Union Pacific collected $131.8 million more in fuel surcharges than it spent on fuel in the third quarter. That's a hell of a result for an expense. Most expenses are terrible at becoming earnings per share.

The surplus added 15 cents a share to quarterly profit, Reuters reports. The company's explanation is that high fuel prices increased surcharge revenue across the rail industry and its percentage increase was in line with the industry.

Fine. The fuel was expensive. We have located the problem. Now explain the part where paying for it left $131.8 million.

Imagine a friend asking you to split gas for a road trip.

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You hand him forty bucks.

At the next stop, he announces that your contribution has exceeded fuel costs and he will be discussing the results with shareholders.

You ask for your change.

He upgrades his guidance.

Different railroads calculate their surcharges differently; rival BNSF's collections have fallen short of fuel costs. Nobody is claiming every railroad has discovered this particular money pump.

Union Pacific also wants regulatory approval to buy Norfolk Southern. Perhaps the combined system could offer even more efficient ways for an unfortunate expense to become a lovely quarter.

Please remain in your seat.

Your change is being reinvested.