HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The quarterly earnings season is winding down, but good news continues for companies with ties to Hutchinson. BNSF reported a strong first quarter.

The nation’s second-largest railroad reported total revenue of $5.6 billion, compared with $5.1 billion in 2017, and totaled income of $1.7 billion — an increase of 11 percent from the previous year.

Total shipments were up 5 percent for the quarter to 2,606,000 cars. Coal shipments continued to decline, falling 2 percent. The railroad did see an increase in ag shipment, along with industrial and consumer products. Freight revenue jumped by 7 percent.

The earnings season for this area ends when Kroger announces its quarterly earnings next month.