Heartland Express Q4 Net Income Increases 16%

North Liberty Carrier's 2008 Revenues Up 5.7%

Heartland Express, a US-based truckload carrier, has announced that its net income increased 16.4% to $19.4 million or $0.2 per share in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $16.6 million or $0.17 per share in the same period of 2007.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, operating revenues decreased 7% to $142 million from $152.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Operating income in the fourth quarter of 2008 was favorably impacted by approximately $6.1 million, or $0.04 per share, due to increased gains on disposal of property and equipment.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, operating revenues increased 5.7% to $625.6 million, compared to $591.9 million in the same period in 2007. Net income decreased 8.1% to $70 million or $0.73 per share, compared to $76.2 million or $0.78 per share in 2007.