10-Q 1 htld2014q310q.htm SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For quarter ended September 30, 2014

[ ] | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-15087
HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Nevada |  | 93-0926999
(State or Other Jurisdiction |  | (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or organization) |  | Identification No.)
901 North Kansas Avenue, North Liberty, Iowa |  | 52317
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |  | (Zip Code)

319-626-3600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (319) 626-3600
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X] | No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes [X] | No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

Large accelerated filer [X] | Accelerated filer [ ] | Non-accelerated filer [ ] | Smaller reporting company [ ]

I ndicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [ ] | No [ X ]

As of November 7, 2014 there were 87,778,677 shares of the Company’s common stock ($0.01 par value) outstanding.
1

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS

| Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. Financial Statements |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (unaudited) | 3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited) | 4
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (unaudited) | 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited) | 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) | 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 23
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | 23
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 25
Item 2. Changes in Securities | 25
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities | 25
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures | 25
Item 5. Other Information | 25
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K | 26
Signature | 27

2

PART I

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
ASSETS |  | September 30 2014 |  | December 31 2013
CURRENT ASSETS |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 23,323 |  |  | $ | 17,763 |
Trade receivables, net |  | 87,235 |  |  | 84,400 |
Prepaid tires |  | 10,089 |  |  | 6,999 |
Prepaid shop supplies |  | 2,264 |  |  | 4,194 |
Other current assets |  | 13,973 |  |  | 11,061 |
Income tax receivable |  | — |  |  | 5,706 |
Deferred income taxes, net |  | 14,990 |  |  | 14,177 |
Total current assets |  | 151,874 |  |  | 144,300 |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |  |  |  |
Land and land improvements |  | 22,343 |  |  | 17,069 |
Buildings |  | 33,316 |  |  | 27,347 |
Leasehold improvements |  | 8,033 |  |  | 16,134 |
Furniture and fixtures |  | 2,096 |  |  | 1,829 |
Shop and service equipment |  | 10,794 |  |  | 10,604 |
Revenue equipment |  | 568,035 |  |  | 549,415 |
Construction in progress |  | 662 |  |  | 466 |
|  | 645,279 |  |  | 622,864 |
Less accumulated depreciation |  | 182,842 |  |  | 173,605 |
Property and equipment, net |  | 462,437 |  |  | 449,259 |
GOODWILL |  | 100,212 |  |  | 98,686 |
OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET |  | 16,971 |  |  | 18,746 |
OTHER ASSETS |  | 20,127 |  |  | 13,850 |
|  | $ | 751,621 |  |  | $ | 724,841 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |  |  |  |
CURRENT LIABILITIES |  |  |  |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |  | $ | 35,733 |  |  | $ | 26,912 |
Compensation and benefits |  | 27,794 |  |  | 28,084 |
Insurance accruals |  | 19,811 |  |  | 20,945 |
Other accruals |  | 15,095 |  |  | 12,627 |
Income taxes payable |  | 1,993 |  |  | — |
Total current liabilities |  | 100,426 |  |  | 88,568 |
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES |  |  |  |
Income taxes payable |  | 17,963 |  |  | 20,089 |
Long-term debt |  | 21,000 |  |  | 75,000 |
Deferred income taxes, net |  | 78,103 |  |  | 61,948 |
Insurance accruals less current portion |  | 66,790 |  |  | 67,965 |
Other long-term liabilities |  | 10,984 |  |  | 13,618 |
Total long-term liabilities |  | 194,840 |  |  | 238,620 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14) |  |  |  |  |  |
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |  |  |  |
Preferred stock, par value $.01; authorized 5,000 shares; none issued |  | — |  |  | — |
Capital stock, common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000 shares; issued 90,689 in 2014 and 2013; outstanding 87,779 in 2014 and 87,705 in 2013, respectively |  | 907 |  |  | 907 |
Additional paid-in capital |  | 3,638 |  |  | 5,897 |
Retained earnings |  | 490,048 |  |  | 432,034 |
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,910 shares in 2014 and 2,984 in 2013, respectively |  | (38,238 | ) |  | (41,185 | )
|  | 456,355 |  |  | 397,653 |
|  | $ | 751,621 |  |  | $ | 724,841 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
| 2014 |  | 2013 |  | 2014 |  | 2013
OPERATING REVENUE | $ | 217,092 |  |  | $ | 130,645 |  |  | $ | 668,358 |  |  | $ | 398,909 |
OPERATING EXPENSES |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Salaries, wages, and benefits | 68,688 |  |  | 39,556 |  |  | 210,872 |  |  | 121,093 |
Rent and purchased transportation | 12,518 |  |  | 1,112 |  |  | 40,770 |  |  | 3,735 |
Fuel | 53,435 |  |  | 39,261 |  |  | 175,998 |  |  | 120,876 |
Operations and maintenance | 9,977 |  |  | 4,987 |  |  | 29,874 |  |  | 14,256 |
Operating taxes and licenses | 5,189 |  |  | 1,972 |  |  | 15,354 |  |  | 6,856 |
Insurance and claims | 5,155 |  |  | 2,016 |  |  | 16,621 |  |  | 9,620 |
Communications and utilities | 1,564 |  |  | 767 |  |  | 4,947 |  |  | 2,239 |
Depreciation and amortization | 27,754 |  |  | 15,117 |  |  | 78,996 |  |  | 47,112 |
Other operating expenses | 7,779 |  |  | 4,334 |  |  | 24,465 |  |  | 11,839 |
Gain on disposal of property and equipment | (11,257 | ) |  | (4,477 | ) |  | (27,160 | ) |  | (24,299 | )
| 180,802 |  |  | 104,645 |  |  | 570,737 |  |  | 313,327 |
Operating income | 36,290 |  |  | 26,000 |  |  | 97,621 |  |  | 85,582 |
Interest income | 21 |  |  | 126 |  |  | 163 |  |  | 378 |
Interest expense | (97 | ) |  | — |  |  | (384 | ) |  | — |
Income before income taxes | 36,214 |  |  | 26,126 |  |  | 97,400 |  |  | 85,960 |
Federal and state income taxes | 13,477 |  |  | 10,258 |  |  | 34,111 |  |  | 31,220 |
Net income | $ | 22,737 |  |  | $ | 15,868 |  |  | $ | 63,289 |  |  | $ | 54,740 |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — |  |  | 454 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,054 |
Comprehensive income | $ | 22,737 |  |  | $ | 16,322 |  |  | $ | 63,289 |  |  | $ | 55,794 |
Net income per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | $ | 0.26 |  |  | $ | 0.19 |  |  | $ | 0.72 |  |  | $ | 0.65 |
Diluted | $ | 0.26 |  |  | $ | 0.19 |  |  | $ | 0.72 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |
Weighted average shares outstanding |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | 87,778 |  |  | 84,837 |  |  | 87,737 |  |  | 84,799 |
Diluted | 87,923 |  |  | 85,038 |  |  | 87,921 |  |  | 85,041 |
Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.02 |  |  | $ | 0.02 |  |  | $ | 0.06 |  |  | $ | 0.06 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
|  | Capital |  | Additional |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Stock, |  | Paid-In |  | Retained |  | Treasury |  |
|  | Common |  | Capital |  | Earnings |  | Stock |  | Total
Balance, December 31, 2013 |  | $ | 907 |  |  | $ | 5,897 |  |  | $ | 432,034 |  |  | $ | (41,185 | ) |  | $ | 397,653 |
Net income |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 63,289 |  |  | — |  |  | 63,289 |
Dividends on common stock, $0.06 per share |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5,275 | ) |  | — |  |  | (5,275 | )
Stock-based compensation |  | — |  |  | (2,259 | ) |  | — |  |  | 2,947 |  |  | 688 |
Balance, September 30, 2014 |  | $ | 907 |  |  | $ | 3,638 |  |  | $ | 490,048 |  |  | $ | (38,238 | ) |  | $ | 456,355 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
|  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
|  | 2014 |  | 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 63,289 |  |  | $ | 54,740 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 79,796 |  |  | 47,609 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 15,342 |  |  | 5,325 |
Amortization of stock-based compensation |  | 688 |  |  | 806 |
Gain on disposal of property and equipment |  | (27,160 | ) |  | (24,299 | )
Changes in certain working capital items: |  |  |  |
Trade receivables |  | (2,835 | ) |  | (1,557 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | (825 | ) |  | (2,439 | )
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and accrued expenses |  | (4,851 | ) |  | (1,810 | )
Accrued income taxes |  | 5,573 |  |  | (5,182 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities |  | 129,017 |  |  | 73,193 |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment |  | 64,436 |  |  | 56,751 |
Purchases of property and equipment, net of trades |  | (121,088 | ) |  | (91,845 | )
Maturity, calls and sales of investments |  | — |  |  | 9,875 |
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired |  | (3,011 | ) |  | — |
Change in other assets |  | (6,277 | ) |  | (195 | )
Net cash used in investing activities |  | (65,940 | ) |  | (25,414 | )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash dividends |  | (3,517 | ) |  | (3,402 | )
Borrowings on line of credit |  | 3,000 |  |  | — |
Repayments on line of credit |  | (57,000 | ) |  | — |
Net cash used in financing activities |  | (57,517 | ) |  | (3,402 | )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |  | 5,560 |  |  | 44,377 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of period |  | 17,763 |  |  | 119,838 |
End of period |  | $ | 23,323 |  |  | $ | 164,215 |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest paid |  | $ | 417 |  |  | $ | — |
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of refunds |  | $ | 13,196 |  |  | $ | 31,076 |
Noncash investing and financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of revenue equipment traded |  | $ | 3,335 |  |  | $ | — |
Purchased property and equipment in accounts payable |  | $ | 21,869 |  |  | $ | 19,051 |
Common stock dividends declared in accounts payable |  | $ | 1,758 |  |  | $ | 1,700 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the parent company, Heartland Express, Inc., and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All material intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Heartland Express, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes to the financial statements required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2014. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other interim periods. There were no changes to the Company's significant accounting policies during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014.
Note 2. Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. There were no significant changes in estimates and assumptions used by management related to our critical accounting policies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Note 3. Segment Information
The Company provides multiple transportation services across the United States (U.S.) and parts of Canada. The Company offers primarily asset-based transportation services in the dry van market and also offers temperature-controlled transportation services and non-asset based brokerage services. None of the Company's transportation services individually meet the definition of a segment. The Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker oversees and manages all of our transportation services, on a combined basis, including the legacy transportation services of Gordon Trucking, Inc. ("GTI"), which was acquired on November 11, 2013. As a result of the foregoing, the Company has determined that it has one reportable segment, consistent with the authoritative accounting guidance on disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information.
Note 4. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less at acquisition. Restricted and designated cash and investments totaled $16.8 million at September 30, 2014 and $10.6 million at December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014, $16.8 million is included in other non-current assets per the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 $0.1 million was included in other current assets and $10.5 million was included in other non-current assets per the consolidated balance sheets. The restricted funds represent deposits required by state agencies for self-insurance purposes and designated funds that are earmarked for a specific purpose and not for general business use.
Note 5. Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
Property and equipment are reported at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Tires are capitalized separately from revenue equipment and are reported separately as “Prepaid Tires” in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over two years. Depreciation expense of $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and $0.8 million and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have been included in communication and utilities in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Depreciation for financial statement purposes is computed by the straight-line method for all assets other than tractors. The Company recognizes depreciation expense on tractors at 125% declining balance method. New tractors are depreciated to salvage values of $15,000 while new trailers are depreciated to salvage values of $4,000.
7

The Company changed to 150% declining balance depreciation from the historical 125% declining balance depreciation for tractors in 2009 due to lower used truck values, higher prices for new equipment, and uncertainty surrounding the reliability and resale value of tractors with 2010 emission-compliant engines. Effective, July 1, 2013, the Company changed depreciation for tractors back to the historical 125% declining balance method as a stable used equipment market supported a return to the Company's historical estimate of depreciation on tractor equipment over its expected useful life. Under the declining balance method, depreciation for each tractor is highest in the first year and declines in each year throughout the useful life. Changing to the 125% declining balance method from the 150% declining balance method increased operating income and decreased depreciation expense by $3.3 million ($0.02 per share, net of tax effect) during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Note 6. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following at September 30, 2014. There was no change in the gross amount of identifiable intangible assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Amortization expense of $0.6 million and $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 is included in depreciation and amortization per the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The Company did not have any intangible assets subject to amortization during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

| Amortization period (years) |  | Gross Amount |  | Accumulated Amortization |  | Net intangible assets
|  |  | (in thousands)
Customer relationships | 20 |  | $ | 7,600 |  |  | $ | 335 |  |  | $ | 7,265 |
Tradename | 6 |  | 7,400 |  |  | 1,078 |  |  | 6,322 |
Covenants not to compete | 10 |  | 3,100 |  |  | 273 |  |  | 2,827 |
Real estate options | 2.2 |  | 942 |  |  | 385 |  |  | 557 |
|  |  | $ | 19,042 |  |  | $ | 2,071 |  |  | $ | 16,971 |

Changes in carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:

| (in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 98,686 |
Acquisitions | 1,526 |
Balance at September 30, 2014 | $ | 100,212 |

Included in the carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2013 was $1.5 million, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2013 representing a working capital adjustment for additional amounts owed to the sellers of Gordon Trucking, Inc. ("GTI") for the cash balance delivered at closing that exceeded the estimated cash balance of $20.0 million paid at closing on November 11, 2013. The final consideration transferred over the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized on November 11, 2013, (goodwill), was still subject to post closing working capital adjustments at December 31, 2013. The working capital adjustments were finalized on March 21, 2014 resulting in an additional payment of $3.0 million which included the $1.5 million liability recorded at December 31, 2013.
Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are tested at least annually for impairment by applying a fair value based analysis in accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company performs an annual impairment test as of the end of September each year or any other time when indicators requiring further assessment are identified. There were no indicators requiring further assessment that were identified during the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 and the Company's 2014 annual impairment test resulted in no impairment.
Note 7. Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share is based on the basic weighted earnings per share with additional weighted common shares for common stock equivalents. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 the Company had shares of restricted stock outstanding related to shares granted under the 2011 Restricted Stock Award Plan. A reconciliation of the numerator (net income) and denominator (weighted average number of shares outstanding of the basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS")) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
8

| Three months ended September 30, 2014
| Net Income (numerator) |  | Shares (denominator) |  | Per Share Amount
Basic EPS | $ | 22,737 |  |  | 87,778 |  |  | $ | 0.26 |
Effect of restricted stock | — |  |  | 145 |  |  |
Diluted EPS | $ | 22,737 |  |  | 87,923 |  |  | $ | 0.26 |

| Three months ended September 30, 2013
| Net Income (numerator) |  | Shares (denominator) |  | Per Share Amount
Basic EPS | $ | 15,868 |  |  | 84,837 |  |  | $ | 0.19 |
Effect of restricted stock | — |  |  | 201 |  |  |
Diluted EPS | $ | 15,868 |  |  | 85,038 |  |  | $ | 0.19 |

| Nine months ended September 30, 2014
| Net Income (numerator) |  | Shares (denominator) |  | Per Share Amount
Basic EPS | $ | 63,289 |  |  | 87,737 |  |  | $ | 0.72 |
Effect of restricted stock | — |  |  | 184 |  |  |
Diluted EPS | $ | 63,289 |  |  | 87,921 |  |  | $ | 0.72 |

| Nine months ended September 30, 2013
| Net Income (numerator) |  | Shares (denominator) |  | Per Share Amount
Basic EPS | $ | 54,740 |  |  | 84,799 |  |  | $ | 0.65 |
Effect of restricted stock | — |  |  | 242 |  |  |
Diluted EPS | $ | 54,740 |  |  | 85,041 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |

Note 8. Stockholders' Equity
In September, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a program to repurchase 15.4 million shares, adjusted for stock splits, of the Company’s common stock in open market or negotiated transactions using available cash, cash equivalents and investments which was subsequently amended in February 2012. Approximately 3.2 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under the program as of September 30, 2014. There were no shares repurchased in the open market during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The authorization remains open at September 30, 2014 and has no expiration date. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 the Company’s Board of Directors declared regular quarterly dividends totaling $1.8 million, $5.3 million, and $1.7 million, $5.1 million, respectively. Future payment of cash dividends and the amount of such dividends will depend upon financial conditions, results of operations, cash requirements, tax treatment, and certain corporate law requirements, as well as factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
9

Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation
On July 11, 2011, a Special Meeting of Stockholders of Heartland Express, Inc. was held, at which meeting the approval of the Heartland Express, Inc. 2011 Restricted Stock Award Plan (the "Plan") was ratified. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Committee"). In accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee has the authority to determine all provisions of awards of restricted stock, including, without limitation, the employees of the Company who will receive awards, the number of shares awarded to individual employees, the time or times when awards will be granted, restrictions and other conditions (including, for example, the lapse of time) to which the vesting of awards may be subject, and other terms and conditions and form of agreement to be entered into by the Company and employees subject to awards of restricted stock. The Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers under the Plan to any one or more of its members, the Chief Executive Officer, or other senior members of management as the Committee deems appropriate. Per the terms of the awards, employees receiving awards will have all of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the unvested restricted shares including, but not limited to, the right to receive such cash dividends, if any, as may be declared on such shares from time to time and the right to vote such shares at any meeting of stockholders of the Company.
The Plan made available up to 0.9 million shares for the purpose of making restricted stock grants to eligible officers and employees of the Company. As of December 31, 2013 there were 0.4 million shares that had been granted to employees. An additional 2.0 thousand and 10.5 thousand shares were granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The shares granted under the Plan during 2011 are service based awards beginning December 14, 2011 and 20% of the awards vest each June 1st through 2016. The shares issued in 2013 and 2014 are also service based awards and generally vest evenly from the date of grant through each June 1st through 2016. Once vested, there are no other restrictions on the awards. Compensation expense associated with these awards is based on the market value of the Company's stock on the grant date. The Company's market closing price on December 14, 2011, grant date, was $13.57 and ranged between $13.86 and $18.18 on the various grant dates for the shares issued in 2013 and ranged between $21.72 and $22.21 for the shares issued in 2014. There were no significant assumptions made in determining the fair value. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards is included in salaries, wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards was $0.7 million, and 0.8 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $0.7 million at September 30, 2014 which will be recognized over a remaining weighted average period of 1.3 years.
The following tables summarize the Company's restricted stock award activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

| Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
| Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands) |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period | 147.4 |  |  | $ | 14.16 |
Granted | 2.0 |  |  | 22.19 |
Vested | (1.0 | ) |  | — |
Forfeited | (4.2 | ) |  | 13.57 |
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period | 144.2 |  |  | $ | 14.21 |

| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
| Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands) |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period | 211.6 |  |  | $ | 13.81 |
Granted | 10.5 |  |  | 22.04 |
Vested | (73.7 | ) |  | — |
Forfeited | (4.2 | ) |  | 13.57 |
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period | 144.2 |  |  | $ | 14.21 |

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| Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
| Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands) |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period | 203 |  |  | $ | 13.57 |
Granted | — |  |  | — |
Vested | — |  |  | — |
Forfeited | (4.2 | ) |  | 13.57 |
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period | 198.8 |  |  | $ | 13.57 |

| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
| Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands) |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period | 276.8 |  |  | $ | 13.57 |
Granted | 2.0 |  |  | 13.86 |
Vested | (67.0 | ) |  | — |
Forfeited | (13.0 | ) |  | 13.57 |
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period | 198.8 |  |  | $ | 13.57 |

Note 10. Long-Term Debt
On November 11, 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement by and among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, (the "Bank"), Heartland Express, Inc. of Iowa (the "Borrower"), GTI, and the other members of the Company's consolidated group, as Guarantors (the "Credit Agreement"). Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Bank provided a five-year, $250.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit (the "Revolver"). The Bank's commitment decreased to $225.0 million on November 1, 2014, and will decrease to $200.0 million on November 1, 2015, and to $175.0 million on November 1, 2016 through October 31, 2018.
The Revolver is unsecured and the Company can not pledge assets of the Company's consolidated group, except for debt associated with permitted acquisitions, new purchase-money debt and capital lease obligations as described in the Credit Agreement. The Revolver matures on October 31, 2018 (the "Maturity Date"). The Borrower has the ability to terminate the commitment at any time at no additional cost to the Borrower. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement can either be, at Borrower's election, (i) one-month or three-month LIBOR (Index) plus 0.625%, floating, or (ii) Prime (Index) plus 0.0%, floating. There is a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolver at 0.0625%, due quarterly.
The Credit Agreement contains customary financial covenants including, but not limited to, (i) a maximum adjusted leverage ratio of 2:1, measured quarterly on a trailing twelve month basis, (ii) a minimum net income requirement of $1.00, measured quarterly on a trailing twelve month basis, (iii) a minimum tangible net worth of $200 million requirement, measured quarterly, and (iv) limitations on other indebtedness and liens. The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, conditions, representations and warranties, and indemnification provisions. The Company was in compliance with the respective financial covenants at September 30, 2014.
Long term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

|  | September 30, 2014 |  | December 31, 2013
Long-term debt |  | $ | 21,000 |  |  | $ | 75,000 |

The weighted average variable annual percentage rate (“APR”) for amounts borrowed and outstanding at September 30, 2014 was 0.78%. Borrowing under the line of credit is recorded in "Long-term debt" in the consolidated balance sheets. Outstanding letters of credit associated with the Revolver at September 30, 2014 were $4.4 million. As of September 30, 2014, the line of credit available for future borrowing was $224.6 million.
Note 11. Income Taxes
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The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when temporary differences reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in the period that the change is enacted. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the Company's deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The Company had no recorded valuation allowance at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had a total of $12.4 million and $13.4 million in gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively. Of this amount, $7.9 million and $8.6 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Unrecognized tax benefits were a net increase of $0.3 million and a net decrease of $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unrecognized tax benefits were a net decrease of $1.0 million and $2.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net increase during the three month period of 2014 was due to unrecognized tax benefits due to current year tax positions. The net decreases during the three month period of 2013 and nine month periods of 2014 and 2013 were due mainly to the expiration of certain statutes of limitation net of additions and settlements with respective states. This had the effect of reducing the effective state tax rate during these respective periods. The total net amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $5.6 million and $6.7 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and is included in income taxes payable per the consolidated balance sheet. Net interest and penalties included in income tax expense for the three month period ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was an expense of approximately $0.1 million and a benefit of $0.2 million, respectively. Net interest and penalties included in income tax expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was a benefit of approximately $1.1 million and $0.9 million. Income tax expense is increased each period for the accrual of interest on outstanding positions and penalties when the uncertain tax position is initially recorded. Income tax expense is reduced in periods by the amount of accrued interest and penalties associated with reversed uncertain tax positions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations, when applicable or when a position is settled. Income tax expense was increased during the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to additional interest accrual. Income tax expense was reduced during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 due to reversals of interest and penalties due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations and settlements, net of additions for interest and penalty accruals during the same period. These unrecognized tax benefits relate to risks associated with state income tax filing positions for the Company’s corporate subsidiaries.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

| 2014
| (in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2014 | $ | 13,432 |
Additions based on tax positions related to current year | 747 |
Additions for tax positions of prior years | 277 |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years | — |
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations | (2,061 | )
Settlements | — |
Balance at September 30, 2014 | $ | 12,395 |

A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and ultimately settled. It is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome or the timing of resolution for uncertain tax positions. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. These changes could result from the expiration of the statute of limitations, examinations or other unforeseen circumstances. The Company does not have any outstanding litigation related to tax matters. At this time, management’s best estimate of the reasonably possible change in the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits to be a decrease of approximately $0.8 million to a decrease of $1.8 million during the next twelve months mainly due to the expiration of certain statute of limitations, net of additions. The federal statute of limitations remains
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open for the years 2011 and forward. Tax years 2004 and forward are subject to audit by state tax authorities depending on the tax code and administrative practice of each state.
Note 12. Operating Leases
The Company has operating leases for certain revenue equipment. A portion of these leases are with a commercial tractor dealership, owned by a board member and certain employees of the Company. Rent expense for these leases were $2.2 million and $6.8 million, (including related-party rental payments totaling $1.8 million and $5.4 million) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and were included in rent and purchased transportation in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. There was no revenue equipment operating lease expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The various leases expire from 2014 through 2018.
The Company leases certain terminal facilities under operating leases from limited liability companies, whose members include a board member and certain employees of the Company and a commercial tractor dealership owned by a board member and certain employees of the Company. The related-party rental payments were entered into as a result of the acquisition of GTI on November 11, 2013. Rent expenses for terminal facilities were $1.0 million and $3.2 million, including related-party rental payments totaling $1.0 million and $3.0 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and were included in rent and purchased transportation in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. There was no significant terminal rent expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The various leases expire in 2014 through 2018 and the majority of the terminal leases contain options to renew. The Company also has purchase options on the majority of these facilities. The Company exercised its purchase option on the Lathrop, California terminal and finalized this purchase during the second quarter of 2014. The Company paid $2.8 million to a limited liability company, whose members include a board member and certain employees of the Company as a result of this transaction. The Company has a right of first refusal on the sale of the Pacific, Washington location property by the owners. The Company is responsible for all taxes, insurance, and utilities related to the terminal leases. The Company did not have any significant operating leases prior to the GTI acquisition on November 11, 2013. See Notes 6 and 13 for additional information.
Note 13. Related Party
The Company leases terminal facilities for operations under operating leases from certain limited liability companies, whose members include a board member and certain employees of the Company and a commercial tractor dealership owned by a board member and certain employees of the Company. The terminal facility leases have initial five year terms, that began November 11, 2013, with options to renew and options to purchase with the exception of the Pacific, Washington location which contains a right of first refusal on any sale of the property.
The Company purchased tractors from and sold tractors to the commercial tractor dealership noted above. The Company has operating leases for certain revenue equipment with the commercial tractor dealership. The Company also purchased parts and services from the same commercial tractor dealership. The Company owed the commercial tractor dealership $1.1 million and $1.3 million, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities per the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for tractors delivered but not paid for prior to September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The commercial tractor dealership owed the Company $0.3 million, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities per the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014, for tractors traded but not paid for prior to September 30, 2014. The Company provides certain administrative services to the commercial tractor dealership.
The related payments (receipts) with related parties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands) were as follows:

| Three Months Ended |  | Nine Months Ended
Payments for tractor purchases | $ | 4,707 |  |  | $ | 16,533 |
Receipts for tractor sales | (5,545 | ) |  | (10,042 | )
Revenue equipment lease payments | 1,784 |  |  | 5,430 |
Payments for parts and services | 1,368 |  |  | 4,275 |
Terminal lease payments | 958 |  |  | 2,975 |
Receipts for trailer sales | (103 | ) |  | (103 | )
Administrative services receipts | (141 | ) |  | (423 | )
| $ | 3,028 |  |  | $ | 18,645 |

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Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is a party to ordinary, routine litigation and administrative proceedings incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the Company’s potential exposure under pending legal proceedings is adequately provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The total estimated purchase commitments for tractors, net of tractor sale commitments, and trailer equipment, to be delivered through the remainder of 2014 and 2015 was $76.4 million at September 30, 2014.
Note 15. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to September 30, 2014 through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for disclosure. No events occurred requiring disclosure.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
This Item 2 contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by such sections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items; any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “may” “could," and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors," set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is by this reference incorporated herein. Readers should review and consider the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, along with various disclosures in our press releases, stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
References in this Quarterly Report to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Heartland,” or the “Company” or similar terms refer to Heartland Express, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Overview
Heartland Express, Inc. is a short-to-medium haul truckload carrier of general commodities with corporate headquarters in North Liberty, Iowa. The Company provides nationwide transportation services to major shippers spanning from Washington to Florida and New England to California as well as parts of Canada. The Company offers primarily asset-based transportation services in the dry van truckload market and also offers temperature-controlled transportation services and non asset-based brokerage services although the non asset-based brokerage services and temperature-controlled services are not material to the Company's revenue sources. The Company provides these transportation services using Company controlled owned and leased revenue equipment as well as additional capacity through the use of independent contractor tractors. The Company generally earns revenue based on the number of miles per load delivered. The Company believes the keys to success are maintaining high levels of customer service and safety. Management believes achieving high levels of customer service and safety is predicated on the availability of late-model equipment and experienced drivers. Management believes that the Company’s service standards, safety record, and equipment accessibility have made it a core carrier to many of its major customers.
Operating efficiencies and cost controls are achieved through equipment utilization through a common information system platform, operating a fleet of late model equipment, maintaining an industry leading driver to non-driver employee ratio, and the effective management of fixed and variable operating costs. During 2014, the demand for freight services (increase) has generally outpaced industry capacity which has decreased. Industry capacity continues to be hindered by the quantity of qualified drivers. The trucking industry continues to be challenged with reductions in the availability of qualified drivers at a time when the industry continues to be challenged by various regulations that increasingly reduce drivers' availability. The regulations, including the thirty-four hour restart and a thirty minute break within the first eight hours of driving that were effective July 1, 2013, will continue to reduce driver utilization compared to periods immediately prior to the effective date of these new regulations. An industry shortage of qualified drivers in conjunction with reduced driver utilization creates a favorable rate environment as well as a general industry trend to increase driver wages. The revenue trends been consistent with what the Company has seen and experienced in non-committed business in the spot markets. The Company cannot currently predict how long this trend will continue.
Competition for drivers, which is always intense, has escalated due to general improvements in the demand for freight services at the same time the number of qualified drivers in the industry is decreasing. The increasing difficulties attracting and retaining qualified drivers is an industry wide challenge which the Company has also experienced. The Company continues to explore new ideas and ways to attract and retain qualified drivers. The Company hires the majority of its drivers with previous over the road experience (majority of driver positions hired require six to nine months of over-the-road experience) with safe driving records.
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In order to attract and retain experienced drivers who understand the importance of customer service, the Company has sought to solidify its position as an industry leader in driver compensation in the Company's operating markets. The Company offers the top or near the top compensation pay per mile to drivers in the markets in which the Company operates as well as safety pay incentives. The Company has been and will continue to look at all of our alternatives to enhance our drivers' utilization as well as compensation of our drivers for their time spent away from home while on the road.
Containment of fuel cost continues to be one of management's top priorities as fuel expenses are the next highest cost to the Company after salaries, wages and benefits to our drivers and other employees. Average diesel fuel prices have increased each year over the past year during the periods 2009 through 2012 and leveled off in 2013. Prices in 2014 have generally been flat to 2013 although most recent prices are declining. Average Department of Energy ("DOE") diesel prices for 2009 through 2013 have been, $2.474, $2.998, $3.848, $3.971, and $3.922 per gallon, respectively. The average price so far in 2014 has been $3.911 with the latest average DOE price decreasing to $3.733. Although the price of fuel has been relatively stable to declining for the past two years, the Company continues to manage and implement fuel initiative strategies to effectively manage fuel costs. These initiatives include strategic fueling of our trucks whether it be terminal fuel or over-the-road fuel, reduction of tractor idle time through various idle control technologies, controlling out-of-route miles, controlling empty miles, trailer skirting, and increased fuel economy through the purchase of newer, more fuel efficient tractors. The Company is not able to pass through all fuel price increases through fuel surcharge agreements with customers due to tractor idling time, along with empty and out-of-route miles. The Company continues to focus on fuel surcharge pricing, truck idling hours, tractor specifications and fuel purchasing decisions in an effort to lessen the impact of higher fuel costs. At September 30, 2014, 100% of the Company's over-the-road tractor fleet is equipped with some form of various idle management controls. At September 30, 2014, the Company’s tractor fleet had an average age of 2.1 years and the Company's trailer fleet had an average age of 4.3 years.
The Company continues to focus on growing internally by providing quality service to targeted customers with a high density of freight in the Company’s regional operating areas. In addition to the development of its regional operating centers, the Company has made six acquisitions since 1987 with the most recent acquisition of Gordon Trucking, Inc. ("GTI") in November of 2013. We believe our commitment to quality service allowed the Company to hold its freight rates relatively stable throughout the recent recession, in comparison to our competitors, better positioning the Company for future growth as market capacity continues to tighten. Future growth is dependent upon several factors including the level of economic growth and the related customer demand, the available capacity in the trucking industry, integration of operational efficiencies of Heartland and GTI, and the availability and ability to attract and retain experienced drivers that meet our hiring standards, as well as the retention of the Company's current drivers.
The Company ended the first nine months of 2014 with operating revenues of $668.4 million, including fuel surcharges, net income of $63.3 million, and basic net income per share of $0.72 on basic weighted average outstanding shares of 87.7 million compared to operating revenues of $398.9 million, including fuel surcharges, net income of $54.7 million, and basic net income per share of $0.65 on basic weighted average shares of 84.8 million in the first nine months of 2013. The Company posted an 85.4% operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 78.5% for the same period of 2013 and a 9.5% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to 13.7% in the same period of 2013. The Company had total assets of $751.6 million at September 30, 2014. The Company achieved a return on assets of 10.7% and a return on equity of 18.6% over the immediate past four quarters ended September 30, 2014.
The Company’s cash flow from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $129.0 million was 19.3% of operating revenues compared to $73.2 million and 18.3% in the same period of 2013. During 2014, the Company used $65.9 million in net investing cash flows, which was mainly the result of $56.7 million used in net purchases of revenue equipment. The Company used $57.5 million in financing activities directly related to $54.0 million of net debt repayments on the Company's line of credit. As a result, the Company increased cash and cash equivalents $5.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company ended the third quarter of 2014 with cash and cash equivalents of $23.3 million.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the percentage relationships of expense items to total operating revenue for the periods indicated:

|  | Three Months Ended September 30, |  | Nine Months Ended September 30,
|  | 2014 |  | 2013 |  | 2014 |  | 2013
Operating revenue |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | %
Operating expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Salaries, wages, and benefits |  | 31.6 | % |  | 30.3 | % |  | 31.6 | % |  | 30.4 | %
Rent and purchased transportation |  | 5.8 | % |  | 0.9 | % |  | 6.1 | % |  | 0.9 | %
Fuel |  | 24.6 | % |  | 30.1 | % |  | 26.3 | % |  | 30.3 | %
Operations and maintenance |  | 4.6 | % |  | 3.8 | % |  | 4.5 | % |  | 3.6 | %
Operating taxes and licenses |  | 2.4 | % |  | 1.5 | % |  | 2.3 | % |  | 1.7 | %
Insurance and claims |  | 2.4 | % |  | 1.5 | % |  | 2.5 | % |  | 2.4 | %
Communications and utilities |  | 0.7 | % |  | 0.6 | % |  | 0.7 | % |  | 0.6 | %
Depreciation and amortization |  | 12.8 | % |  | 11.6 | % |  | 11.8 | % |  | 11.8 | %
Other operating expenses |  | 3.6 | % |  | 3.3 | % |  | 3.7 | % |  | 3.0 | %
Gain on disposal of property and equipment |  | (5.2 | )% |  | (3.4 | )% |  | (4.1 | )% |  | (6.1 | )%
|  | 83.3 | % |  | 80.1 | % |  | 85.4 | % |  | 78.5 | %
Operating income |  | 16.7 | % |  | 19.9 | % |  | 14.6 | % |  | 21.5 | %
Interest income |  | 0.01 | % |  | 0.1 | % |  | 0.02 | % |  | 0.1 | %
Interest expense |  | (0.04 | )% |  | — |  |  | (0.06 | )% |  | — |
Income before income taxes |  | 16.7 | % |  | 20.0 | % |  | 14.6 | % |  | 21.5 | %
Income taxes |  | 6.2 | % |  | 7.9 | % |  | 5.1 | % |  | 7.8 | %
Net income |  | 10.5 | % |  | 12.1 | % |  | 9.5 | % |  | 13.7 | %

The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of GTI on November 11, 2013 and therefore the operating results of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes the operating results of GTI, while the operating results of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 do not include the operating results of GTI. Per the authoritative guidance on segment reporting, the Company has included GTI's operating results in its single reportable segment. See Note 3 for additional information on our segment reporting.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared With the Three Months September 30, 2013
Operating revenue increased $86.4 million (66.2%), to $217.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $130.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in revenue was the result of a $15.7 million (58.6%) increase in fuel surcharge revenue from $26.7 million in the 2013 period to $42.4 million in the 2014 period and an increase in line haul and other revenues of $70.7 million (68.1%).
Revenues (line haul and fuel surcharge) are primarily earned based on loaded miles driven in providing truckload transportation services. The amount of loaded miles driven by the Company is affected by general freight supply and demand trends and the number of revenue earning equipment vehicles (tractors). The number of revenue earning equipment vehicles (tractors) is directly affected by the number of available Company driver employees and independent contractors providing capacity to the Company. The Company's operating revenues are reviewed regularly based on a combined basis due to the similar nature of the Company's service offerings and related similar base pricing structure. The net line haul revenue increase was the result of an increase in loaded miles due to a 59.6% increase in drivers, primarily driven by the GTI acquisition combined with an increase in the rate per loaded mile. The Company expects revenue to be positively impacted through increases in loaded rate per mile due to current market conditions caused by a lack of qualified drivers in the industry and continued integration of legacy GTI freight to the Company's pricing model.
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Fuel surcharge revenues represent fuel costs passed on to customers based on customer specific fuel surcharge recovery rates and billed loaded miles. Fuel surcharge revenues increased primarily as a result of increased loaded miles during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to three months ended September 30, 2013, discussed above, offset by a decrease in the average Department of Energy ("DOE") fuel prices of (2.9)% comparing the two periods.
Salaries, wages, and benefits increased $29.1 million (73.6%), to $68.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $39.6 million in the 2013 period. Salaries, wages and benefits increased $15.8 million due to an increase in driver wages ($29.0 million to $44.8 million, 54.6%), $6.0 million due to an increase in non-driver wages ($5.0 million to $11.0 million, 121.8%), $5.5 million due to an increase in health insurance and workers compensation expense, and $1.8 million increase in other wage related costs mainly due to increased payroll taxes associated with the increase in driver and office and shop wages. The increase in driver wages was attributable to increases in driver miles directly related to an increase in loaded miles per the revenue discussion above. The Company currently expects driver wages to increase, with or without changes in driver miles, due to increases in average driver wages paid per mile. The increases in driver wages per mile are due to current market conditions caused by a lack of qualified drivers in the industry. The increase in office and shop non-driver wages was directly attributable to an 114% increase in the number of employees period over period. Health insurance and workers compensation expense increased mainly due to an increase in the number of covered participants due to increases in Company driver and non-driver employees and an associated increase in the amount of claims.
Rent and purchased transportation increased $11.4 million to $12.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $1.1 million in the comparable period of 2013. The increase was attributable to an increase in amounts paid for operating leases of revenue equipment of $2.3 million, an increase in amounts paid to third party carriers related to freight brokerage services of $4.8 million, an increase in amounts paid to independent contractors of $3.2 million, and an increase in leased terminal property expense of $1.2 million. The increases in operating leases of revenue equipment, third party carrier expense related to freight brokerage services, and leased terminal property expense were due to the Company not having these types of expenses prior to the acquisition of GTI. The increase in independent contractors was due to an increase in the miles driven as a result of an increase in independent contractors driving for the Company during the 2014 period compared to the 2013 period. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, independent contractors accounted for 3.6% of the total fleet miles compared to approximately 1.1% for the same period in 2013.
Fuel increased $14.2 million (36.1%), to $53.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $39.3 million for the same period of 2013. The increase was primarily the result of increased total miles, ($21.0 million), which was offset by a decrease in overall fuel cost per mile, ($6.8 million). Fuel cost per mile, net of fuel surcharge revenues, decreased 37.5% in the 2014 period compared to the same period of 2013. The DOE average diesel price per gallon for the three months ended September 30, 2014 was $3.80 per gallon compared to the same period of 2013 of $3.92 per gallon, a 2.9% decrease. The decrease in the Company's fuel cost per mile, net of fuel surcharge, combined with the decrease in the DOE average price is attributable to increased fuel economy due to newer, more fuel efficient, revenue equipment, increases in fuel surcharges revenues, a change in the mix of idle management controls on our tractor fleet due to the GTI acquisition, and reductions of out of route miles.
Depreciation increased $12.6 million (83.6%), to $27.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $15.1 million in the same period of 2013. The increase is mainly attributable to an increase in the number of revenue equipment units (tractors and trailers) being depreciated. Tractor depreciation increased $8.5 million, on a 41% increase in the number of tractor units depreciated during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the 2013 period. As tractors are depreciated using the declining balance method, depreciation expense is highest in the first year of use and declines in years subsequent to the first year after initial purchase. The Company upgrading the tractor fleet in 2014 along with an overall mix change of the tractor fleet after the GTI acquisition has caused the average depreciation per tractor unit to increase. Trailer depreciation increased $3.1 million on a 77% increase in the number of trailer units depreciated during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the 2013 period. The has not been a significant change in the average depreciation per trailer unit during 2014 compared to 2013. All other depreciation and amortization increased $1.0 million which was mainly due to amortization of intangible assets and depreciation associated with leasehold improvements of leased terminal facilities as a result of the GTI acquisition.
Operating and maintenance expense increased $5.0 million, to $10.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $5.0 million in the same period of 2013. The increase is mainly due to an increase in the number of revenue equipment units in the fleet period over period as discussed above. Also there were increases due to costs associated with preparing equipment for sale as the Company continues to upgrade tractor and trailer fleets.
Gains on the disposal of property and equipment increased $6.8 million (151.4%), to $11.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $4.5 million in the same period of 2013. The increase was the combined effect of increases in gains on sales of tractor equipment of $4.1 million and an increase in gains on trailer equipment sales of $2.6 million. The increase in gains on tractors was due to approximately doubling the number of units sold during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 compared
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to the same period of 2013 with a slight increase in the average gain per unit. The increase in gains on trailers was due to a tripling of the number of units sold, offset by a reduction in the average gain per unit compared to 2013. The Company currently anticipates tractor and trailer equipment sale activity to continue during the fourth quarter of 2014 although at a lower level compared to the three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2014.
Interest expense increased $0.1 million to $0.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to the Company's debt borrowings on its line of credit that was established as part of the November 11, 2013 acquisition. The Company did not have any outstanding debt and related interest expense during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
The Company’s effective tax rate was 37.2% and 39.3% for three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2014 is the net effect of an increase in tax expense due to an increase in taxable income offset by an increase in favorable income tax expense adjustments during the 2014 period compared to the same period of 2013 resulting from deferred taxes compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter is expected to be higher due to there not being any favorable income tax adjustments anticipated.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company’s operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue) was 83.3% during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with 80.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2013. Net income increased $6.9 million (43.3%), to $22.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 from $15.9 million during the comparative 2013 period as a result of the net effects discussed above.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared With the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Operating revenue increased $269.4 million (67.5%), to $668.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $398.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in revenue was the result of a $52.3 million (63.8%) increase in fuel surcharge revenue from $82.0 million in the 2013 period to $134.2 million in the 2014 period and an increase in line haul and other revenues of $217.2 million (68.5%).
Revenues (line haul and fuel surcharge) are primarily earned based on loaded miles driven in providing truckload transportation services. The amount of loaded miles driven by the Company is affected by general freight supply and demand trends and the number of revenue earning equipment vehicles (tractors). The number of revenue earning equipment vehicles (tractors) is directly affected by the number of available Company driver employees and independent contractors providing capacity to the Company. The Company's operating revenues are reviewed regularly based on a combined basis across the United States due to the similar nature of the Company's services offerings and related similar base pricing structure. The net line haul revenue increase was the result of an increase in loaded miles due to a 62.4% increase in drivers, primarily driven by the GTI acquisition combined with an increase in the rate per loaded mile. The Company expects revenue to be positively impacted through increases in loaded rate per mile due to current market conditions of a lack of qualified drivers in the industry and continued integration of legacy GTI freight to the Company's pricing model.
Fuel surcharge revenues represent fuel costs passed on to customers based on customer specific fuel charge recovery rates and billed loaded miles. Fuel surcharge revenues increased primarily as a result of increased loaded miles during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013, offset by a slight decrease in the average DOE diesel fuel prices during the 2014 period compared to the same period of 2013.
Salaries, wages, and benefits increased $89.8 million (74.1%), to $210.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $121.1 million in the 2013 period. Salaries, wages, and benefits increased $51.0 million due to an increase in driver wages, $18.3 million due to office and shop wages, $13.9 million due to an increase in health insurance and workers compensation expense, and $6.6 million due to an increase in other wage related costs mainly due to increased payroll taxes associated with the increase in driver and office and shop wages. The increase in driver wages was attributable to increases in driver miles directly related to an increase in loaded miles per the revenue discussion above. The Company currently expects driver wages to increase, with or without changes in driver miles, due to increases in average driver wages paid per mile. The increases in driver wages per mile are due to current market conditions caused by a lack of qualified drivers in the industry. The increase in office and shop wages was directly attributable to a 119% increase in the number of employees period over period. Health insurance and workers compensation expense also increased mainly due to an increase in the number of covered participants and an associated increase in the amount of claims.
Rent and purchased transportation increased $37.0 million to $40.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $3.7 million in the comparable period of 2013. The increase was attributable to an increase in amounts paid for operating leases of revenue equipment of $6.8 million, an increase in amounts paid to third party carriers on brokered loads of $16.1 million, an increase in amounts paid to independent contractors of $10.5 million, and an increase in leased terminal property expense of $3.6
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million. The increases in operating leases of revenue equipment, third party carrier expense related to freight brokerage services, and leased terminal property expense were due to the Company not having these types of expenses prior to the GTI acquisition. The increase in independent contractors was due to an increase in the miles driven as a result of an increase in independent contractors driving for the Company during the 2014 period compared to the 2013 period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, independent contractors accounted for 3.6% of the total fleet miles compared to 1.2% during the comparable period of 2013.
Fuel increased $55.1 million (45.6%), to $176.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $120.9 million for the same period of 2013. The increase was primarily the result of increased miles, ($68.0 million), which was offset by a decrease in overall fuel cost per mile, ($12.9 million). Fuel cost per mile, net of fuel surcharge, decreased 26.5% in the 2014 period compared to the same period of 2013. The DOE average diesel price per gallon for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $3.91 per gallon compared to the same period of 2013 of $3.94 per gallon, a 0.71% decrease. The decrease in the Company's fuel cost per mile, net of fuel surcharge, combined with the decrease in the DOE average price is attributable to increased fuel economy due to newer, more fuel efficient, revenue equipment, increases in fuel surcharges revenues, a change in the mix of idle management controls on our tractor fleet due to the GTI acquisition, and reductions of out of route miles.
Depreciation and amortization increased $31.9 million (67.7%), to $79.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $47.1 million in the same period of 2013. The increase is mainly attributable to an increase in the number of revenue equipment units (tractors and trailers) being depreciated. Tractor depreciation increased $20.5 million, net of the change in depreciation method for tractors further discussed below, on a 65% increase in the average number of tractor units depreciated during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the 2013 period. As tractors are depreciated using the declining balance method, depreciation expense is highest in the first year of use and declines in years subsequent to the first year after initial purchase. Effective, July 1, 2013, the Company changed depreciation for tractors to the 125% declining balance method from the 150% declining balance method as a stable used equipment market supported a return to the Company's historical estimate of depreciation on tractor equipment over its expected useful life. Changing to the 125% declining balance method from the 150% declining balance method increased operating income and decreased depreciation expense by $3.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The net effect of the Company's overall mix change of the tractor fleet after the GTI acquisition and the change in depreciation method for tractors as of July 1, 2013, has caused the average depreciation per tractor unit to decrease comparing the two periods. Trailer depreciation increased $8.2 million on an 88% increase in the number of trailer units depreciated during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Increases in all other depreciation and amortization were $3.1 million and was mainly related to amortization of intangible assets, ($1.8 million), and depreciation associated with leasehold improvements of leased terminal facilities.
Operating and maintenance expense increased $15.6 million (109.6%), to $29.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $14.3 million in the same period of 2013. Operating and maintenance costs increased mainly due to an increase in the number of revenue equipment units in the fleet period over period as discussed above. Also there were increases due to costs associated with preparing equipment for sale as the Company continues to upgrade tractor and trailer fleets.
Gains on the disposal of property and equipment increased $2.9 million (11.8%), to $27.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $24.3 million in the same period of 2013. The increase was the result of an increase in gains on sales of tractor equipment of $1.2 million and an increase in gains on trailer equipment sales of $1.7 million. The increase in gains on tractors was due mainly to a 9% increase in the number of tractor units sold in the 2014 period compared to the same period of 2013 combined with a slight decrease in the average gain per unit. The increase in gains on trailers was due to a 76% increase in the number of trailer units sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 with a 29% decrease in the average gain per unit during 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. The Company currently anticipates tractor and trailer equipment sale activity to continue during the fourth quarter of 2014 although at a lower level compared to the three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2014.
Interest expense increased $0.4 million, to $0.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to the Company's debt borrowings on its line of credit that was established as part of the November 11, 2013 acquisition. The Company did not have any outstanding debt and related interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
The Company’s effective tax rate was 35.0% and 36.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2014 is primarily attributable to an increase in favorable income tax expense adjustments during the 2014 period compared to the same period of 2013 resulting from the roll off of certain state tax contingencies and a provision to return adjustment.
As a result of the foregoing, the Company’s operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue) was 85.4% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with 78.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Net
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income increased $8.5 million (15.6%), to $63.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from $54.7 million during the compared 2013 period as a result of the net effects discussed above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The growth of the Company’s business requires significant investments in new revenue equipment. Historically the Company has been debt-free, funding revenue equipment purchases with cash flow provided by operations and sales of equipment. The Company’s primary source of liquidity prior to the acquisition of GTI in 2013 had historically been from operating activities. The Company entered into a line of credit during the fourth quarter of 2013 to assist with the payoff of debt assumed by the Company in the acquisition of GTI during November 2013. The Company's primary source of liquidity during 2014 remains cash flow generated from operating activities although the Company has a line of credit to provide assistance with additional cash requirements to fund capital expenditures. During the first nine months of 2014 the Company has been able to fund revenue equipment purchases with cash flows provided by operations and sales of equipment as well as reduce outstanding borrowings on the line of credit.
Operating cash flow during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $129.0 million compared to $73.2 million during the same period of 2013. This was primarily a result of net income (excluding non-cash depreciation, changes in deferred taxes, and gains on disposal of equipment) being approximately $47.8 million higher during 2014 compared to 2013 with additional cash flow generated by operating assets and liabilities of approximately $8.1 million. The net increase in cash provided by operating assets and liabilities for 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 was mainly attributable to the timing of income tax payments and associated net income tax payable position comparing the two periods. Cash flow from operating activities was 19.3% of operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with 18.3% for the same period of 2013.
On November 11, 2013, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, (the "Bank"), Heartland Express, Inc. of Iowa (the "Borrower"), the Company, GTI, and the other members of the Company's consolidated group, as Guarantors. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Bank provided a five-year, $250 million unsecured revolving line of credit (the "Revolver"). The Bank's commitment decreased to $225 million on November 1, 2014, and will decrease to $200 million on November 1, 2015, and to $175 million on November 1, 2016 through October 31, 2018.
The Revolver is unsecured, with a negative pledge against all assets of the Company's consolidated group, except for debt associated with permitted acquisitions, new purchase-money debt and capital lease obligations as described in the Credit Agreement. The Revolver matures on October 31, 2018 (the "Maturity Date"), subject to the Borrower's ability to terminate the commitment at any time at no additional cost to the Borrower. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement can either be, at Borrower's election, (i) one-month or three-month LIBOR (Index) plus 0.625%, floating, or (ii) Prime (Index) plus 0%, floating. The weighted average variable annual percentage rate (“APR”) for amounts borrowed and outstanding at September 30, 2014 was 0.78%. There is a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolver at .0625%, due quarterly.
The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants including, but not limited to, (i) a maximum adjusted leverage ratio of 2:1, measured quarterly on a trailing twelve months, (ii) a minimum net income requirement of $1.00, measured quarterly on a trailing twelve months, (iii) a minimum tangible net worth of $200 million requirement, measured quarterly, and (iv) limitations on other indebtedness and liens. The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, conditions, representations and warranties, and indemnification provisions. The Company was in compliance with the respective financial covenants at September 30, 2014.
Cash flows used in investing activities was $65.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $25.4 million during the comparative 2013 period or an increase in cash used of $40.5 million. The increase in cash used in investing activities was the net result of an increase in net capital expenditures (cash used in equipment purchases less cash provided from equipment sales) of $21.6 million, a payment of $3.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to the finalization of post closing items associated with net working capital related to the November 11, 2013 acquisition of GTI, and a $9.9 million reduction in cash received from the maturity and calls of investments. The Company currently anticipates annual 2014 net capital expenditures to be approximately $120 million to $125 million, of which $56.7 million has been paid during the nine months end September 30, 2014. Net capital expenditures mostly relates to the Company's upgrade of its tractor and trailer fleet throughout 2014.
Cash used in financing activities increased $54.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013 due to net repayments of borrowings on the Company's line of credit. The Company did not have any debt outstanding during the 2013 comparable period.
In September, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a program to repurchase 15.4 million shares, adjusted for stock splits, of the Company’s common stock in open market or negotiated transactions using available cash, cash equivalents and
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investments which was subsequently amended in February, 2012. Approximately 3.2 million shares remain authorized for repurchase under the program as of September 30, 2014. There were no shares repurchased in the open market during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The authorization remains open at September 30, 2014 and has no expiration date. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
The Company paid income taxes, net of refunds, of $13.2 million and $31.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013.
Management believes the Company has adequate liquidity to meet its current and projected needs in the foreseeable future. Management believes the Company will continue to have significant capital requirements over the long-term which are expected to be funded from cash flows provided by operations, proceeds from the sale of used equipment and available capacity on the Company's line of credit. At September 30, 2014, the Company had $23.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $224.6 million available borrowing capacity on the line of credit.
Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
The Company’s liquidity or financial condition is not materially affected by off-balance sheet transactions. In conjunction with the acquisition of GTI, the Company is party to certain operating leases to finance a portion of the Company's revenue equipment requirements and terminal facilities requirements. Operating lease expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $10.0 million.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The new guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
Risk Factors
You should refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2013, under the caption “Risk Factors” for specific details on the following factors that are not within the control of the Company and could affect our financial results.

• | Our business is subject to general economic and business factors that are largely out of our control, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results.

• | Our growth may not continue at historic rates.

• | If we are unable to retain our current customers at our current freight rates, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

• | We are highly dependent on a few major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

• | The indebtedness under our Credit Agreement could have important consequences for our future operations.

• | We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect our profitability if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations and obtain financing on favorable terms.

• | Increased prices, reduced productivity, and restricted availability of new revenue equipment and decreased demand and value of used equipment may adversely affect our earnings and cash flows.

• | If fuel prices increase significantly, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

• | Difficulty in driver and independent contractor recruitment and retention may have a materially adverse effect on our business.

• | If our independent contractors are deemed by regulators or judicial process to be employees, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

• | We operate in a highly regulated industry, and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

• | CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) could adversely affect our profitability and operations, our ability to maintain or grow our fleet, and our customer relationships.

• | Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violations of which could result in substantial fines or penalties.

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• | We are exposed to risks related to our recent acquisition of GTI.

• | We may not make acquisitions in the future, or if we do, we may not be successful in integrating the acquired company, either of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

• | If we are unable to retain our key employees or find, develop, and retain service center managers, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

• | Seasonality and the impact of weather affect our operations profitability.

• | Ongoing insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings.

• | We are dependent on computer and communications systems, and a systems failure could cause a significant disruption to our business.

• | Concentrated ownership of our stock can influence shareholder decisions, may discourage a change in control, and may have an adverse effect on the share price of our stock.

ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

General
We are exposed to market risk changes in interest rates on our long-term debt and from changes in commodity prices, primarily fuel and rubber. We do not currently use derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes, although we have used instruments in the past for fuel price risk management, and do not use them for either speculation or trading. Because the majority of our operations are confined to the United States, we are not subject to a material foreign currency risk.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company had $21.0 million of debt outstanding at September 30, 2014. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement can either be, at the Company's election, (i) one-month or three-month LIBOR (Index) plus 0.625%, floating, or (ii) Prime (Index) plus 0%, floating. All outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2014 were under the one-month LIBOR (Index) plus 0.625% option. Increases in interest rates could impact our annual interest expense on future borrowings. Assuming the level of borrowings at September 30, 2014, a hypothetical one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR interest rate would increase our annual expense by $0.2 million. Management believes that an increase in short-term interest rates could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition only if we incur substantial indebtedness and the interest rate increases are not offset by freight rate increases or other items. Management does not foresee or expect in the near future any significant changes in our exposure to interest rate fluctuations or in how that exposure is managed by us.
Commodity Price Risk
We are subject to commodity price risk primarily with respect to purchases of fuel and rubber. Historically, we have sought to recover a portion of our short-term fuel price increases from customers through fuel surcharges. Fuel surcharges that can be collected do not always fully offset an increase in the cost of diesel fuel. We believe that the majority of the fuel price increases are generally passed to our customers although based on the Company's historical experience, the Company is not able to pass through to customers 100% of fuel price increases. The Company is not able to pass through fuel costs associated with out-of-route miles, empty miles, and tractor idle time. We use a significant amount of tires to maintain our revenue equipment. The Company may not be able to pass through 100% of price increases from tire suppliers due to the severity and timing of increases and current rate environment of the time of the increases. Historically, we have sought to minimize tire price increases through bulk tire purchases from our suppliers.

ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures– The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify the Company’s financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operations of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in enabling the Company to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings within the required time period.
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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a party to ordinary, routine litigation and administrative proceedings incidental to its business. These proceedings primarily involve claims for personal injury, property damage, cargo, and workers’ compensation incurred in connection with the transportation of freight. The Company maintains insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions.
ITEM 2. CHANGE IN SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits

| 3.1 |  | Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-8165, effective November 5, 1986.
| 3.2 |  | Amended and Restated Bylaws. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2007, dated February 28, 2008
| 3.3 |  | Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-QA, for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, dated March 20, 1998.
| 4.1 |  | Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-8165, effective November 5, 1986.
| 4.2 |  | Amended and Restated Bylaws. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2007, dated February 28, 2008.
| 4.3 |  | Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-QA, for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, dated March 20, 1998.
| 31.1* |  | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
| 31.2* |  | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.
| 32.1* |  | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
| 32.2* |  | Certification of the Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
| 101.INS** |  | XBRL Instance Document.
| 101.SCH** |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
| 101.CAL** |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
| 101.DEF** |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
| 101.LAB** |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
| 101.PRE** |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2014.
** In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 shall be deemed to be "furnished" and not "filed."
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
No other information is required to be filed under Part II of the form.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused the report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

|  | HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
Date: | November 10, 2014 | By: /s/ John P. Cosaert
|  | John P. Cosaert
|  | Executive Vice President of Finance
|  | and Chief Financial Officer
|  | (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

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