NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa, Oct. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heartland Express, Inc. (www.heartlandexpress.com) (HTLD) was honored with a SmartWay® Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a true industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.

Heartland’s goal is to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by adopting various technologies, policies, and techniques to achieve positive results including aerodynamic devices on equipment, advanced tire technology, weight reduction practices, advanced lubrication technology, engine upgrades, trailer specifications, speed management, and idle control strategies by their driver fleet.

“Our financial strength affords us the ability to have one of the newest fleets in the industry,” stated Michael Gerdin, President and CEO of Heartland Express.  “This means we can adopt the latest environmentally friendly technology proven to perform efficiently and effectively.  We’ve won this award because our people work hard and believe in doing what’s right for the environment and Heartland Express.”

Heartland was one of 39 truck carriers to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay’s nearly 3000 Partners. The carrier Excellence Awardees were honored at American Trucking Associations Annual Management Conference & Exhibition held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 19, 2015.

“EPA is pleased to honor these SmartWay Partners with a 2015 Excellence Award,” said Chris Grundler, Director, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality.  “SmartWay carriers work diligently to bring our families the goods we need each day, while contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for our children.”

Heartland Express is an irregular route truckload carrier based in North Liberty, Iowa serving customers with shipping lanes throughout the United States.  Heartland focuses on medium to short haul regional freight, offering shippers industry leading on-time service so they can achieve their strategic goals for their customers.  More information about Heartland Express can be found on the company website at www.heartlandexpress.com.  

EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-driven initiative that empowers businesses to move goods in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible, while protecting public health and reducing the impacts of climate change. Demonstration of a commitment to corporate sustainability and social responsibility through SmartWay provides for a more competitive and environmentally-friendly business environment. Since 2004, SmartWay Partners have saved 144.3 million barrels of oil and $20.6 billion in fuel costs. SmartWay’s clean air achievements (61.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 1,070,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 43,000 tons of particulate matter emissions avoided) help to protect the well-being of citizens.

CONTACT: Contact:
Heartland Express, Inc.
Michael Gerdin, Chief Executive Officer
319-626-3600
or
John P. Cosaert, Chief Financial Officer
319-626-3600