HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC

Previous report

We self-insure for a significant portion of our claims exposure, which could significantly increase the volatility of, and decrease the amount of, our earnings.

Previous report

Our future insurance and claims expense might exceed historical levels, which could reduce our earnings. Our business results in a substantial number of claims and litigation related to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, personal injuries, and employment issues as well as employees’ health insurance. We self-insure for a portion of our claims, which could increase the volatility of, and decrease the amount of, our earnings, and could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations. We are also responsible for our legal expenses relating to such claims. We reserve currently for anticipated losses and related expenses. We periodically evaluate and adjust our claims reserves to reflect trends in our own experience as well as industry trends. However, ultimate results may differ from our estimates due to a number of uncertainties, including evaluation of severity, legal costs, and claims that have been incurred but not reported, which could result in losses over our reserved amounts. Due to our high retained amounts, we have significant exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims. If we are required to reserve or pay additional amounts because our estimates are revised or the claims ultimately prove to be more severe than originally assessed or if our self-insured retention levels change, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Previous report

We maintain insurance for most risks above the amounts for which we self-insure with licensed insurance carriers. We do not currently maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage, although we are obligated to indemnify them against certain liabilities they may incur while serving in such capacities. If any claim is not covered by an insurance policy, exceeds our coverage, or falls outside the aggregate coverage limit, we would bear the excess or uncovered amount, in addition to our other self-insured amounts. Certain insurance carriers that provide excess insurance coverage to us currently and for past claim years have encountered financial issues. In recent years there have been several insurance carriers that have exited the excess reinsurance market. Insurance carriers have raised premiums and collateral requirements for many businesses, including trucking companies. This trend is expected to continue. As a result, our insurance and claims expense could likely increase if we have a similar experience at renewal, or we could find it necessary to raise our self-insured retention or decrease our aggregate coverage limits when our policies are renewed or replaced.

Previous report

In April 2023, we renewed our primary auto liability insurance with a three year program. Under the April 2023 renewal, our auto liability retention limit across all operating entities was increased to $3.0 million for any individual claim, subject to a $3.5 million corridor for any one accident or combination of accidents that exceed $3.0 million, based on the insured party, accident date, and circumstances of the loss event. In April 2024, an additional corridor was added, where we retain liability of $5.0 million for any one accident or combination of accidents that exceed $10.0 million. Liabilities in excess of the $3.0 million deductible, the $3.5 million corridor, and the $5.0 million corridor are covered by insurance up to $80.0 million. We retain any liability in excess of $80.0 million. Furthermore, under the April 2023 renewal, our premiums are subject to upward or downward adjustments based on claims experience in the $3.0 million to $10.0 million policy during the three year program. The elevated retention limit and the premium adjustment feature could lead to increased volatility in our insurance and claims expense, depending on the frequency and magnitude of claims.

Previous report

Should these expenses increase, we become unable to find excess coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, we experience a claim in excess of our coverage limits, we experience a claim for which we do not have coverage, or we have to increase our reserves or collateral, there could be a materially adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.