2008 NAIC in Houston will Determine 'Grand Champion' Roadside Inspector
The North American Inspectors Championship (NAIC), sponsored each year by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, will hold its 2008 competition in Houston Aug. 18-24. Each year, CVSA recognizes the best roadside inspectors by inviting member jurisdictions from across North America to participate in the event.
NAIC 2008 will be held again this year in conjunction with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) National Truck Driving Championship. According to CVSA, it is the only event dedicated specifically to recognizing and rewarding commercial vehicle inspector excellence.
Participating inspectors receive training on the latest safety information, technology, standards, and inspection procedures while sharing ideas, techniques, and experiences with other inspectors. And then they are evaluated and compete for honors in these seven categories:
- North American Standard Level I Inspection;
- North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedures;
- North American Standard HAZMAT/Transportation of Dangerous Goods Inspection;
- North American Standard Cargo Tank/Other Bulk Packagings Inspection;
- North American Standard Level V Passenger Vehicle Inspection;
- North American Standard Personal Interview; and
- North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria Exam.
All of the inspection categories are timed events and compilation of scores for all of the categories result in selection of a Grand Champion. In addition to that top prize, awards are given for first, second, and third place for selected inspection events. CVSA says the event helps participants become better inspectors. Training sessions provide them with the opportunity to learn the latest safety and roadside inspection information in a variety of commercial vehicle enforcement activities, including hours of service, cargo securement, out-of-service criteria, interview techniques, cargo tanks, and general hazardous materials inspections. This information helps inspectors enforce commercial vehicle safety standards and regulations more effectively, CVSA says.
To register online as a competitor, go to http://events.cvsa.org/naic2008/naic_contest_form1.cfm. If you do not wish to participate but would like to attend the event (an option for judges and competitors' family members), register at http://events.cvsa.org/naic2008/naic_contest_form2.