
The trucking company Heartland Express Inc. on Tuesday announced fourth quarter 2014 earnings showing net income increased 36% from the same time in 2013 totaling $21.5 million.
The trucking company Heartland Express Inc. on Tuesday announced fourth quarter 2014 earnings showing net income increased 36% from the same time in 2013 totaling $21.5 million.

Photo: Evan Lockridge

The trucking company Heartland Express Inc. on Tuesday announced fourth quarter 2014 earnings showing net income increased 36% from the same time in 2013 totaling $21.5 million.
Operating revenue for the quarter increased 10.7% to $203 million from $183.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 for the Iowa-based operation.
Basic earnings per share increased 38.9% to 25 cents from 18 cents reported in the fourth quarter of 2013
Heartland also reported all-time record operating revenues of $871.4 million in 2014, a 49.7% increase from $582.3 million reported in 2013. Net income increased 20.2% to $84.8 million compared to $70.6 million while basic earnings per share increased 16.9% to 97 cents from 83 reported in 2013.
For the year, the company posted an operating ratio of 84.9% and a 9.7% net margin compared to 80.7% and 12.1%, respectively in 2013.
“Operating results for the quarter and the year were favorably impacted by declining fuel prices, a strong demand for truckload freight services, and a favorable pricing environment,” Heartland said in a statement. “The company has completed its first full year of combined operations [following its purchase of Gordon Trucking] and continues to leverage its strengths to develop operational efficiencies and synergies.”
According to Heartland, the purchase of Gordon Trucking has also expanded its area of service from predominately east of the Rockies to a coast-to-coast operation, allowing it to become more diversified with no customer accounting for more than approximately 8.5% of its total operating revenues in 2014.

ACT Research data shows volumes hitting a four-year high and supply-demand balance strengthening, but higher oil prices are undercutting tariff relief and tempering optimism.
Read More →
The patent-pending cargo solution integrates a digitally connected cargo door and an intelligent locking system with the TrailerHawk.AI technology platform.
Read More →
The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond fuel costs, bringing more fraud and cybersecurity risks to the trucking industry.
Read More →
Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
Read More →
More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
Read More →
HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
Read More →
New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.
Read More →
Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.
Read More →
DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.
Read More →
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →