The company’s earnings reached 57 cents per share, surpassing the 53 cents projected by FactSet analysts and marking a sharp increase from the 37 cents reported during the same period last year. Total revenue climbed 12% to $4.02 billion, outperforming the $3.96 billion forecast.

Chief Executive Steve Angel attributed the financial gains to the company’s ability to handle increased freight demand while upholding safety and service standards. Investors responded positively to the announcement, sending shares of CSX up 4.7% to $50.67 in after-hours trading.