HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Union Pacific reported 2018 third quarter net income today of $1.6 billion, or a third quarter record $2.15 per diluted share. The nation’s largest railroad saw increases across the board in shipments as the economy continued to improve. The quarter compares to $1.2 billion, or $1.50 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2017.

Operating revenue of $5.9 billion was up 10 percent in the third quarter 2018 compared to third quarter 2017. Third quarter car loads increased 6 percent compared to 2017. Volume increases in industrial, premium, and agricultural products more than offset declines in energy.

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While the earnings numbers were good, moving the increased car loads proved difficult as the railroad’s average train speed fell by 6 percent, meaning goods took longer to reach their intended destinations.

Union Pacific operates between 25 and 30 trains per day through Hutchinson with a total county valuation of more than $6.3 million.