Michael J. Gerdin started with Heartland Express in 1983 as a teenager washing trucks, sweeping floors and working in the shop. Since that time he has held a variety of positions throughout the Company in operations, sales, safety, shop and driver recruiting departments. Mr. Gerdin received his BA degree in Business Management from Luther College in 1992. He was elected to the Heartland Express board of directors in 1996, an appointment in which he still serves today. From 1998 to 2001 Michael was President of A&M Express of Kingsport, TN, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heartland Express. In 2001 Michael was appointed to Vice President of Regional Operations of Heartland Express. In May 2006 he was named President of Heartland Express. In September 2011 he was named CEO and Chairman of the Board. In November 2013 Heartland Express acquired Gordon Trucking. In July 2017 Heartland Express acquired Interstate Distributor. In August 2019 Heartland Express acquired Millis Transfer. In June 2022 Heartland Express acquired Smith Transport. In August 2022 Heartland Express acquired CFI.

Michael serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Steering Committee for the Iowa Motor Truck Association. He serves on the College of Business Advisory Council at Iowa State University and Board of Directors for West Bank.

In addition to his professional interests, Michael is an avid runner, having competed in 17 marathons, 3 half-Ironman competitions and completed 2 Ironman competitions. He is an avid outdoors man, loving to hunt, fish, golf and coach his sons. His favorite past time is spending time with his wife Nicole and their four sons Clay, Grant, Nick, and Adam.