Heartland Express Inc. of Iowa was ranked as one of the "200 Best Small Companies," according to the annual Forbes list, which appeared in the Oct. 28 issue.

Forbes, in conjunction with William O'Neil & Co., compiled the list of public companies with sales from $5 million to $600 million annually with a stock price above $5 per share and a five-year return on equity of at least 5%. These companies must be profitable, and every company on the list had to earn a net margin of 5% or greater, excluding extraordinary and nonrecurring items.
Heartland Express exceeded all of these standards to get a ranking of 154 on the list. According to the listing Heartland has a five-year average return on equity of 18%, no debt, and 15% earnings per share in the last 12 months.
"We are very pleased to be among this elite group of companies on the 200 Best Small Companies from Forbes magazine," said Russell Gerdin, founder, president and CEO. "It is a true testament to our drivers as well as office people and their desire to be the best truckload carrier in America. We continue to drive into the fundamentals of what make Heartland successful -- profitable growth and remaining debt free."
"Our vision has not changed since we started with 16 trucks and an office staff of four people. It takes the desire and dedication of each and every employee and contractor we have. Every one of them understands our vision and that gives us our edge," said John Cosaert, executive vice president and CFO.
Heartland Express is an irregular route truckload carrier based in Coralville, Iowa serving customers with primary shipping lane east of the Rocky Mountains. It offers long-haul, regional, and dedicated opportunities. Any professional driver interested in getting more information about Heartland Express can call (800) 441-4953.