Form 3 Filing and Power of Attorney

This filing is a Form 3, which reports initial beneficial ownership of securities, for David P. Spalding, a director of HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC. The filing indicates that Mr. Spalding currently beneficially owns no securities of the company. Accompanying the Form 3 is a Power of Attorney document, dated April 2, 2026, signed by David P. Spalding. This power of attorney designates Michael Gerdin, Chris Strain, Joshua Helmich, and Adam Lamos as attorneys-in-fact to execute and file Forms 3, 4, and 5 on behalf of Mr. Spalding. These forms are required under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The power of attorney also includes provisions for indemnification of the attorneys-in-fact and remains in effect until Mr. Spalding is no longer required to file such forms or until earlier revoked.