Russell Gerdin, founder, and former chairman and chief executive officer of motor carrier Heartland Express, died Friday evening, the company announced.
Heartland Express is one of the most profitable trucking companies in the industry and has a reputation for operational excellence.
“Russ was a true visionary and pioneer in our industry. A giant,” American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves said in a statement.
Gerdin, 70, started Heartland, North Liberty, Iowa, in 1978 and took the company public in 1986.
Heartland Express founder Gerdin dead at 70
