• Heartland Express founder Russell Gerdin retires

    Russell Gerdin, founder of Heartland Express, has retired for health reasons, according to a company statement. Gerdin took a leave of absence from his duties as chairman & CEO in January
    Sept. 7, 2011

    Russell Gerdin, founder of Heartland Express, has retired for health reasons, according to a company statement. Gerdin took a leave of absence from his duties as chairman & CEO in January.

    On Friday, the company announced that Gerdin’s son Michael — who assumed his duties temporarily in January — has been permanently named chairman & CEO of the truckload carrier based in Liberty, IA. Russell Gerdin will take on the chairman emeritus title.

    Russell Gerdin founded Heartland in 1978, leading the company through its initial public offering in late 1986 and through five acquisitions since 1987, with the most recent in 2002. Michael began to work at Heartland in 1992, and has served as president since 1996.

    Heartland in July reported its second-quarter profit jumped 35% as revenue grew due to stronger demand for freight services, as well as the benefit of higher fuel surcharges.

    About the Author

    Deborah Whistler

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from Operations

    4126654 | Phartisan | Dreamstime.com
    driver retention
    Turnover and its causes are expenses we like to ignore or accept as the cost of running a trucking company. In a market like today’s, investing in retention doesn’t mean spending...
    Brakebush Transportation
    Brakebush Transportation was awarded the 2025 FleetOwner Private Fleet of the Year Award, sponsored by Descartes, for midsize operations.
    Members Only
    Leaders of Brakebush Transportation, a century-old family business, share some of their innovative strategies and deep commitments to drivers that earned their operation FleetOwner...
    Schneider
    schneider 90th anniversary
    Schneider hosted an anniversary event, honoring a legacy that began in 1935 and grew to 12,500 trucks today.