Texas Inspector Dustin Henderson Crowned North American Inspectors Championship Grand Champion
Table of Contents
- Texas Inspector Dustin Henderson Crowned North American Inspectors Championship Grand Champion
- Recognizing Excellence in Commercial Vehicle Safety
- International Recognition of top Inspectors
- Awarding Expertise Across Inspection Categories
- Continuous Training and Development
- A Rigorous Competition
- Henderson to Address CVSA Membership
- Fostering Collaboration Between Inspectors and Drivers
- The Importance of Roadside Enforcement
Minneapolis, MN – Dustin Henderson, a commercial vehicle inspector with the Texas Department of Public Safety, has been awarded the prestigious North American Inspectors Championship (NAIC) Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion Award, recognizing him as the top roadside inspector in North America. The announcement was made by CVSA President Capt.John Hahn of the Colorado State Patrol during a joint awards ceremony with the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships.
Recognizing Excellence in Commercial Vehicle Safety
The NAIC, the sole North American competition dedicated to evaluating and honoring commercial motor vehicle inspector proficiency, drew 46 inspectors to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for rigorous testing and evaluation. This year’s event underscored the critical role these professionals play in ensuring the safety of roadways across the continent.
“This championship isn’t just about identifying violations; it’s about a commitment to safety and a dedication to upholding the highest standards,” a senior official stated.
International Recognition of top Inspectors
In addition to the Grand Champion Award, sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance, inspectors representing Canada, Mexico, and the United States were recognized with High Points Awards, sponsored by The Davey Tree Expert Company.
- Sean McAlister High Points Canada Award: Jacob Lickers, Ontario Ministry of Transportation
- High Points Mexico Award: Luis Leon Merino Gomez, Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation
- High Points U.S. Award: Dustin Henderson,Texas Department of Public Safety
Awarding Expertise Across Inspection Categories
Inspectors demonstrated their expertise across a range of specialized inspection categories. Adrian Armpriester of the New York State Department of Transportation and Dustin Henderson consistently placed among the top performers.
Hazardous materials & Cargo Tank Inspections
The North American Standard Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods (HM/DG) and Cargo Tank/Bulk Packagings Inspection, sponsored by National Tank Truck Carriers Inc.,recognized proficiency in identifying and addressing risks associated with transporting hazardous materials. The top three inspectors in this category
Continuous Training and Development
Participating inspectors from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico benefited from advanced training on topics including mobile driver’s licenses, electronic parking brakes, hazardous materials regulations, and post-crash procedures. This ongoing education ensures inspectors are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to effectively enforce safety standards.
A Rigorous Competition
Over two days, contestants participated in six inspection categories, conducting timed mock inspections and identifying regulatory violations. The scenarios mirrored real-world roadside inspections, demanding precise evaluation and accurate identification of critical safety issues.
Henderson to Address CVSA Membership
As the 2024 NAIC Grand Champion, Henderson will address the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance membership at the annual conference awards luncheon on September 24 in Denver, Colorado.
Fostering Collaboration Between Inspectors and Drivers
Since its inception in 1993, the NAIC has been strategically co-located with the ATA’s National Truck driving Championships, fostering valuable interaction and mutual understanding between inspectors and professional drivers. This collaboration is considered vital for promoting a positive safety culture within the trucking industry.
The Importance of Roadside Enforcement
The NAIC was established to recognize the essential work of roadside inspectors – the foundation of commercial motor vehicle safety in North America – and to promote consistency and uniformity in inspection practices through training, education, and friendly competition. A full listing of past NAIC winners is available online.
The next NAIC is scheduled for August 10-15, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
