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):
April 27, 2004
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 5. Other Events
Exhibit 99.1 - Heartland Express, Inc. press release dated April 27, 2004
with respect to the Company's replacement of tractor fleet.
SIGNATURE
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: April 27, 2004 BY: /s/ John P. Cosaert
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JOHN P. COSAERT
Vice-President
Finance and Treasurer
Exhibit No. 99.1
Tuesday, April 27, 2004, For Immediate Release
Press Release
Heartland Express, Inc. Announces Replacement of Tractor Fleet.
CORALVILLE, IOWA - April 27, 2004 - Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD)
announced today the replacement of their entire tractor fleet. The new trucks
will be the International 9400i model. The delivery of new trucks and the
trade-in of the current fleet will begin in May and is scheduled to be completed
by December 31, 2006.
Mr. Russell Gerdin, Chairman and CEO of Heartland stated, "After thorough
research and extensive negotiations with all major truck manufacturers, the
International 9400i was chosen to be the truck of our future. The new trucks
will be equipped with EPA compliant Cummins or Caterpillar engines. We have
always provided our drivers and customers with new, state-of-the art equipment.
This transaction fulfills that goal and also provides the option to purchase
additional trucks to facilitate fleet growth. I am looking forward to our
relationship with the International Truck and Engine Corporation."
The Company ended the first quarter of 2004 with gross revenues of $106.8
million and a net income of $13.1 million. At March 31, 2004 the company had a
cash and investments balance of $221.8 million and is debt-free. This
transaction will be funded from the existing cash and investment balances and
future cash flows from operations.
This press release may contain statements that might be considered
forward-looking statements or predictions of future operations. Such statements
are based on management's belief of 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
END OF REPORT