Heartland Express, Inc. Announces Participation in Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Leaders Conference

Business Wire, June 6, 2005

CORALVILLE, Iowa -- Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq:HTLD) announced that on Wednesday, June 8, 2005, Russell Gerdin, Chief Executive Officer, will participate in a panel discussion at the Merrill Lynch Global Transportation Leaders Conference in New York City at 11:45 a.m. (E.D.T)

Interested investors can access a live audio webcast of the State of Truckload Market and Driver Pay Outlook Panel at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/ml41

Heartland Express, Inc. is an irregular route truckload carrier of general commodities. The Company has built a solid reputation for providing superior service to the short to medium haul truckload market. Principal traffic lanes lie east of the Rocky Mountains however the Company does provide select team service to the West Coast markets.

The Company ended the first quarter with a 81.4% operating ratio and cash, cash equivalents, and investments of $288.2 million. The Company's balance sheet continues to be debt-free.

This press release and the Webcast announced in 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.