Road to NTDC Spotlight: Ina Daly
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For XPO’s Ina Daly, the road to success has been paved with precision, passion and perseverance. Over three decades, she has transformed from a rookie in Arizona’s trucking championships to a trailblazer in the industry, accumulating awards and admiration along the way.
It was 30 years ago that Daly first entered Arizona’s trucking championships circuit. Rather than faltering amid the challenges of rookie life, she channeled her passion for the craft into a canvas of achievements that have inspired many.
In 2013, Daly shattered the gender barrier at the National Truck Driving Championships, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Safety.” She became the first woman to claim a title in the tanker vehicle class, surpassing a field of luminaries in Salt Lake City to etch her name in the record books. Last year, NTDC leadership recognized her contributions with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award.
This year, the three-time Grand Canyon State grand champion will compete in her 17th nationals, showcasing her skills in the flatbed class at the 87th annual summer classic.
2024 National Truck Driving Championships
Who: Winners from nine categories at the state level who have advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
What: Contestants are judged on a written exam, pre-trip inspection and driving skills
When: Aug. 21-24
Where: Indianapolis
“It’s a big deal, the nationals — just feels so special to be there and be a part of it,” Daly told Transport Topics. “You kind of get into the whole hype of it and just feel like, ‘Wow, I’m actually here.’ What a blessing and an honor.”
Daly’s success extends beyond her titles. Her affable and team-oriented approach to competition sets her apart. “You just get there and you just feel like, ‘Wow, these are kindred spirits. They take their job seriously. They look at their job as a career,’ ” she said. “These are people like me, and they put out a lot of work on the weekends or in their free time to up their game. Because this is what we do for a living. We want to be the best that we can be just for our own safety. And, we’re able to showcase that hard work on a national level.”
Ina Daly is flanked by Terry Tesch of R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products (left) and NTDC Chair Rodney Myers as she receives the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award at NTDC 2023. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
For Daly, NTDC’s focus on safety fosters camaraderie and a shared goal. “I think it has a huge impact on safety and culture — both — in every company that puts their drivers out there,” she said. She encourages companies to promote driver participation in truck driving championships to enhance their safety culture.
“If companies really want to make an impact on their safety culture,” she said, “they need to really encourage their drivers to participate in [truck driving championships].”
You kind of get into the whole hype of it and just feel like, ‘Wow, I’m actually here.’ What a blessing and an honor.
XPO driver Ina Daly on competing at NTDC
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Daly is among 22 XPO standouts set to test their knowledge and skills this month. State grand champions from the company this year include Ernie Budlowski in Connecticut, Richard Sweeney in Massachusetts, Wilbert Vano in New Jersey and Larry Gorby in West Virginia.
Ina Daly is joined by fellow America's Road Team captains (from left) Ritch Fundell of FedEx Freight, Rhonda Hartman of Old Dominion Freight Line, Derrien Henderson of J&M Tank Lines and James Ellis of Grammer Logistics. Daly was named a captain for 2001-03. (Photo courtesy of Ina Daly)
“XPO’s continued success at the National Truck Driving Championships is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, reliability and world-class service for our customers,” Mario Harik, CEO of XPO, said last month. “Congratulations to all of our drivers who qualified for the national finals and to everyone who competed in their state competitions. We’re proud of your skill, professionalism and hard work and look forward to cheering on Team XPO in Indianapolis.”
XPO ranks No. 5 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America, and No. 3 on the less-than-truckload sector list.
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