Aurizon rail hauls record coal volume

Aurizon, the company formerly known as QR National, hauled a record 56.2 million tonnes of coal during the December quarter.

Aurizon hauled a record 56.2 million tonnes of coal during the December quarter. (AAP)

Freight rail operator Aurizon has hauled a record volume of coal.

The Queensland-based company on Friday said it had moved 56.2 million tonnes during the December quarter, marking an 11 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period in 2012 and a new record.

Iron ore volumes were also up strongly, rising to 7.8 million tonnes during the final quarter of 2013, or an increase of 30 per cent on the equivalent period a year earlier.

Shares in Aurizon, formerly known as QR National, were up half a cent at $5.065 at 1119 AEDT.