10-Q 1 tenq033104.txt 1ST QUARTER 2004 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For quarter ended March 31, 2004 Commission File No. 0-15087 HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Nevada 93-0926999 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification Number) 2777 Heartland Drive, Coralville, Iowa 52241 (Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (319) 545-2728 Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X] No [ ] At March 31, 2004, there were 50,000,000 shares of the Company's $.01 par value common stock outstanding. PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page Number Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 1-2 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 3 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 4 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5-6 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 6-9 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 10 Item 4. Controls and Procedures 10 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings 11 Item 2. Changes in Securities 11 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 11 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of 11 Security Holders Item 5. Other Information 11 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 11-15 HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS March 31, December 31, 2004 2003 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents .....................$121,229,925 $127,885,474 Investments ................................... 100,520,980 74,545,681 Trade receivables, less allowance: $675,000 and $675,000 ......................... 39,129,263 36,836,728 Prepaid tires ................................. 1,741,230 2,529,580 Deferred income taxes ......................... 22,903,000 21,308,000 Other current assets .......................... 3,122,647 673,101 ------------ ------------ Total current assets ..................... 288,647,045 263,778,564 ------------ ------------ PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Land and land improvements .................... 6,912,819 6,912,819 Buildings ..................................... 19,919,846 19,777,586 Furniture and fixtures ........................ 1,210,424 1,210,424 Shop and service equipment .................... 2,040,025 2,043,356 Revenue equipment ............................. 203,236,939 202,706,807 ------------ ------------ 233,320,053 232,650,992 Less accumulated depreciation ................. 63,411,691 56,951,186 ------------ ------------ Property and equipment, net ................... 169,908,362 175,699,806 ------------ ------------ OTHER ASSETS ...................................... 8,851,467 8,928,186 ------------ ------------ $467,406,874 $448,406,556 ============ ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 1 HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY March 31, December 31, 2004 2003 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ......$ 10,269,009 $ 15,684,826 Compensation and benefits ..................... 12,447,504 10,704,329 Income taxes payable .......................... 16,083,833 7,720,875 Insurance accruals ............................ 38,511,096 37,125,109 Other accruals ................................ 6,795,813 5,895,502 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities ................ 84,107,255 77,130,641 ------------ ------------ DEFERRED INCOME TAXES .............................. 39,567,000 39,760,000 ------------ ------------ COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Capital Stock: Preferred, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued ............ -- -- Common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 50,000,000 ................... 500,000 500,000 Additional paid-in capital .................... 8,510,305 8,510,305 Retained earnings ............................. 335,831,893 323,710,296 ------------ ------------ 344,842,198 332,720,601 Less unearned compensation .................... (1,109,579) (1,204,686) ------------ ------------ 343,732,619 331,515,915 ------------ ------------ $467,406,874 $448,406,556 ============ ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 2 HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) Three months ended March 31, 2004 2003 ------------- ------------- OPERATING REVENUE ............................ $ 106,836,912 $ 94,839,735 ------------- ------------- OPERATING EXPENSES: Salaries, wages, and benefits ......... 39,766,096 32,312,307 Rent and purchased transportation ..... 10,518,625 13,953,071 Operations and maintenance ............ 20,945,552 19,310,180 Taxes and licenses .................... 2,290,282 1,873,406 Insurance and claims .................. 2,496,641 2,370,993 Communications and utilities .......... 962,183 893,845 Depreciation .......................... 6,613,704 5,367,543 Other operating expenses .............. 3,504,034 2,554,772 (Gain) on disposal of fixed assets .... (36,251) (3,661) ------------- ------------- 87,060,866 78,632,456 ------------- ------------- Operating income ............... 19,776,046 16,207,279 Interest income ....................... 567,516 538,617 ------------- ------------- Income before income taxes ............ 20,343,562 16,745,896 Federal and state income taxes ........ 7,221,965 5,693,604 ------------- ------------- Net income ............................ $ 13,121,597 $ 11,052,292 ============= ============= Net income per common share: Basic net income per share ......... $ 0.26 $ 0.22 ============= ============= Basic weighted average shares outstanding 50,000,000 50,000,000 ============= ============= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 3 HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Three months ended March 31, 2004 2003 ------------- ------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income .............................. $ 13,121,597 $ 11,052,292 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ......... 6,618,705 5,372,544 Deferred income taxes ................. (1,788,000) 1,026,000 Unearned compensation ................. 95,107 99,780 Gain on disposal of fixed assets ...... (36,251) (3,661) Changes in certain working capital items: Trade receivables ................... (2,292,535) (3,734,883) Other current assets ................ (2,449,546) (4,695,760) Prepaid tires ....................... 788,350 388,220 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3,173,568 2,907,384 Accrued income taxes ................ 8,362,958 8,353,667 ------------- ------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 25,593,953 20,765,583 ------------- ------------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from sale of property and equipment............................... 36,251 22,956 Capital additions ........................ (5,382,578) (24,018,572) Net maturities (purchases) of municipal bonds ........................ (25,975,299) 2,265,569 Increase (decrease) in other assets ...... 71,718 (222,678) ------------- ------------- Net cash used in investing activities .... (31,249,908) (21,952,725) ------------- ------------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES, cash dividend ........... (999,594) -- ------------- ------------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (6,655,549) (1,187,142) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Beginning of year ........................ 127,885,474 89,717,866 ------------- ------------- End of quarter ........................... $ 121,229,925 $ 88,530,724 ============= ============= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid (received) during the period for: Income taxes ........................... $ 647,007 $ (3,686,063) Noncash investing activities: Book value of revenue equipment traded . -- 1,401,919 The accompany notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 4 HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Heartland Express, Inc. (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other interim periods. There were no changes to the Company's significant accounting policies during the quarter. Note 2. Segment Information The Company has nine operating divisions; however, it has determined that it has one reportable segment. All of the divisions are managed based on similar economic characteristics. Each of the regional operating divisions provides short to medium-haul truckload carrier services of general commodities to a similar class of customers. In addition, each division exhibits similar financial performance, including average revenue per mile and operating ratio. As a result of the foregoing, the Company has determined that it is appropriate to aggregate its operating divisions into one reportable segment consistent with the guidance in SFAS No. 131. Accordingly, the Company has not presented separate financial information for each of its operating divisions as the Company's consolidated financial statements present its one reportable segment. Note 3. Contingencies On June 21, 2002 a driver for the Company was involved in a multiple (5) fatality accident in Knoxville, Tennessee. Three wrongful death lawsuits were filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of TN Northern Division in Knoxville. The combined relief sought in the cases was approximately $65 million for compensatory damages and $200 million for punitive damages. One of the suits was dismissed soon after being filed. During the second quarter of 2003, the second (4 fatality) lawsuit was settled for an amount well within the Company's insurance limits. The third (single fatality) lawsuit was settled during July of 2003, again for an amount well within the Company's insurance limits. A fourth personal injury lawsuit was subsequently filed, which seeks relief in the amount of $387,500; this case is still open. The Company is party to ordinary, routine litigation and administrative proceedings incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the Company's potential exposure under pending legal proceedings is adequately provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Note 4. Change in Accounting Estimate Effective April 1, 2003 the Company reduced the salvage value on its trailer fleet from $6,000 to $4,000 per trailer. This change in accounting estimate increased first quarter 2004 depreciation expense by approximately $576,000. 5 Note 5. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year's financial statements to conform to the March 31, 2004 presentation. Note 6. Subsequent Event Subsequent to March 31, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement to replace its entire tractor fleet. The agreement runs from May of 2004 to December 2006. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Forward Looking Statements Except for certain historical information contained herein, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties which are difficult to predict. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items; any statements of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new strategies or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as "believe," "may," "could," "expects," "anticipates," and "likely," and variations of these words or similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the section entitled "Factors That May Affect Future Results," included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" set forth in the Company's Annual report on Form 10-K, which is by this reference incorporated herein. The Company does not assume, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly report. Overview Heartland Express, Inc. is a short-to-medium haul truckload carrier. The Company transports freight for major shippers and generally earns revenue based on the number of miles per load delivered. During the first quarter of 2004, freight revenue, excluding fuel surcharge, increased 12.9% to $102.2 million from $90.6 million in the first quarter of 2003. The Company takes pride in the quality of the service that it provides to its customers. The keys to maintaining a high level of service are experienced drivers, reliable equipment and equipment availability. Heartland has one of the newest fleets in the industry with an average tractor age of 24 months and trailer age of 31 months. The Company anticipates making significant capital expenditures for revenue equipment during the remainder of 2004. The Company expects future revenue equipment purchases to be financed using current cash and investment balances and cash flow provided by operations. The Company continues to work with shippers and drivers to minimize the impact of the revised DOT hours-of-service regulations that took effect on January 4, 2004. These changes could adversely affect our profitability if shippers are unwilling to assist in managing the drivers' non-driving activities, such as loading, unloading, and waiting. A decline in driver productivity may require increases to driver pay to attract and retain qualified drivers. In addition, the Company may be required to increase the number of drivers that it employs and increase its fleet of revenue equipment to serve our current customer base and provide for future growth. The full impact of these changes is not known at this time. In addition to the revised hours-of-service regulations, the trucking industry is experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers. In order to attract and retain experienced drivers, the Company increased pay for all drivers $0.03 per mile during the first quarter of 2004. Management believes that the Company 6 continues to offer one of the highest pay packages in the industry. This pay package along with increased recruiting efforts should allow the Company to attract additional qualified drivers; however, a long term shortage of drivers could hinder growth. Effective October 1, 2002, all newly manufactured truck engines must comply with the engine emission standards mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All truck engines manufactured prior to October 1, 2002 are not subject to these new standards. During 2002 and the first quarter of 2003, the Company significantly increased the purchase of trucks with pre-October 2002 engines to delay the business risk of buying new engines. The new engines have resulted in a significant increase in the cost of new tractors, lower fuel efficiency and higher maintenance costs. During 2004, all tractors purchased by the Company will include engines that conform to the new standards. As a result of these purchases, the operating costs associated with tractors will increase during the remaining portion of 2004 compared to 2003. Results of Operations: The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of expense items to operating revenue for the periods indicated. Three months Ended March 31, 2004 2003 --------------- -------------- Operating revenue 100.0% 100.0% --------------- -------------- Operating expenses: Salaries, wages, and benefits 37.2% 34.1% Rent and purchased transportation 9.9 14.7 Operations and maintenance 19.6 20.3 Taxes and licenses 2.1 2.0 Insurance and claims 2.3 2.5 Communications and utilities 0.9 0.9 Depreciation 6.2 5.7 Other operating expenses 3.3 2.7 (Gain) on disposal of fixed assets (0.0) (0.0) -------------- -------------- Total operating expenses 81.5% 82.9% --------------- -------------- Operating income 18.5% 17.1% Interest income 0.5 0.6 --------------- -------------- Income before income taxes 19.0% 17.7% Federal and state income taxes 6.7 6.0 --------------- -------------- Net income 12.3% 11.7% =============== ============== The following is a discussion of the results of operations of the quarter ended March 31, 2004 compared with the same period in 2003, and the changes in financial condition through the first quarter of 2004. Operating revenue increased $12.0 million (12.6%), to $106.8 million in the first quarter of 2004 from $94.8 million in the first quarter of 2003. The increase in revenue resulted from additional business from existing customers and the growth of our customer base. Operating revenue for both periods was positively impacted by fuel surcharges assessed to customers. Fuel surcharge revenue increased $0.3 million to $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2004 from $4.3 million in the first quarter of 2003. Salaries, wages, and benefits increased $7.5 million (23.1%), to $39.8 million in the first quarter of 2004 from $32.3 million in the first quarter of 2003. These increases were primarily the result of increased reliance on employee drivers due to a decrease in the number of independent contractors 7 utilized by the Company. During the first quarter of 2004, employee drivers accounted for 86% and independent contractors 14% of the total fleet miles, compared with 79% and 21%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2003. The Company also increased pay for all drivers $0.03 per mile during the first quarter of 2004. In addition, the Company incurred increased workers' compensation costs due to the increased frequency and severity of claims. Rent and purchased transportation decreased $3.4 million (24.6%), to $10.5 million in the first quarter of 2004 from $13.9 million in the first quarter of 2003. This reflects the Company's decreased reliance upon independent contractors. Rent and purchased transportation for both periods includes amounts paid to independent contractors under the Company's fuel stability program. Operations and maintenance increased $1.6 million (8.5%) to $20.9 million in the first quarter of 2004 from $19.3 million in the first quarter of 2003. The increase in operations and maintenance is primarily attributable to increased fuel costs due to the increased percentage of fleet miles driven by employee drivers. Insurance and claims increased $0.1 million (5.3%), to $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2004 from $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2003. Insurance and claims expense will vary as a percentage of operating revenue from period to period based on the frequency and severity of claims incurred in a given period as well as changes in claims development trends. Depreciation increased $1.2 million (23.2%) to $6.6 million during the first quarter of 2004 from $5.4 million in the first quarter of 2003. Effective April 1, 2003, the Company decreased the salvage value on all trailers to $4,000 from $6,000. The reduction of salvage value increased depreciation expense approximately $0.6 million during the first quarter of 2004. In addition, depreciation increased because of the growth of our company owned tractor and trailer fleet. Other operating expenses increased $0.9 million (37.2%) to $3.5 million during the first quarter of 2004 from $2.6 million during the first quarter 2003. Other operating expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for freight handling, highway tolls, driver recruiting expenses, and administrative costs. During the first quarter of 2004, freight handling and tolls increased $0.4 million and advertising expense related to driver recruiting increased $0.2 million compared to the first quarter of 2003. The Company's effective tax rate was 35.5% and 34.0% for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. As a result of the foregoing, the Company's operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue) was 81.5% during the first quarter of 2004 compared with 82.9% during the first quarter of 2003. Net income increased $2.1 million (18.7%), to $13.1 million during the first quarter of 2004 from $11.0 million during the first quarter of 2003. Liquidity and Capital Resources The growth of the Company's business has required significant investments in new revenue equipment. Historically the Company has been debt-free, funding revenue equipment purchases with cash flow provided by operations. The Company also obtains tractor capacity by utilizing independent contractors, who provide a tractor and bear all associated operating and financing expenses. The Company's primary source of liquidity for the three months ended March 31, 2004, was net cash provided by operating activities of $25.6 million compared to $20.8 million in the corresponding 2003 period. Capital expenditures for property and equipment, primarily revenue equipment net of trade-ins, totaled $5.4 million for the first three months of 2004 compared to $24.0 million for the same period in 2003. The decrease in purchases of revenue equipment during the first quarter of 2004 is primarily due to the Company increasing tractor purchases during 2002 and the first quarter of 2003 to delay the business risk of buying tractors with engines that comply with new EPA emissions standards. 8 Management believes the Company has adequate liquidity to meet its current and projected needs. The Company will continue to have significant capital requirements over the long term. Future capital expenditures are expected to be funded by cash flow provided by operations and from existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments. The Company ended the quarter with $221.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments and no debt. Based on the Company's strong financial position, management believes outside financing could be obtained, if necessary, to fund capital expenditures. Contractual Obligations The impact that our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2004 are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods is as follows: Payments due by period ----------------------------------------- Total Less than 1 1 - 3 years year ------------- ------------- ------------- Operating Lease Obligations $ 349,562 $ 224,718 $ 124,844 ============= ============= ============= Factors That May Affect Future Results The Company's future results may be affected by a number of factors over which the Company has little or no control. Fuel prices, insurance and claims costs, liability claims, interest rates, the availability of qualified drivers, fluctuations in the resale value of revenue equipment, economic and customer business cycles and shipping demands are economic factors over which the Company has little or no control. Significant increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, interest rates or insurance and claims costs, to the extent not offset by increases in freight rates, and the resale value of revenue equipment could reduce the Company's profitability. Weakness in the general economy, including a weakness in consumer demand for goods and services, could adversely affect the Company's customers and the Company's growth and revenues, if customers reduce their demand for transportation services. Customers encountering adverse economic conditions represent a greater potential for loss, and the Company may be required to increase its reserve for bad debt losses. Weakness in customer demand for the Company's services or in the general rate environment may also restrain the Company's ability to increase rates or obtain fuel surcharges. Inflation and Fuel Cost Most of the Company's operating expenses are inflation-sensitive, with inflation generally producing increased costs of operations. During the past three years, the most significant effects of inflation have been on revenue equipment prices and the compensation paid to the drivers. Innovations in equipment technology and comfort have resulted in higher tractor prices, and there has been an industry-wide increase in wages paid to attract and retain qualified drivers. The Company historically has limited the effects of inflation through increases in freight rates and certain cost control efforts. In addition to inflation, fluctuations in fuel prices can affect profitability. Most of the Company's contracts with customers contain fuel surcharge provisions. Although the Company historically has been able to pass through most long-term increases in fuel prices and operating taxes to customers in the form of surcharges and higher rates, short-term increases are not fully recovered. Competitive conditions in the transportation industry, such as lower demand for transportation services, could affect the Company's ability to obtain rate increases or fuel surcharges. 9 Seasonality The nature of the Company's primary traffic (appliances, automotive parts, paper products, retail goods, and packages foodstuffs) causes it to be distributed with relative uniformity throughout the year. However, seasonal variations during and after the winter holiday season have historically resulted in reduced shipments by several industries served. In addition, the Company's operating expenses historically have been higher during the winter months due to increased operating costs and higher fuel consumption in colder weather. Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk The Company purchases only high quality, liquid investments. Primarily all investments as of March 31, 2004 have an original maturity or interest reset date of twelve months or less. Due to the short term nature of the investments, the Company is exposed to minimal market risk related to its cash equivalents and investments. The Company has no debt outstanding as of March 31, 2004 and therefore, has no market risk related to debt. As of March 31, 2004, the Company has no derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to fuel price fluctuations. Item 4. Controls and Procedures As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operations of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, and as defined in Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in enabling the Company to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings within the required time period. There have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. 10 PART II OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings On June 21, 2002 a driver for the Company was involved in a multiple (5) fatality accident in Knoxville, Tennessee. Three wrongful death lawsuits were filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of TN Northern Division in Knoxville. The combined relief sought in the cases was approximately $65 million for compensatory damages and $200 million for punitive damages. One of the suits was dismissed soon after being filed. During the second quarter of 2003, the second (4 fatality) lawsuit was settled for an amount well within the Company's insurance limits. The third (single fatality) lawsuit was settled during July of 2003, again for an amount well within the Company's insurance limits. A fourth personal injury lawsuit was subsequently filed, which seeks relief in the amount of $387,500; this case is still open. Additionally, the Company is a party to ordinary, routine litigation and administrative proceedings incidental to its business. None of the claims would materially impact net income or financial position. These proceedings primarily involve claims for personal injury and property damage incurred in connection with the transportation of freight. The Company maintains insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions. Item 2. Changes in Securities None Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities None Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None Item 5. Other Information None Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Ex- change Act, as amended. 32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (b) Reports on Form 8-K 1. Report on Form 8-K, dated January 23, 2004, announcing the Company's financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. 2. Report on Form 8-K, dated March 10, 2004, announcing the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend. No other information is required to be filed under Part II of the form. 11 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. Date: May 6, 2004 BY:/s/ John P. Cosaert John P. Cosaert Executive Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal accounting and financial officer) 12 Exhibit No. 31.1 Certification I, Russell A. Gerdin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Express, Inc., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Heartland Express, Inc. (the "Registrant"); 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or cause such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's first fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls: and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: May 6, 2004 /s/ Russell A. Gerdin Russell A. Gerdin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 13 Exhibit No. 31.2 Certification I, John P. Cosaert, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Heartland Express, Inc., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Heartland Express, Inc. (the "Registrant"); 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or cause such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's first fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): (a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls: and (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: May 6, 2004 /s/ John P. Cosaert John P. Cosaert Executive Vice President-Finance Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal accounting and financial officer) 14 Exhibit No. 32 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Russell A. Gerdin, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report of Heartland Express, Inc., on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Heartland Express, Inc. Dated: May 6, 2004 By /s/ Russell A. Gerdin Russell A. Gerdin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer I, John P. Cosaert, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Quarterly Report of Heartland Express, Inc., on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Heartland Express, Inc. Dated: May 6, 2004 By: /s/ John P. Cosaert John P. Cosaert Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer END OF REPORT 15