Heartland Express
North Liberty, IA · Founded 1978 · 5,800+ trucks · 48 states
Company Overview
Heartland Express is a major irregular-route truckload carrier known for its short-haul and medium-length-of-haul operations. After acquiring Smith Transport, Millis Transfer, and parts of Celadon's assets, Heartland has grown significantly. The company focuses primarily on company drivers rather than owner-operators and emphasizes consistent miles and fuel efficiency. Heartland runs primarily dry van freight across the lower 48.
Pay & Compensation
Solo Driver Pay
$0.50-$0.64/mi
Team Driver Pay
$0.62-$0.76/mi
Owner-Operator Pay
N/A (company drivers only)
Benefits & Perks
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Rider and pet policy
- Weekly pay with direct deposit
- Fuel incentive bonuses
Hiring Requirements
- Minimum Age
- 21 years old
- Experience Required
- 12 months
- CDL Class
- Class A
- Endorsements
- None required
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good short-haul and regional routes
- Consistent miles for company drivers
- Competitive weekly pay
- Strong presence in the Midwest
Cons
- No owner-operator program
- 12-month experience requirement
- Limited equipment diversity (mostly dry van)
Equipment & Operations
Equipment Types
Dry VanDedicatedRefrigerated
Operating Region
48 states
Home Time
Every 10-14 days OTR; weekly for regional
Annual Revenue
$2.4 billion
Best For
Experienced company drivers wanting consistent miles on shorter hauls
Frequently Asked Questions About Heartland Express
No. Heartland Express operates exclusively with company drivers. They do not have an owner-operator or lease purchase program.
After Celadon Group shut down in late 2019, Heartland Express acquired some of Celadon's equipment and terminal assets, adding to their fleet capacity.
Heartland drivers average 2,000 to 2,500 miles per week on OTR runs. Shorter hauls mean more stops but also more frequent home time opportunities.