Monday, July 18, 2005 For Immediate Release

Press Release

Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Revenues and Earnings for the Second Quarter of 2005.

CORALVILLE, IOWA – July 18, 2005 – Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) announced today financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.  Gross revenues for the quarter increased 13.5% to $128.9 million from $113.5 million in the second quarter of 2004.  Net income increased 12.3% to $17.6 million from $15.7 million in the 2004 period.  Basic earnings per share were $0.24 compared to $0.21 for the second quarter of 2004. 

For the six months, revenue increased 12.3% to $247.5 from $220.3 during the same period in 2004.  Net income increased 13.5% to $32.7 million from $28.8 million in the 2004 period.   Basic earnings per share were $0.44 compared with $0.38 for the 2004 period.       

For the quarter, Heartland Express, Inc. posted an operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of gross revenues) of 80.4% and a 13.7% net margin.  The Company reported an operating ratio of 80.9% and a 13.2% net margin for the six months ended June 30, 2005.

The Company ended the second quarter with cash and short-investments of $265.3 million, a $7.0 million increase from the $258.3 million reported on December 31, 2004.  The Company’s balance sheet continues to be debt-free. 

The Company has purchased approximately 1.2 million shares of its outstanding common stock this year under a 5.0 million share repurchase program approved in September 2001 by its Board of Directors. Our strong cash position has allowed us to improve shareholder return with share repurchases and cash dividends without effecting growth opportunities. This repurchase of shares demonstrates the Board of Director’s confidence in the Company’s performance and future prospects.

The Company is continuing the replacement of its entire tractor fleet.  The Company has taken delivery of 400 new Internationals this year. The delivery of new trucks and the trade-in of the current fleet are scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2006. In addition, the Company purchased 500 new Wabash trailers during the second quarter of 2005.

During the quarter, Heartland Express declared a regular quarterly cash dividend.  The quarterly dividend of approximately $1.5 million at the rate of $0.02 per share was paid on July 1, 2005 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 20, 2005.  The Company has now paid eight consecutive quarterly cash dividends.  In addition, the Company declared a 3-for-2 stock split, paid as a 50% stock dividend in the third quarter of 2004.  This stock split increased the Company’s outstanding common stock from 50.0 million to 75.0 million shares.  As a result, the Company’s annual cash dividend has increased to approximately $5.9 million from $4.0 million because of the additional shares outstanding.  All earnings per share data presented have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the effect of the stock split.

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

319-545-2728