacific 1Q profit increases 43 percent as economy improves and railroad hauls more

At a Glance: Union Pacific operations statistics

Union Pacific Corp. reported a 43 percent jump in its first-quarter profit as shipping volume improved. The improved results suggest the economy is strengthening.

Here’s a look at some key operating statistics for the nation’s largest railroad:

SHIPMENTS: The number of carloads Union Pacific hauled grew 13 percent overall to 2.08 million carloads. The only area where volume decreased was in coal where carloads slipped 1 percent.

EFFICIENCY: The number of gross ton-miles per employee grew 16 percent to 5.33.

COSTLY FUEL: Union Pacific consumed 4 percent more fuel, and fuel prices jumped 43 percent to $2.16.