UNITED STATES
                       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 September 30, 2006                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 a large  accelerated  filer, an
accelerated  filer, or a non-accelerated  filer. (See definition of "accelerated
filer and large  accelerated  filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange  Act).  Large
accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the  registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No {X}

At September 30, 2006,  there were  98,251,889  shares of the Company's $.01 par
value common stock outstanding.




                             HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                     PART I

                              FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                                                         Page
                                                                        Number
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

        Consolidated Balance Sheets
           September 30, 2006 and
           December 31, 2005                                             1-2
        Consolidated Statements of Income
           for the Three and Nine Months
           ended September 30, 2006 and 2005                               3
        Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
           for the Nine Months
           ended September 30, 2006                                        4
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
           for the Nine Months ended
           September 30, 2006 and 2005                                     5
        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                       6-9

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
           Financial Condition and Results of
           Operations                                                    9-15

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk         16

Item 4. Controls and Procedures                                            16

                                     PART II

                                OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1. Legal Proceedings                                                  16

Item 2. Changes in Securities                                              16

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities                                    16

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of
           Security Holders                                                16

Item 5. Other Information                                               16-17

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                   17









                             HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



          ASSETS                                    September 30,  December 31,
                                                        2006           2005
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                     (Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS

                                                             
   Cash and cash equivalents ....................   $ 23,066,640   $  5,366,929

   Short-term investments .......................    298,853,453    282,255,377

   Trade receivables, less
   allowance of $775,000 ........................     46,404,543     42,860,411

   Prepaid tires ................................      5,238,531      3,998,430

   Other prepaid expenses .......................      4,034,919        304,667

   Deferred income taxes ........................     28,416,000     28,721,000
                                                    ------------   ------------
     Total current assets .......................    406,014,086    363,506,814
                                                    ------------   ------------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

   Land and land improvements ...................     11,893,135     10,643,135

   Buildings ....................................     17,823,349     16,925,821

   Furniture and fixtures .......................      1,042,131      1,042,131

   Shop and service equipment ...................      2,774,914      2,620,031

   Revenue equipment ............................    285,569,219    250,479,838
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                     319,102,748    281,710,956

   Less accumulated depreciation ................     85,595,291     81,204,416
                                                    ------------   ------------
   Property and equipment, net ..................    233,507,457    200,506,540
                                                    ------------   ------------

GOODWILL ........................................      4,814,597      4,814,597
OTHER ASSETS ....................................      5,429,898      4,679,974
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    $649,766,038   $573,507,925
                                                    ============   ============



The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.




















                                       1




                             HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



                                                  September30,     December 31,
                                                       2006            2005
                                                  -------------   -------------
                                                   (Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
                                                             
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ...   $  16,615,312    $ 10,572,525

   Compensation and benefits ..................      15,025,171      12,629,831

   Income taxes payable .......................      10,092,332       8,064,947

   Insurance accruals .........................      55,814,578      53,631,471

   Other accruals .............................       7,244,932       7,345,499
                                                   ------------    ------------
      Total current liabilities ...............     104,792,325      92,244,273
                                                   ------------    ------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES .........................      51,873,000      48,012,000
                                                   ------------    ------------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   Preferred, $.01 par value; authorized
      5,000,000 share; none issued ............            --              --

   Common, $.01 par value; authorized
      395,000,000 shares; issued and
      outstanding: 98,251,889 in 2006 and .....         982,519         738,215
      98,428,589 for 2005

   Additional paid-in capital .................         282,022            --

   Retained earnings ..........................     491,836,172     432,952,138
                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                    493,100,713     433,690,353
   Less: unearned compensation ................            --          (438,701)
                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                    493,100,713     433,251,652
                                                   ------------    ------------
                                                   $649,766,038    $573,507,925
                                                   ============    ============



The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.


















                                       2




                             HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (Unaudited)



                                                    Three months ended                 Nine months ended
                                                       September 30,                      September 30,

                                                   2006             2005             2006             2005
                                                                                      
Operating revenue ............................ $147,057,490     $136,209,698     $425,115,417     $383,738,516
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------

Operating expenses:

   Salaries, wages, and benefits ............. $ 47,925,921     $ 45,028,528     $140,337,273     $131,192,465

   Rent and purchased transportation .........    6,093,688        7,462,499       19,065,664       23,004,432

   Fuel ......................................   38,971,251       33,987,533      109,721,660       88,048,039

   Operations and maintenance ................    3,324,149        4,068,029        9,629,849       10,417,495

   Operating taxes and licenses ..............    2,259,227        2,249,347        6,530,121        6,505,283

   Insurance and claims ......................    2,620,921        5,015,569       11,543,703       11,817,266

   Communications and utilities ..............      912,515          969,344        2,807,947        2,596,260

   Depreciation ..............................   12,446,339        9,819,033       33,805,611       27,260,730

   Other operating expenses ..................    4,757,332        4,238,892       13,113,338       12,479,904

   Gain on disposal of property
     and equipment ...........................   (4,788,227)      (1,961,024)     (17,571,767)      (2,262,665)
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
                                                114,523,116      110,877,750      328,983,399      311,059,209
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
       Operating income ......................   32,534,374       25,331,948       96,132,018       72,679,307

   Interest income ...........................    3,141,022        1,865,656        8,553,942        5,252,948
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
      Income before income taxes .............   35,675,396       27,197,604      104,685,960       77,932,255

   Income taxes ..............................   12,664,766        9,655,150       37,163,518       27,665,951
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
       Net income ............................ $ 23,010,630     $ 17,542,454     $ 67,522,442     $ 50,266,304
                                               ============     ============     ============     ============
       Earnings per share .................... $       0.23     $       0.18     $       0.69     $       0.51
                                               ============     ============     ============     ============
   Weighted average shares outstanding .......   98,330,636       98,428,737       98,395,579       99,360,028
                                               ============     ============     ============     ============
  Dividends declared per share ............... $      0.020     $      0.015     $      0.055     $      0.045
                                               ============     ============     ============     ============



The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.












                                       3




                             HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY




                                                Capital    Additional                  Unearned
                                                Stock,      Paid-In      Retained      Compen-
                                                Common      Capital      Earnings       sation            Total
                                               ---------   ---------   ------------   -----------    -------------

                                                                                      
Balance, December 31, 2005 ................... $ 738,215   $     --    $432,952,138   $  (438,701)   $433,251,652
Net income ...................................       --          --      67,522,442           --       67,522,442
Dividends on common stock,
  $0.055 per share ...........................       --          --      (5,410,039)          --       (5,410,039)
Stock split ..................................   246,071         --        (246,071)          --              --
Stock repurchase .............................    (1,767)                (2,543,597)          --       (2,545,364)
Reclassification of unearned compensation ....       --          --        (438,701)      438,701             --
Amortization of share based compensation .....       --      282,022            --            --          282,022
                                               ---------   ---------   ------------   -----------     -----------

Balance, September 30, 2006 .................. $ 982,519   $ 282,022   $491,836,172   $       --     $493,100,713
                                               =========   =========   ============   ===========    ============



The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.
















































                                       4




                             HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)




                                                         Nine months ended
                                                            September 30,
                                                        2006            2005
                                                   ------------     -----------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                                                             
   Net income ..................................   $ 67,522,442    $ 50,266,304
   Adjustments to reconcile to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization ............     33,820,614      27,275,733
      Deferred income taxes ....................      4,166,000      (4,583,000)
      Amortization of share based compensation .        282,022         272,713
      Gain on disposal of property and equipment    (17,571,767)     (2,262,665)
      Changes in certain working capital items:
         Trade receivables .....................     (3,544,132)     (7,880,375)
         Prepaid expenses ......................     (4,802,241)     (2,121,122)
         Accounts payable, accrued liabilities,
           and accrued expenses.................      6,224,368      10,870,748
         Accrued income taxes ..................      2,027,385         949,416
                                                   ------------    ------------
   Net cash provided by operating activities ...     88,124,691      72,787,752
                                                   ------------    ------------

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Proceeds from sale of property and equipment       1,841,998         754,386
   Purchases of property and equipment,
      net of trades ............................    (47,439,440)    (28,572,507)
   Net purchases of municipal bonds ............    (16,598,076)    (16,126,894)
   Change in other assets ......................       (764,927)        106,466
                                                   ------------    ------------
   Net cash used in investing activities .......    (62,960,445)    (43,838,549)
                                                   ------------    ------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Cash dividend ...............................     (4,919,171)     (4,483,987)
   Stock repurchase ............................     (2,545,364)    (22,419,150)
                                                   ------------    ------------
   Net cash used in financing activities .......     (7,464,535)    (26,903,137)
                                                   ------------    ------------
   Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ...     17,699,711       2,046,066

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   Beginning of period .........................      5,366,929       1,610,543
                                                   ------------    ------------
   End of period ...............................   $ 23,066,640    $  3,656,609
                                                   ============    ============

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF
CASH FLOW INFORMATION
   Cash paid during the period for:
      Income taxes, net ........................   $ 30,970,133    $ 31,299,435
   Noncash investing activities:
      Fair value of revenue equipment traded ...   $ 43,166,700    $ 25,505,925




The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.


















                                       5





                             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. and subsidiaries (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance
with  U.S.  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, 2005 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. Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial  statements in conformity with U.S.  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  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.

Note 3. Segment Information

     The Company has ten 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 4. 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.  Restricted and designated cash and short-term  investments  totaling $5.4
million at September 30, 2006 and $4.7 million at December 31, 2005 are included
in  other  assets.   The   restricted   funds   represent   those  required  for
self-insurance  purposes and designated  funds  represent  those earmarked for a
specific purpose not for general business use.

Note 5. Short-term Investments

     The Company  investments  are  primarily in the form of tax free  municipal
bonds  with  interest  reset  provisions  or  short-term  municipal  bonds.  The
investments  typically have a put option of 28 or 35 days. At the reset date the
Company has the option to roll the investment over or sell. The Company receives
the par value of the investment on the reset date if sold. The cost approximates
fair value due to the nature of the  investment.


                                       6


Therefore, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) has not been recognized
as a separate component of stockholders'  equity.  Investment income received is
generally exempt from federal income taxes.

Note 6. Property, Equipment, and Depreciation

     Property and equipment are stated at cost,  while  maintenance  and repairs
are charged to operations as incurred.

     Effective July 1, 2005, gains from the trade of revenue equipment are being
recognized  in  operating  income in  compliance  with  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting   Standards   ("SFAS")   No.  153,   "Accounting   for   Non-monetary
Transactions".  Prior to July 1,  2005,  gains  from  the  trade-in  of  revenue
equipment were deferred and presented as a reduction of the depreciable basis of
new revenue equipment. Operating income for the three months ended September 30,
2006 and  2005  were  favorably  impacted  by $3.6  million  and  $1.9  million,
respectively,  from  gains on the  trade-in  of  revenue  equipment,  net of the
associated  increase  in  depreciation   expense  as  a  result  of  the  higher
depreciable  basis of traded  revenue  equipment  acquired  since  July 1, 2005.
Operating  income for the nine  months  ended  September  30, 2006 and 2005 were
favorably impacted by $14.9 million and $1.9 million,  respectively,  from gains
on  the  trade-in  of  revenue  equipment,  net of the  associated  increase  in
depreciation  expense. SFAS No. 153 was adopted prospectively July 1, 2005, thus
trade-ins that occurred prior to July 1, 2005 did not impact operating income.

Note 7. Stock Split

     On April 20, 2006, the Board of Directors  approved a four-for-three  stock
split,  affected  in the form of a 33 percent  stock  dividend.  The stock split
occurred on May 15,  2006,  to  shareholders  of record as of May 5, 2006.  This
stock split increased the number of outstanding shares to 98.4 million from 73.8
million.  The number of common shares issued and  outstanding  and all per share
amounts have been adjusted to reflect the stock split for all periods presented.

Note 8.  Stock Repurchase

     In September  2001,  the Board of Directors  approved a repurchase of up to
5.0 million shares of Heartland  Express,  Inc.  common stock.  During the three
month period ended September 30, 2006, the Company  purchased 176,700 shares for
approximately $2.5 million at approximately $14.41 per share and the shares were
retired.  The cost of such shares  purchased  and retired in excess of their par
value were charged to retained earnings.

Note 9.  Earnings Per Share:

         Earnings per share are based upon the weighted average common shares
outstanding during each period. Heartland Express has no common stock
equivalents; therefore, diluted earnings per share are equal to basic earnings
per share.

Note 10.  Share Based Compensation

     On March 7, 2002,  the  Company CEO  transferred  181,500 of his own shares
establishing a restricted stock plan on behalf of key employees. The shares vest
over a five year period or upon death or disability of the recipient. The shares
were valued at the March 7, 2002 market value of approximately $2.0 million. The
market  value of $2.0  million  is being  amortized  over a five year  period as
compensation expense. Compensation expense of $93,567 for the three month period
ended  September 30, 2006 and $94,227 for the same period of 2005 is recorded in
salaries,  wages, and benefits on the consolidated  statement of income. For the
nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,  compensation expense of $282,022
and $272,713 is recorded in salaries,  wages,  and benefits on the  consolidated
statement of income.  As of September  30, 2006,  there was $156,679 of unearned
compensation  cost related to the restricted  stock  granted.  This cost will be
recognized  over the next five months.  All unvested  shares are included in the
Company's 98.3 million outstanding shares.


                                       7


     A summary of the Company's non-vested  restricted stock as of September 30,
2006, and changes  during the nine months ended  September 30, 2006 is presented
in the table below:
                                                                     Grant-date
                                                          Shares     Fair Value
                                                         --------    ----------
Non-vested stock outstanding at January 1, 2006           68,200        $ 11.00

Granted                                                       -              -
Vested                                                   (33,800)         11.00
Forfeited                                                     -              -
                                                         --------    ----------
Non-vested stock outstanding at September 30, 2006        34,400        $ 11.00
                                                         ========    ==========

The fair  value of the shares  vested was  $575,181  and  $546,134  for the nine
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


     In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment," a
revision of SFAS No. 123, which addresses the accounting for share-based payment
transactions.  SFAS No.  123(R)  eliminates  the ability to account for employee
share-based compensation  transactions using APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock  Issued  to  Employees,"   and  generally   requires   instead  that  such
transactions be accounted and recognized in the consolidated statement of income
based on their fair value.  SFAS No. 123(R) also  requires  entities to estimate
the number of  forfeitures  expected to occur and record  expense based upon the
number of awards  expected to vest. The Company  implemented  SFAS No. 123(R) on
January  1,  2006.  The  unamortized   portion  of  unearned   compensation  was
reclassified  to retained  earnings upon  implementation.  The  amortization  of
unearned  compensation is being recorded as additional paid-in capital effective
January  1, 2006.  The  implementation  of SFAS No.  123(R) had no effect on the
Company's  results of operations  for the three and nine months ended  September
30, 2006.

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

     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.

     The Company had  commitments  at September  30, 2006 to acquire new revenue
equipment  for  approximately  $40.9  million  in  fourth  quarter  2006.  These
commitments  are  expected  to be financed  from  existing  cash and  short-term
investment  balances  and cash flows from  operations  and  trade-in of existing
equipment.

     The Company  announced  on  September  8, 2006 that our Board of  Directors
declared  a regular  quarterly  dividend  of $.02 per common  share,  payable on
October 2, 2006, to stockholders of record on September 20, 2006.

     The Company  announced on September 22, 2005 the planned  construction of a
new corporate  headquarters and an adjacent shop facility.  These new facilities
will be  funded  with the  proceeds  from the sale of the real  estate  and from
existing cash and short-term investment balances and cash flows from operations.
Total expenditures for the new building are expected to range from between $12.0
million to $15.0 million. Construction is expected to be completed in the second
quarter of 2007.

Note 12. Related Party Transactions

     The Company leases two office buildings and a storage building from its CEO
under a lease that  provides for monthly  rentals of $27,618 plus the payment of
all property taxes, insurance and maintenance.  The lease was renewed for a five
year term on June 1,  2005,  increasing  the  monthly  rental  from  $24,969  to
$27,618.  In the opinion of  management,  the rates paid are comparable to those
that could be negotiated with a third party.

                                       8


     Rent expense paid to the Company's CEO totaled $82,854 for the three months
ended  September 30, 2006 and 2005. Rent expense paid to the Company CEO totaled
$248,561 and $235,315  for the nine months  ended  September  30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively. In 2005, the Company announced the construction of a new corporate
headquarters which is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2007. The lease will
be  canceled  upon the  occupancy  of the new  corporate  headquarters  and shop
facility.

     During the first quarter of 2006, the Company  purchased 16.7 acres of land
in North Liberty from the Company's CEO for  $1,250,000.  The purchase price was
based on the fair market value that could be obtained  from an  unrelated  third
party on an arm's length  basis.  The  transaction  was approved by the Board of
Directors.

Note 13. Accounting Pronouncements

     In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB  Interpretation  No. 48 "Accounting  for
Uncertainty  in Income Taxes (an  interpretation  of FASB  Statement  No. 109)",
which is  effective  for fiscal  years  beginning  after  December 15, 2006 with
earlier  adoption  encouraged.  This  interpretation  was issued to clarify  the
accounting  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes   recognized  in  the  financial
statements by prescribing a recognition  threshold and measurement attribute for
the financial  statement  recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return. We are currently  evaluating the potential
impact of this interpretation.

     In September  2006,  the Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (SEC) issued
Staff  Accounting  Bulletin  No.  108,  "Considering  the  Effects of Prior Year
Misstatements   when   Quantifying   Misstatements  in  Current  Year  Financial
Statements (SAB 108)", to address diversity in practice in quantifying financial
statement  misstatements.  SAB 108 requires that we quantify misstatements based
on their impact on each of our financial statements and related disclosures. SAB
108 is  effective  as of the end of our 2006  fiscal  year,  allowing a one-time
transitional  cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1,
2006 for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under
the guidance in SAB 108. We are currently  evaluating the impact of adopting SAB
108 on our financial statements.

Note 14. Reclassifications

     Certain  reclassifications  have been made to the  prior  period  financial
statements to conform to the September 30, 2006 presentation.

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.


                                       9


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. The Company provides regional dry van
truckload  services  from eight  regional  operating  centers plus its corporate
headquarters. The Company's eight regional operating centers accounted for 61.9%
of the third  quarter 2006  operating  revenues.  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 the availability of late-model equipment
and experienced drivers.

     Operating  efficiencies  and cost controls are achieved  through  equipment
utilization,  operating a fleet of late model equipment, maintaining an industry
leading driver to non-driver  employee  ratio,  and the effective  management of
fixed and variable operating costs. At September 30, 2006, the Company's tractor
fleet had an average age of 1.2 years while the trailer fleet had an average age
of 2.9 years. The Company has grown  internally by providing  quality service to
targeted  customers  with a high  density of freight in the  Company's  regional
operating  areas.  In  addition to the  development  of its  regional  operating
centers,  the Company has made five  acquisitions  since 1987.  Future growth is
dependent upon several  factors  including the level of economic  growth and the
related  customer  demand,  the  available  capacity in the  trucking  industry,
potential of  acquisition  opportunities,  and the  availability  of experienced
drivers.

     The  Company  ended the third  quarter of 2006 with  operating  revenues of
$147.1  million,  including fuel  surcharges,  net income of $23.0 million,  and
earnings per share of $0.23 on average  outstanding shares of 98.3 million.  The
Company posted a 77.9%  operating ratio  (operating  expenses as a percentage of
operating  revenues) and a 15.6% net margin.  The Company ended the quarter with
cash,  cash  equivalents,  and  short-term  investments  of $321.9 million and a
debt-free  balance  sheet.  The  Company had total  assets of $649.8  million at
September  30,  2006.  The  Company  achieved  a return on assets of 14.8% and a
return on equity of 19.7%, both improvements over the third quarter of 2005. The
Company's  cash flow from  operations for the first nine months of $88.1 million
represented a 21.1% increase over the same period of 2005.

     The three  and nine  month  ended  results  for 2006  have  been  favorably
impacted  by  gains  on  the  trade-in  of  revenue  equipment.   Prior  to  the
implementation of Statement of Financial  Accounting Standard No. 153 ("SFAS" No
153) on July 1,  2005,  the gains  related  to  trade-in  of  revenue  producing
equipment  was  deferred  as a  reduction  of the  basis  of the new  equipment.
Management  believes  that gains  reported in future  periods will not be at the
same level as seen in the first nine months of 2006.

     The Company hires only experienced  drivers with safe driving  records.  In
order to attract and retain experienced drivers who understand the importance of
customer  service,  the Company  increased pay for all drivers in the past three
consecutive years including an increase in 2006.  Effective October 2, 2004, the
Company began paying all drivers an  incremental  amount for miles driven in the
upper Northeastern  United States. The Company has solidified its position as an
industry leader in driver compensation with these aforementioned  increases. The
driver pay increases in 2006 are for selected  regional  operations  including a
fleet-wide  incentive  to maintain a hazardous  materials  endorsement  on their
commercial driver's license.

     The Company has been  recognized as one of the Forbes  magazine's "200 Best
Small  Companies in America"  fifteen times in the past twenty years and for the
past five consecutive  years including 2006. The Company has paid cash dividends
over the past thirteen consecutive quarters.  The Company became publicly traded
in November,  1986 and is traded on the NASDAQ  National Market under the symbol
HTLD.


                                       10


Results of Operations:

     The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of expense items
to operating revenue for the periods indicated.




                                         Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                             September 30,      September 30,
                                             2006    2005        2006    2005
                                            ------  ------      ------  ------
                                                            
Operating revenue ........................  100.0%  100.0%      100.0%  100.0%
                                            ------  ------      ------  ------
Operating expenses:
   Salaries, wages, and benefits .........   32.6%   33.1%       33.0%   34.2%
   Rent and purchased transportation .....    4.1     5.5          4.5     6.0
   Fuel ..................................   26.5    25.0         25.8    22.9
   Operations and maintenance ............    2.3     2.8          2.3     2.7
   Operating taxes and licenses ..........    1.5     1.7          1.5     1.7
   Insurance and claims ..................    1.8     3.7          2.7     3.1
   Communications and utilities ..........    0.6     0.7          0.6     0.7
   Depreciation ..........................    8.5     7.2          8.0     7.1
   Other operating expenses ..............    3.3     3.1          3.1     3.3
   Gain on disposal of property and
     equipment............................   (3.3)   (1.4)        (4.1)   (0.6)
                                            ------  ------       ------  ------
   Total operating expenses ..............   77.9%   81.4%        77.4%   81.1%
                                            ------  ------       ------  ------
      Operating income ...................   22.1%   18.6%        22.6%   18.9%
Interest income ..........................    2.2     1.4          2.0     1.4
                                            ------  ------       ------  ------
      Income before income taxes .........   24.3%   20.0%        24.6%   20.3%
Federal and state income taxes ...........    8.7     7.1          8.7     7.2
                                            ------  ------       ------  ------
      Net income .........................   15.6%   12.9%        15.9%   13.1%
                                            ======  ======       ======  ======


         The following is a discussion of the results of operations of the three
and nine month period ended September 30, 2006 compared with the same periods in
2005.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

     Operating  revenue increased $10.9 million (8.0%), to $147.1 million in the
third  quarter of 2006 from  $136.2  million in the third  quarter of 2005.  The
increase  in revenue  resulted  from the  Company's  expansion  of its fleet and
improved  freight  rates.  Operating  revenue for both  periods  was  positively
impacted  by fuel  surcharges  assessed to  customers.  Fuel  surcharge  revenue
increased  $6.8 million to $23.1 million in the third quarter of 2006 from $16.3
million in the third quarter of 2005.

     Salaries,  wages,  and benefits  increased  $2.9 million  (6.4%),  to $47.9
million in the third  quarter of 2006 from $45.0 million in the third quarter of
2005. These increases were the result of increased  reliance on employee drivers
due to a  decrease  in the number of  independent  contractors  utilized  by the
Company and driver pay  increases.  During the third  quarter of 2006,  employee
drivers  accounted  for 94% and  independent  contractors  6% of the total fleet
miles, compared with 92% and 8%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2005. The
Company  implemented  an  increase  in driver  pay  during  the first and second
quarters  of  2006.  All  drivers   maintaining  a  valid  hazardous   materials
endorsement  on their  commercial  driver's  license  received  a $0.01 per mile
increase in January 2006. Additional increases were given to drivers in selected
regional  operations.  Workers'  compensation  expense  increased  $0.7  million
(116.7%)  to $1.4  million in the  quarter  ended  September  30, 2006 from $0.7
million  in for the same  period in 2005 due to an  increase  in  frequency  and
severity of claims.  Health insurance  expense decreased $0.3 million (11.6%) to
$2.1 million in the third  quarter of 2006 from $2.4 million in third quarter of
2005 due to an decrease in frequency and severity of claims.

                                       11


     Rent and purchased  transportation  decreased $1.4 million (18.3%), to $6.1
million in the third  quarter of 2006 from $7.5 million in the third  quarter of
2005.  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. The
Company increased the independent  contractor base mileage pay by $0.01 per mile
in the first  quarter  of 2006 for all  independent  contractors  maintaining  a
hazardous  materials  endorsement on their commercial  driver's license,  and an
additional $0.01 per mile per quarter beginning on April 1, 2006.

     Fuel increased $5.0 million (14.7%),  to $39.0 million for the three months
ended  September  30, 2006 from $34.0  million for the same period of 2005.  The
increase  is the result of  increased  fuel  prices,  an  increased  reliance on
company-owned  tractors,  and a decrease  in fuel  economy  associated  with the
EPA-mandated  clean air  engines.  The  Company's  fuel  cost per  company-owned
tractor mile  increased  13.1% in third quarter of 2006  compared to 2005.  Fuel
cost per mile, net of fuel  surcharge,  decreased  11.1% in the third quarter of
2006  compared  to 2005.  The  Company's  third  quarter  fuel  cost per  gallon
increased 10.4% in 2006 compared to 2005.  Tractors with the EPA-mandated  clean
air engines experienced a 5.9% reduction in fuel efficiency as compared to older
model tractors being replaced. In the quarter ended September 30, 2006, tractors
with the  EPA-mandated  clean  air  engine  accounted  for  90.5%  of the  miles
generated  by the  company-owned  fleet  compared to 51.9% of the  company-owned
fleet in the  2005  period.  This  resulted  in a 2.4%  decrease  in fleet  fuel
efficiency in the third quarter of 2006 compared to 2005.

     Operations and maintenance  decreased $0.8 million (18.3%), to $3.3 million
in the third  quarter of 2006 from $4.1  million  in the third  quarter of 2005.
This is primarily  attributed to the average age of the revenue equipment in our
fleet.  The average age of our tractor  fleet is 1.2 years while the average age
of the trailer fleet is 2.9 years,  both  improvements over the third quarter of
2005.

     Insurance and claims decreased $2.4 million (47.7%), to $2.6 million in the
third  quarter of 2006 from $5.0  million in the third  quarter of 2005 due to a
decrease in the frequency and severity of auto claims.

     Depreciation  increased $2.6 million  (26.8%),  to $12.4 million during the
third  quarter  of 2006 from $9.8  million in the third  quarter  of 2005.  This
increase is attributable to the growth of our company-owned  tractor and trailer
fleet,  an  increased  cost  of  new  tractors  primarily  associated  with  the
EPA-mandated  clean air  engines,  and the  implementation  of SFAS No. 153. New
tractors have a higher cost than the models being  replaced due to  EPA-mandated
clean air standards.  As of September 30, 2006,  97.4% of the Company's  tractor
fleet had the EPA clean air engine  compared to 53.1% at September 30, 2005. For
the quarter ended September 30, 2006, as a result of SFAS No. 153, approximately
$0.9  million  of  additional  depreciation  was  recognized  due  to  a  higher
depreciable basis of revenue equipment acquired through trade-ins.  For the same
period of 2005, the  additional  depreciation  attributable  to SFAS No. 153 was
$70,500.  In future periods, we expect depreciation will increase as we continue
to upgrade our fleet in compliance with  EPA-mandated  engine changes and due to
the impact of SFAS No. 153.

     Other operating expenses increased $0.5 million (12.2%), to $4.7 million in
the third quarter of 2006 from $4.2 million in the third quarter of 2005.  Other
operating expenses consists of costs incurred for advertising  expense,  freight
handling, highway tolls, driver recruiting expenses, and administrative costs.

     Gain on the  disposal of property  and  equipment  increased  $2.8  million
(144.2%),  to $4.8 million during the third quarter of 2006 from $2.0 million in
the third quarter of 2005. For 2006, $4.7 million  represents gains on trade-ins
of revenue  equipment  which are recognized  under SFAS No. 153 compared to $1.9
million for the same period of 2005. Prior to the implementation of SFAS No 153,
gains were deferred as a reduction of the basis of the new equipment.

     Interest  income  increased  $1.2 million  (68.4%),  to $3.1 million in the
third quarter of 2006 from $1.9 million in the same period of 2005. The increase
is the  result  of  higher  average  balances  of cash,  cash  equivalents,  and
short-term investments and higher yields than 2005.

     The Company's effective tax rate was 35.5% in the third quarter of 2006 and
2005.

                                       12


     As a result of the  foregoing,  the Company's  operating  ratio  (operating
expenses  as a  percentage  of  operating  revenue)  was 77.9%  during the third
quarter of 2006 compared with 81.4% during the third quarter of 2005. Net income
increased  $5.5 million  (31.2%),  to $23.0 million  during the third quarter of
2006 from $17.5 million during the third quarter of 2005.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

     Operating revenue increased $41.4 million (10.8%), to $425.1 million in the
nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $383.7 million in the 2005 period. The
increase  in revenue  resulted  from the  Company's  expansion  of its fleet and
improved  freight  rates.  Operating  revenue for both  periods  was  positively
impacted  by fuel  surcharges  assessed to  customers.  Fuel  surcharge  revenue
increased  $22.4 million to $61.8 million in the nine months ended September 30,
2006 from $39.4 million in the compared 2005 period.

     Salaries,  wages,  and benefits  increased $9.1 million  (7.0%),  to $140.3
million in the nine months ended  September 30, 2006 from $131.2  million in the
2005 period.  These increases were the result of increased  reliance on employee
drivers due to a decrease in the number of independent  contractors  utilized by
the  Company  and driver pay  increases.  During the first nine  months of 2006,
employee drivers  accounted for 93% and independent  contractors 7% of the total
fleet  miles,  compared  with 91% and 9%,  respectively,  in the  compared  2005
period.  The Company  implemented an increase in driver pay during the first and
second  quarters of 2006. All drivers  maintaining a valid  hazardous  materials
endorsement  on their  commercial  driver's  license  received  a $0.01 per mile
increase in January 2006. Additional increases were given to drivers in selected
regional  operations.  Workers'  compensation  expense  increased  $1.1  million
(42.1%) to $3.7  million in the nine months ended  September  30, 2006 from $2.6
million  in for the same  period in 2005 due to an  increase  in  frequency  and
severity of claims.  Health insurance  expense  increased $0.2 million (2.7%) to
$6.3  million in the nine months ended  September  30, 2006 from $6.1 million in
the same period of 2005 due to an increase in  frequency  and severity of claims
and increased reliance on employee drivers.

     Rent and purchased  transportation decreased $3.9 million (17.1%), to $19.1
million in the first nine months of 2006 from $23.0 million in the compared 2005
period.   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. The
Company increased the independent  contractor base mileage pay by $0.01 per mile
in the first  quarter  of 2006 for all  independent  contractors  maintaining  a
hazardous  materials  endorsement on their commercial  driver's license,  and an
additional $0.01 per mile per quarter for all independent  contractors beginning
on April 1, 2006.

     Fuel increased $21.7 million (24.6%), to $109.7 million in first nine month
of 2006 from $88.0  million in the  compared  2005  period.  The increase is the
result  of  increased  fuel  prices,  an  increased  reliance  on  company-owned
tractors,  and a decrease in fuel economy associated with the EPA-mandated clean
air engines.  The Company's fuel cost per  company-owned  tractor mile increased
20.8% in the first nine months of 2006  compared to the 2005  period.  Fuel cost
per mile,  net of fuel  surcharge,  decreased 3.9% when comparing the first nine
months 2006 to the 2005 period.  The  Company's  fuel cost per gallon  increased
18.8% in 2006 compared to 2005. Tractors with the EPA-mandated clean air engines
experienced  a 4.9%  reduction  in fuel  efficiency  as  compared to older model
tractors being replaced.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2006,  tractors
with the  EPA-mandated  clean  air  engine  accounted  for  80.2%  of the  miles
generated  by the  company-owned  fleet  compared to 41.6% of the  company-owned
fleet in the  2005  period.  This  resulted  in a 1.8%  decrease  in fleet  fuel
efficiency  in the nine months  ended  September  30, 2006  compared to the 2005
period.

     Operations  and  maintenance  decreased $0.8 million (7.6%) to $9.6 million
for the nine months ended  September  30, 2006 from $10.4 in the  compared  2005
period. This is primarily attributed to the average age of the revenue equipment
in our  fleet.  The  average  age of our  tractor  fleet is 1.2 years  while the
average age of the trailer fleet is 2.9 years. The newer fleet has resulted in a
decrease in parts and maintenance costs nearly equal to the overall decrease for
the nine months comparative period.

                                       13


     Insurance and claims decreased $0.3 million (2.3%), to $11.5 million in the
nine months ended  September  30, 2006 from $11.8  million in the same period of
2005 due to a decrease in the frequency and severity of auto claims.

     Depreciation  increased $6.5 million  (24.0%),  to $33.8 million during the
first nine months of 2006 from $27.3 million in the compared  2005 period.  This
increase is attributable to the growth of our company-owned  tractor and trailer
fleet,  an  increased  cost  of  new  tractors  primarily  associated  with  the
EPA-mandated  clean air  engines,  and the  implementation  of SFAS No. 153. New
tractors have a higher cost than the models being  replaced due to  EPA-mandated
clean air standards.  As of September 30, 2006,  97.4% of the Company's  tractor
fleet had the EPA clean air engine  compared to 47.3% at September 30, 2005. For
the  nine  months  ended  September  30,  2006,  as a result  of SFAS  No.  153,
approximately  $1.9 million of additional  depreciation  was recognized due to a
higher depreciable basis of revenue equipment  acquired through  trade-ins.  For
the 2005 period,  the additional  depreciation  attributable to SFAS No. 153 was
$70,500.  In future periods, we expect depreciation will increase as we continue
to upgrade our fleet in compliance with  EPA-mandated  engine changes and due to
the impact of SFAS No. 153.

     Other operating  expenses  increased $0.6 million (5.1%),  to $13.1 million
during the nine months ended  September  30, 2006 from $12.5 million in the same
period  of  2005.  Other  operating  expenses  consists  of costs  incurred  for
advertising  expense,   freight  handling,   highway  tolls,  driver  recruiting
expenses, and administrative costs.

     Gain on the  disposal of property and  equipment  increased  $15.3  million
(676.6%),  to $17.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from
$2.3 million in the compared  2005 period.  For the nine months ended  September
30, 2006, $17.1 million represents gains on trade-ins of revenue equipment which
are recognized under SFAS No. 153. For the same period of 2005, $1.9 million was
the  recognized  under  SFAS No.  153.  It is  important  to note that the gains
reported for 2006  represent a nine month period while gains for 2005  represent
only that period  from July 1, 2005,  the  implementation  date of SFAS No. 153.
Gains on trade-in were deferred prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 153 on July 1,
2005 as a reduction of the depreciable basis of new revenue equipment. The gains
recognized  for the 2006  period,  to date,  are not expected to continue at the
same level into the future.

     Interest income increased $3.3 million (62.8%), to $8.6 million in the nine
months  ended  September  30, 2006 from $5.3 million in the same period of 2005.
The increase is the result of higher average balances of cash, cash equivalents,
and short-term investments and higher yields than 2005.

     The  Company's  effective  tax rate was  35.5%  for the nine  months  ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005.

     As a result of the  foregoing,  the Company's  operating  ratio  (operating
expenses as a percentage  of operating  revenue) was 77.4% during the first nine
months of 2006  compared  with 81.1% during the same period of 2005.  Net income
increased $17.2 million  (34.3%),  to $67.5 million during the nine months ended
September 30 2006 from $50.3 million during the compared 2005 period.

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 nine months ended  September 30,
2006, was net cash provided by operating activities of $88.1 million compared to
$72.8 million in the corresponding 2005 period.

     Capital   expenditures  for  property  and  equipment,   primarily  revenue
equipment net of  trade-ins,  totaled $47.4 million for the first nine months of


                                       14


2006  compared  to $28.6  million  for the same  period  in  2005.  The  Company
anticipates  new  tractor  and  trailer  purchases,   net  of  trades,  totaling
approximately  $94.4 million in 2006. The Company will buy  additional  tractors
before year-end prior to phase two of the federally  mandated  engine  emissions
standards that will become effective in January of 2007.

     During the nine months ended  September 30, 2006,  the Company  repurchased
176,700 shares of its common stock in the amount of $2.5 million.  The Company's
Board of Directors  authorized  a  repurchase  of up to a maximum of 5.0 million
shares of the Company's common stock. At September 30, 2006, the Company has 4.9
million shares remaining under the current Board authorization. Future purchases
are dependent  upon market  conditions.  The Company paid cash dividends of $4.9
million  and $4.5  million  during  the  first  nine  months  of 2006 and  2005,
respectively.  The Company  began paying cash  dividends in the third quarter of
2003 and has paid a quarterly dividend for thirteen  consecutive  quarters.  The
Company  declared a $2.0 million cash  dividend in  September  2006,  payable on
October 2, 2006.

     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  short-term  investments.  The Company  ended the quarter with
$321.9 million in cash,  cash  equivalents,  and short-term  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.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

     The Company's  liquidity is not materially  affected by  off-balance  sheet
transactions.

Risk Factors

     You should  refer to Item 1A of our annual  report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2005,  under the caption "Risk Factors" for specific  details
on the  following  factors  that are not within the  control of the  Company and
could affect our financial results.
     o    Our business is subject to general  economic and business factors that
          are largely out of our control.
     o    Our growth may not continue at historic rates.
     o    Increased prices, reduced productivity, and restricted availability of
          new revenue equipment may adversely affect our earnings and cash flow.
     o    If fuel prices increase significantly, our results of operations could
          be adversely affected.
     o    Difficulty  in  driver  and  independent  contractor  recruitment  and
          retention may have a materially adverse effect on our business.
     o    We operate in a highly  regulated  industry,  and  increased  costs of
          compliance  with, or liability for violation of, existing  regulations
          could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
     o    Our  operations  are  subject  to  various   environmental   laws  and
          regulations, the violations of which could result in substantial fines
          or penalties.
     o    We may not make acquisitions in the future, or if we do, we may not be
          successful in integrating the acquired company,  either of which could
          have a materially adverse effect on our business.
     o    If we are unable to retain our key  employees  or find,  develop,  and
          retain service center managers, our business, financial condition, and
          results of operations could be adversely affected.
     o    We are highly dependent on a few major  customers,  the loss of one or
          more of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
     o    Seasonality   and  the  impact  of  weather   affect  our   operations
          profitability.
     o    Ongoing insurance and claims expenses could  significantly  reduce our
          earnings.
     o    We are dependent on computer and communications systems, and a systems
          failure could cause a significant disruption to our business.

                                       15


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     The Company purchases only high quality, liquid investments.  Primarily all
investments as of September 30, 2006 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 had no debt outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and therefore,
had no market risk related to debt.

     As of  September  30,  2006,  the Company did not have any  long-term  fuel
purchase contracts, and had not entered into any other hedging arrangements that
protect  against fuel price  increases.  Volatile  fuel prices will  continue to
impact us significantly.  A significant increase in fuel costs, or a shortage of
diesel fuel, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

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.

                                     PART II

                                OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     The Company is a party to ordinary,  routine  litigation and administrative
     proceedings incidental to its business. These proceedings primarily involve
     claims for personal  injury,  property  damage,  and workers'  compensation
     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

                            Total Number      Average Price      Authorization
                             of Shares           Paid per          Remaining
Period                       Purchased             Share
7/1/2006 - 7/31/2006            - -                 - -            5,095,333
8/1/2006 - 8/31/2006          176,700             $14.41           4,918,633
9/1/2006 - 9/30/2006            - -                 - -            4,918,633
                            ------------      -------------      --------------
              Total           176,700             $14.41           4,918,633
                            ============      =============      ==============

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
     None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
     None

                                       16


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  Exchange 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 July 18, 2006, announcing the Company's
               financial  results for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. 2. Report
               on Form 8-K, dated September 8, 2006,  announcing the declaration
               of a quarterly cash dividend.


No other information is required to be filed under Part II of the form.






























                                       17






                                    SIGNATURE

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: November 6, 2006                   BY:/s/John P. Cosaert
                                            --------------------
                                         John P. Cosaert
                                         Executive Vice President-Finance,
                                         Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
                                        (principal accounting and financial
                                           officer)



























                                       18


Exhibit No. 31.1

                                  Certification

I, Russell A. Gerdin, Chairman 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 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
          functions):

          a)   all  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in the
               design or operation of internal control over financial  reporting
               which are reasonably  likely to adversely affect the registrant's
               ability  to  record,  process,  summarize  and  report  financial
               information; 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:  November 6, 2006                    By: /s/ Russell A. Gerdin
                                              -----------------------
                                           Russell A. Gerdin
                                           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer





                                       19




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
          functions):

          (a)  all  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in the
               design or operation of internal control over financial  reporting
               which are reasonably  likely to adversely affect the registrant's
               ability  to  record,  process,  summarize  and  report  financial
               information;  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:  November 6, 2006                    By: /s/ John P. Cosaert
                                              ---------------------
                                           John P. Cosaert
                                           Executive Vice President-Finance
                                           Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
                                          (principal accounting and financial
                                             officer)



                                       20




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
September  30, 2006 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:   November 6, 2006                 By: /s/ Russell A. Gerdin
                                              ---------------------
                                          Russell A. Gerdin
                                          Chairman 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 September
30, 2006 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: November 6, 2006                    By: /s/ John P. Cosaert
                                               -------------------
                                           John P. Cosaert
                                           Executive Vice President
                                           and Chief Financial Officer












                                       21

                                 END OF REPORT