UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
September 19, 2005
HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission File Number - 0-15087
NEVADA 93-0926999
(State of other Jurisdiction (IRS Employer ID No.)
of Incorporation)
2777 HEARTLAND DRIVE, CORALVILLE, IOWA 52241
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number (including area code): 319-545-2728
ITEM 8.01. OTHER EVENTS
On September 19, 2005, Heartland Express, Inc. (the "Company") announced
the expansion to Western United State. A copy of the press release issued by the
Company is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(c) Exhibits
The Exhibit listed on the Exhibit Index accompanying Form 8-K is furnished
herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.
HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
Date: September 19, 2005 BY: /s/ John P. Cosaert
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JOHN P. COSAERT
Vice-President
Finance and Treasurer
EXHIBIT INDEX
99.1 Press release issued by the Company on September 19, 2005 announcing the
expansion to Western United States.
Exhibit No. 99.1
September 19, 2005, For Immediate Release
Press Release
Heartland Express, Inc. Announces Expansion to Western United States.
CORALVILLE, IOWA - September 19, 2005 - Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD)
announced today the recent expansion to the Western United States. The Company's
western operation is based in Phoenix, Arizona with future plans to expand to
other western markets. The Company now has eight regional operating centers plus
its corporate headquarters. A new terminal will be built on land purchased in
Phoenix. A leased facility is currently being utilized in Phoenix. The western
operation commenced during the third quarter of 2005.
The Company has achieved much success while serving its customer base in the
Eastern half of the United States during its twenty-seven years of operations.
The opening of the western half of the United States will allow for service to
existing customers and the expansion of our current customer base into western
markets. Heartland Express is well known for the quality of service it provides
and has posted industry leading results on a consistent basis while maintaining
a debt-free balance sheet. The Company has successfully integrated five
acquisitions since 1987 and is now expanding through the opening of this new
market.
Current regional operations which account for approximately 60% of the Company's
business are located in Atlanta, GA, Carlisle, PA, Chester, VA, Columbus, OH,
Jacksonville, FL, Kingsport, TN, and Olive Branch, MS. National, regional, and
dedicated services are also conducted from the Company's headquarters in
Coralville, Iowa.
The Company reported gross revenues of $457.1 million and a 79.5% operating
ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of gross revenues) in 2004 with $517.0
million in total assets.
This press release may contain statements that might be considered as
forward-looking statements or predictions of future operations. Such statements
are based on management's belief or interpretation of information currently
available. These statements and assumptions involve certain risks and
uncertainties. Actual events may differ from these expectations as specified
from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact: Heartland Express, Inc.
John Cosaert or Mike Gerdin
319-545-2728
Marketing and sales
800-451-4621
End of Report