A total of 52 roadside inspectors from across North America will gather in Salt Lake City, Utah, to compete to be named the best commercial vehicle inspector during the 21st annual North American Inspectors Championship, Aug. 19-23.

The event is hosted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and is held in conjunction with the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships.

Each year, CVSA recognizes the best of the best by inviting member jurisdictions throughout North America to participate in the North American Inspectors Championship. This year’s contestant line-up includes six representatives from Canada and 46 from the United States.

“It’s all about saving lives. By holding this competition annually, we strengthen the quality of inspections across North America. Contestants receive training on the latest safety information, technology, standards and inspection procedures while exchanging ideas, techniques and experiences with their peers from other jurisdictions,” said Stephen A. Keppler, CVSA’s executive director.

“In order to advance commercial vehicle safety, we need the involvement of all stakeholders to help us better understand the issues and put practical solutions in place. This event allows us to continually build on the success of the North American Standard Inspection Program and provides member jurisdictions with a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their own CMV safety programs,” says Keppler.

NAIC inspectors compete for top honors in six event categories in pursuit of the Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion Award:

1. North American Standard Level I Inspection; 
2. North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedure; 
3. North American Standard HazMat/Transportation of Dangerous Goods Inspection; 
4. North American Standard Cargo Tank/Other Bulk Packagings Inspection; 
5. North American Standard Level V Passenger Vehicle (Motorcoach) Inspection; and, 
6. North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria Exam.