BNSF’s 2Q Income Improves Despite Lower Volume

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. said its second-quarter profit improved but its revenue fell on lower overall freight demand.

The rail line’s profit rose to $404 million, or $1.18 per share, from $350 million, or $1, a year ago.

Freight revenue fell 26% to $3.22 billion, which included a decrease in fuel surcharges of about $600 million and the rest due to lower unit volumes as a result of the economic downturn, partially offset by improved yields, BNSF said.

Consumer products revenue, which includes intermodal, fell 34% to $1.04 billion, on lower domestic and international intermodal and automotive volumes.

The company’s BNSF Railway Co. railway unit operates west of the Mississippi River.