Heartland Express Inc. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009. Earnings per share decreased 15.8% to $0.16 from $0.19 in the third quarter of 2008. Net income decreased 22.5% to $14.5 million from $18.7 million in the 2008 period. Operating revenues decreased 33.3% to $113.4 million from $169.9 million in the third quarter of 2008. Operating revenues for the year have been impacted by the continued impact on demand due to the economic downturn and the related downward pressure on freight rates. In addition, operating revenues for the quarter and the nine month period were impacted by a reduction in fuel surcharge revenues of $26.0 million and $68.8 million, respectively, due to lower fuel prices. Operating income was $22.41 million against $28.62 million a year ago. Operating income was favorably impacted by a $5.4 million, $0.04 per share, increase in gains on disposal of property and equipment related to the company's fleet upgrade. Interest income was $0.48 million against $1.94 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $22.89 million against $30.56 million a year ago. For the nine months, the company's earnings per share decreased 3.8% to $0.51 from $0.53 in the compared 2008 period. Net income decreased 8.6% to $46.3 million from $50.6 million in the 2008 period. Operating revenues decreased 28.6% to $345.3 million from $483.6 million in the first nine months of 2008. Operating income was $63.15 million against $69.29 million a year ago. Operating income was favorably impacted by a $10.6 million, $0.08 per share, increase in gains on disposal of property and equipment related to the company's fleet upgrade. Interest income was $1.92 million against $7.04 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $65.08 million against $76.33 million a year ago. The company express continues to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend.

Heartland Express Inc. expected to Report Fiscal Year 2009 Results on January 18, 2010. This event was calculated by Capital IQ (Created on October 20, 2009).

The Board of Directors of Heartland Express Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on October 2, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 21, 2009. A total of approximately $1.8 million will be paid on the Company's 90.7 million outstanding shares of common stock.