Heartland Express Reviews
Driver reviews, ratings, and culture insights for Heartland Express
3.6
out of 5.0
Good
Based on aggregated driver feedback
Company Overview
Heartland Express is a major irregular-route truckload carrier focused on short-to-medium haul lanes. Known for getting drivers home more frequently than typical OTR carriers, Heartland operates primarily in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
Headquarters
North Liberty, IA
Fleet Size
5,000+ trucks
Pay Range
$55,000 - $80,000
Experience
1 year CDL-A preferred (some recent graduate programs)
Pros & Cons From a Driver Perspective
Pros
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match helps build long-term financial security
- Dedicated and local positions offer predictable schedules and more home time
- Fleet of 5,000+ trucks provides stability and consistent freight volume
- Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Cons
- Driver satisfaction ratings suggest room for improvement in some areas
- OTR positions require extended time away from home -- common across the industry
- Pay varies significantly by division, region, and freight market conditions
- Large carrier operations mean some decisions feel impersonal compared to smaller fleets
Benefits Breakdown
- Medical, dental, and vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid orientation
- Late-model Freightliner equipment
- Weekly home time options
Work Culture
Heartland Express operates a fleet of 5,000+ trucks with positions across OTR, Regional, Dedicated divisions. The company is headquartered in North Liberty, IA and has been serving the trucking industry since 1978.
Heartland Express has a driver rating of 3.6/5, which is in line with industry averages for large carriers. Like many large fleets, individual experiences vary significantly by division, dispatcher, and region.
Job types available include OTR, Regional, Dedicated, giving drivers flexibility to find a role that matches their home time preferences and career goals. The company accepts new CDL graduates, making it accessible to drivers just starting their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartland Express's driver rating?
Heartland Express has a driver rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on aggregated driver feedback. This rating reflects overall satisfaction with pay, home time, equipment, and management. A rating above 4.0 is considered above average for the trucking industry.
Is Heartland Express a good company to drive for?
Heartland Express offers competitive pay ($55,000 - $80,000) and benefits. Whether it is a good fit depends on your priorities -- home time preferences, equipment standards, and career goals. We recommend researching specific divisions and talking to current drivers before making a decision.
What do drivers say about Heartland Express's pay?
Driver pay at Heartland Express ranges from $55,000 - $80,000 depending on division, experience, and route type. Dedicated and specialized positions typically pay at the higher end. Benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and bonuses contribute to total compensation beyond base pay.
Does Heartland Express hire new CDL graduates?
Heartland Express requires 1 year CDL-A preferred (some recent graduate programs) for most positions. This means new CDL graduates can apply, making it a good entry point for new drivers.