HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC

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):

September 1, 2026

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(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:

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.☐

On September 1, 2026, James G. Pratt, a member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Heartland Express, Inc. (the “Company”), notified the Company of his decision retire from the Board. Mr. Pratt’s retirement is effective immediately and was not the result of any disagreement with management or the Board or related to the Company's operations, policies, or practices. The Company thanks Mr. Pratt for his dedicated service over the last 20 years.

Effective September 1, 2026, current Board member, Brenda S. Neville, replaced Mr. Pratt as a member of the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee. Board and current Audit and Risk Committee member, Amanda M. Hupfeld, assumed the duties as the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee.

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.