Trooper Alonzo Hutto of the South Carolina State Transport Police was judged the top commercial vehicle inspector in the fourth annual international competition held in August 1996 in Columbus, Ohio.

Hutto was one of 53 competitors representing U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and Mexico. The five-day contest tests the ability of inspectors to detect mechanical defects and other vehicle and driver safety hazards. The competition also assists in promoting uniformity of regulations and enforcement.

Winners were also named in four other categories. California motor carrier specialist Kevin Conboy was tops in hazardous materials inspection. Master Trooper James Peterson of Louisiana was the best in driver inspection. Idaho Police Cpl. Tom Williams won in the truck inspection category. Raul Vargas Jr., Florida transportation officer, was the winner in motor coach inspection.

In addition to Hutto for the United States, the other high-point national winners were Alberta transport officer Jacquie Peterson for Canada and Mexican inspector Pablo Mejia.

The Federal Highway Administration, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the American Trucking Associations, and the American Bus Association sponsored the competition.

Stan Hamilton is a transportation specialist in the Office of Motor Carrier Planning and Customer Liaison, Federal Highway Administration.