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.

Company Overview

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.