Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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, Heartland Express Services, Inc., Heartland Express Maintenance Services, Inc., and A&M Express, Inc. We and our subsidiaries operate as one segment. For the period November 11, 2013 to July 1, 2016, the Company also operated Gordon Trucking, Inc. ("GTI") which was merged into Heartland Express, Inc. of Iowa effective July 1, 2016. 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.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment Information

We provide truckload services across the United States (U.S.) and parts of Canada. These truckload services are primarily asset-based transportation services in the dry van truckload market, and we also offer truckload temperature-controlled transportation services and non-asset based brokerage services, neither of which are significant to our operations. 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, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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, 2016 and 2015, restricted and designated cash and investments totaled $21.7 million and $11.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016, $9.3 million was included in other current assets and $12.4 million was included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2015 all 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.

Marketable Securities, Held-to-maturity Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

Municipal bonds of $1.4 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 $1.5 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 $0.0 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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.



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

Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment [Policy Text Block]

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, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

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 $2.1 million, $3.1 million, and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of September 30. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If, after assessing qualitative factors, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then a two-step impairment test is performed to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized, if any. As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s assessment of qualitative factors informed its conclusion that a goodwill impairment did not occur. The significant qualitative factors considered include a significant increase in the Company’s share price and continued strong cash flow. Our reporting unit had fair value significantly in excess of its carrying value. Management determined that no impairment charge was required for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Intangibles, Net

Other intangibles, net consists primarily of a tradename, covenants not to compete, and customer relationships. 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, 2016, 2015, and 2014. See Note 3 for additional information regarding intangible assets.

Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

Self-insurance Policy Text Block [Policy Text Block]

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 $5.5 million and $6.5 million are included in other accruals in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 $58.4 million, $91.8 million, and $170.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, 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.

Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 $8.1 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 2019.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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 is enacted. We have not recorded a valuation allowance against any deferred tax assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015. 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.

Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]

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.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Based on our initial assessment, we are unable to predict whether the amount of restricted cash to be included will be material to our statement of cash flows at this time, but we fully intend to include and explain the change in restricted cash upon adoption of the standard.

Further ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Based on our initial assessment, we believe the impact of adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments". This update requires measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein. Based on our initial assessment, we believe the impact of adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting". This update seeks to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update becomes effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017 with early adoption permitted. Based on our initial assessment, we believe the impact of adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases". This update seeks to increase the transparency and comparability among entities by requiring public entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. To satisfy the standard’s objective, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments. Both the right-of-use asset and lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the lease payments, with subsequent measurement dependent on the classification of the lease as either a finance or an operating lease. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

In transition, lessees are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that companies may elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The transition guidance also provides specific guidance for sale and leaseback transactions, build-to-suit leases, leveraged leases, and amounts previously recognized in accordance with the business combinations guidance for leases. The new standard is effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. Based on our initial assessment, we believe the impact of adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

In November 2015, the 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 non-current in a classified 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 adopted this guidance prospectively and classified deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability amounts, by tax jurisdiction, as non-current within our balance sheet beginning March 31, 2016 and for future periods. Prior periods presented have not been adjusted.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will replace numerous requirements in U.S. GAAP, including industry-specific requirements, and provide companies with a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. In July 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the new standard's effective date by one year. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The FASB will permit companies to adopt the new standard early, but not before the original effective date of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We have been closely monitoring FASB activity related to the new standard and are evaluating the effect that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have performed an analysis of our revenue transactions across our operations. We have engaged leadership across the organization and based on our initial assessment under the new standard, we believe the impact of adoption of the standard will not have a material impact on our operating revenue or operating income as a short-to-medium haul truckload carrier (predominately 500 miles or less per load). We have not yet selected a transition method but have identified our date of transition as January 1, 2018.