UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

December 31, 2025

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HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Nevada	000-15087	93-0926999
(State of other Jurisdiction	(Commission	(IRS Employer
of Incorporation)	File Number)	Identification No.)

901 HEARTLAND WAY,

NORTH LIBERTY,

52317

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

(319) 626-3600

Registrant's Telephone Number (including area code):

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	HTLD	NASDAQ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

In association with the previously announced integration of the U.S. operations of Contract Freighters, Inc. ("CFI") into Heartland Express, Joshua Helmich has been appointed as the Chief Administrative Officer of Heartland Express, Inc. (the “Company”), effective January 1, 2026. Mr. Helmich will also continue to serve as the Company’s Secretary, but in association with the integration of CFI has ceased to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CFI, effective December 31, 2025.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.

Date:

January 7, 2026

By:/s/Christopher A. Strain

Christopher A. Strain

Vice President-Finance,

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC 8-K