Norfolk Southern Corp reported a stronger-than-expected quarterly profit as the rebounding U.S. economy sent volumes up across all freight categories.

The No. 4 U.S. railroad said it earned $257 million, or 68 cents a share, during the first quarter, up from $177 million, or 47 cents a share, last year.

Revenue rose 15 percent to $2.24 billion, lifted by a 23 percent increase in general merchandise revenue, a 4 percent increase in coal revenue and 12 percent increase in intermodal revenue.

Stripping out a 7 cent a share tax charge related to the recent U.S. healthcare overhaul, Norfolk Southern said it earned 75 cents a share. (Reuters)