Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Heartland Express, Inc., (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a holding company incorporated in Nevada, which owns all of the stock of Heartland Express Inc. of Iowa, Gordon Trucking, Inc. (“GTI”), Heartland Express Services, Inc., Heartland Express Maintenance Services, Inc., and A&M Express, Inc. We and our subsidiaries operate as one segment. We, together with our subsidiaries, are a short-to-medium haul truckload carrier (predominately 500 miles or less per load) with corporate headquarters in North Liberty, Iowa. We primarily provide nationwide asset-based dry van truckload service for major shippers from Washington to Florida and New England to California.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the parent company, Heartland Express, Inc., and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All material intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information

We provide multiple transportation services across the United States (U.S.) and parts of Canada. We offer primarily asset-based transportation services in the dry van truckload market and also offer truckload temperature-controlled transportation services and non-asset based brokerage services. None of our transportation services individually meet the definition of a segment. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker oversees and manages all of our transportation services, on a combined basis, including previously acquired entities. As a result of the foregoing, we have determined that we have one segment, consistent with the authoritative accounting guidance on disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less at acquisition. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, restricted and designated cash and investments totaled $11.4 million and $12.6 million, respectively, all of which was included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The restricted and designated funds represent deposits required by state agencies for self-insurance purposes and funds that are earmarked for a specific purpose and not for general business use.

Investments

Municipal bonds of $1.4 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are stated at amortized cost, are classified as held-to-maturity and are included in restricted cash in other non-current assets. Investment income received on held-to-maturity investments is generally exempt from federal income taxes and is accrued as earned.

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Revenue is recognized when freight is delivered, creating a credit sale and an account receivable. Credit terms for customer accounts are typically on a net 30 day basis. We use our write off history and our knowledge of uncollectible accounts in estimating the allowance for bad debts. We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts on a monthly basis. We are aggressive in our collection efforts resulting in a low number of write-offs annually. Conditions that would lead an account to be considered uncollectible include customers filing bankruptcy and the exhaustion of all practical collection efforts. We will use the necessary legal recourse to recover as much of the receivable as is practical under the law. Allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.5 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Prepaid Shop Supplies

Prepaid shop supplies consist mainly of parts for revenue equipment and are valued at the lower of average cost or market.

Prepaid Tires, Property, Equipment, and Depreciation

Property and equipment are reported at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Tires are capitalized separately from revenue equipment and are reported separately as “Prepaid tires” in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over two years. Depreciation expense of $0.9 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, has been included in communications and utilities in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Depreciation for financial statement purposes is computed by the straight-line method for all assets other than tractors. We recognize depreciation expense on tractors at 125% declining balance method. New tractors are depreciated to salvage values of $15,000 while new trailers are depreciated to salvage values of $4,000.

We changed to 150% declining balance depreciation from the historical 125% declining balance depreciation for tractors in 2009 due to lower used truck values, higher prices for new equipment, and uncertainty surrounding the reliability and resale value of tractors with 2010 emission-compliant engines. Effective July 1, 2013, we changed depreciation for tractors back to the historical 125% declining balance method as a stable used equipment market supported a return to our historical estimate of depreciation on tractor equipment over its expected useful life. Under the declining balance method, depreciation for each tractor is highest in the first year and declines in each year throughout the useful life. Changing to the 125% declining balance method from the 150% declining balance method increased operating income and decreased depreciation expense by $3.3 million ($0.02 per share, net of tax effect) during the year ended December 31, 2013.



Lives of the assets are as follows:
	Years
Land improvements and buildings	5-30
Leasehold improvements	5-25
Furniture and fixtures	3-5
Shop and service equipment	3-10
Revenue equipment	5-7

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We periodically evaluate property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is evaluated by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount over which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. There were no impairment charges recognized during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, held-to-maturity investments and accounts payable, which are recorded at cost, approximate fair value based on the short-term nature and high credit quality of these financial instruments.

Advertising Costs

We expense all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Advertising expense was $3.1 million, $2.7 million, and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment by applying a fair value based analysis in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance on goodwill. Our annual assessment is conducted as of the end of September each year and no indicators requiring assessment were identified during the period from this assessment through year-end. Management determined that no impairment charge was required for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

Other Intangibles, Net

Other intangibles, net consists primarily of a tradename, covenants not to compete, customer relationships, and real estate purchase options. All intangible assets determined to have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of an intangible asset is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. We periodically evaluate amortizable intangible assets for impairment upon occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of intangible assets may not be recoverable. Management determined that no impairment charge was required for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. See Notes 3 and 4 for additional information regarding intangible assets.

Contingent Consideration

We estimate and record the acquisition date estimated fair value of contingent consideration as part of purchase price consideration for acquisitions. Additionally, each reporting period, we estimate changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, and any change in fair value is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. An increase in the earn-out expected to be paid in connection with an acquisition will result in a charge to operations in the year that the anticipated fair value of contingent consideration increases, while a decrease in the earn-out expected to be paid will result in a credit to operations in the year that the anticipated fair value of contingent consideration decreases. The estimate of the fair value of contingent consideration requires assumptions to be made of future operating results, discount rates, and probabilities assigned to various potential operating result scenarios. Future revisions to these assumptions could materially change the estimate of the fair value of contingent consideration and, therefore, materially affect our future financial results.

Insurance Accruals

We are self-insured for auto liability, cargo loss and damage, bodily injury and property damage (BI/PD), and workers’ compensation. Insurance accruals reflect the estimated cost of claims, including estimated loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred but not reported, and not covered by insurance. Accident and workers’ compensation accruals are based upon individual case estimates, including reserve development, and estimates of incurred-but-not-reported losses based upon our own historical experience and industry claim trends. Insurance accruals are not discounted. The cost of cargo and BI/PD insurance and claims are included in insurance and claims expense, while the costs of workers’ compensation insurance and claims are included in salaries, wages, and benefits in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Insurance accruals are presented as either current or non-current in the consolidated balance sheets based on our expectation of when payment will occur.

Health insurance accruals reflect the estimated cost of health related claims, including estimated expenses incurred but not reported. The cost of health insurance and claims are included in salaries, wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Health insurance accruals of $6.5 million and $6.7 million are included in other accruals in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Revenue and Expense Recognition

Revenue is generally recognized when freight is delivered. Revenue is estimated for multiple-stop loads based on the number of miles run prior to the end of the accounting period. Revenue associated with loads delivered but not billed as of the end of an accounting period is estimated as part of revenue for that period. Fuel surcharge revenue charged to customers and freight brokerage services on freight brokered to third party carriers are earned consistent with the timing of freight revenues and included in operating revenue in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Fuel surcharge revenues were $91.8 million, $170.4 million, and $118.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and are included in operating revenue in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Revenue associated with freight brokerage services are recognized on a gross basis and as freight is delivered, as the Company is the primary obligor, although revenues are not material to the Company's consolidated operations. Driver wages and other direct operating expenses are recognized when freight is delivered and are estimated for multiple-stop loads at the end of an accounting period.

Stock-Based Compensation

We have a stock-based compensation plan that provides for the grants of restricted stock awards to our employees. We account for restricted stock awards using the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation. Issuances of stock upon vesting of restricted stock are made from treasury stock. Compensation expense for restricted stock grants is recognized over the requisite service period of each award and is included in salaries, wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Total compensation of $6.9 million related to all awards granted under the program is being amortized over the requisite service period for each separate vesting period as if the award is, in substance, multiple awards between 2011 and 2018.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share is based on the basic weighted earnings per share with additional weighted common shares for common stock equivalents. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, we granted shares of common stock to certain of our employees under the Company's 2011 Restricted Stock Award Plan. A reconciliation of the numerator (net income) and denominator (weighted average number of shares outstanding of the basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for 2015, 2014, and 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):



	2015
	Net Income (numerator)		Shares (denominator)	Per Share Amount
Basic EPS	$	73,056	86,974	$	0.84
Effect of restricted stock	—		135
Diluted EPS	$	73,056	87,109	$	0.84



	2014
	Net Income (numerator)		Shares (denominator)	Per Share Amount
Basic EPS	$	84,834	87,748	$	0.97
Effect of restricted stock	—		175
Diluted EPS	$	84,834	87,923	$	0.96



	2013
	Net Income (numerator)		Shares (denominator)	Per Share Amount
Basic EPS	$	70,582	85,209	$	0.83
Effect of restricted stock	—		232
Diluted EPS	$	70,582	85,441	$	0.83

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in the period that the change in enacted. We have not recorded a valuation allowance against any deferred tax assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014. In management’s opinion, it is more likely than not that we will be able to utilize these deferred tax assets in future periods as a result of our history of profitability, taxable income, and reversal of deferred tax liabilities.

Pursuant to the authoritative accounting guidance on income taxes, when establishing a valuation allowance, we consider future sources of taxable income such as “future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and carry-forwards” and “tax planning strategies”. In the event we determine that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future, the valuation adjustment to the deferred tax assets is charged to earnings or accumulated other comprehensive loss based on the nature of the asset giving rise to the deferred tax asset and the facts and circumstances resulting in that conclusion.

We calculate our current and deferred tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed in subsequent years. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified.

We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net income, but rather are recorded directly in stockholders' equity. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, comprehensive income consisted of net income. For the year ended December 31, 2013, comprehensive income consists of net income and unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, there was $1.3 million of income recorded directly in stockholders' equity related entirely to an unrealized gain on available for sale securities due to the reversal of a previously recorded reserve to adjust certain investments to estimated fair value based on calls of investments at par.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". The ASU simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Upon adoption, the Company will net its current deferred tax asset with its noncurrent deferred tax liability as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The ASU will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years (with early adoption allowed). The Company plans to adopt the standard in the first quarter of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

In May, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition in GAAP when it becomes effective. The original guidance was to be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 and agreed to defer the effective date of this guidance by one year, with early adoption permitted on the original effective date. The new guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.