Heartland Express Introduces The `GREEN MILE$' Program Offering an Unprecedented Pay Increase for Company Drivers and Owner Operators on Select Miles in the Northeast

CORALVILLE, Iowa--Aug. 2, 20047, 2004--Heartland Express, Inc. of Iowa (www.heartlandexpress.com), considered to be the highest paying truckload carrier in the industry according to a national survey, announces a new pay program called the "GREEN MILE$" program, with pay rates as high as $.50 per HHG mile for company drivers and $.95 per HHG mile for owner operators before any additional fuel stabilization pay per mile.

Company drivers and owner operators will make an additional 7 cents per mile for all the HHG miles driven in what will be known as the "Green Zone". The "Green Zone" is an area north of the southern border of Maryland and east of Interstate 81 running through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. Heartland's drivers who currently make $.43 per mile (including their safety bonus) will earn an unprecedented $.50 per "green mile" within the "Green Zone". Owner Operators will also make an additional 7 cents per "green mile" in the "Green Zone," making their pay for each HHG mile $.95 per mile.

Russell Gerdin, Chairman, and CEO had this to say, "We raised the bar for driver pay quite a while ago, and today we set the bar even higher. I'm committed to setting the bar long into the future. We will continue to direct our efforts and resources to build an organization that provides the highest level of service to our customers. I believe it's good for our drivers, for Heartland, and for the entire industry."

"We made a significant financial commitment with our 3 cent pay raise back in January, and now we are making another one with the "GREEN MILE$" program. Heartland Express is committed to the well-being of our drivers and their families. Offering the highest pay, and exciting programs like "GREEN MILE$," is our way of showing it." stated John Cosaert, Executive Vice-President and CFO.

This program will go into effect October 2nd, 2004.

Heartland Express is an irregular route truckload carrier based in Coralville, IA, serving customers with primary shipping lanes east of the Rocky Mountains. It offers long-haul, regional, team, and dedicated opportunities.

This press release may contain statements that might be considered as forward-looking statements or predictions of future operations. Such statements are based on management's belief of interpretation of information currently available. These statements and assumptions involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual events may differ from these expectations as specified from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.