Heartland Express (NASDAQ: HTLD) appoints Joshua Helmich Chief Administrative Officer

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Heartland Express, Inc. reported a leadership change connected to the ongoing integration of the U.S. operations of Contract Freighters, Inc. (“CFI”) into the company. Joshua Helmich has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer of Heartland Express, effective January 1, 2026, and will continue to serve as the company’s Secretary. As part of the CFI integration, he has ceased to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CFI as of December 31, 2025. This update highlights how Heartland is reshaping its management structure as it brings CFI’s operations more fully into the broader organization.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

--------------------------------------------------------------

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,

IA

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

FAQ

What executive change did Heartland Express (HTLD) disclose in this 8-K?

Heartland Express disclosed that Joshua Helmich has been appointed as Chief Administrative Officer of the company, effective January 1, 2026.

Will Joshua Helmich keep any of his previous roles at Heartland Express (HTLD)?

Yes. The filing states that Mr. Helmich will continue to serve as the Company’s Secretary in addition to becoming Chief Administrative Officer.

What change was made to Joshua Helmich’s role at Contract Freighters, Inc. (CFI)?

In connection with integrating CFI into Heartland Express, Mr. Helmich ceased to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CFI, effective December 31, 2025.

How is this leadership change related to Heartland Express’s integration of CFI?

The filing explains that the appointment of Mr. Helmich as Chief Administrative Officer and his departure from the CFI CFO role are “in association with the previously announced integration” of CFI’s U.S. operations into Heartland Express.

When do the role changes for Joshua Helmich at Heartland Express (HTLD) and CFI take effect?

His new role as Chief Administrative Officer at Heartland Express is effective January 1, 2026, and he ceased serving as CFI’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on December 31, 2025.

Who signed the 8-K filing for Heartland Express (HTLD)?

The report was signed on behalf of Heartland Express by Christopher A. Strain, who is identified as Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.