AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce that Corporal Kaleb Rains (Eastland) has earned the Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion Award at the 2026 North American Inspectors Championship (NAIC).
This is the highest honor awarded to a commercial motor vehicle roadside inspector in North America, recognizing exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication to road safety. This is also the second year in a row DPS has won this distinct honor.
Corporal Rains was recognized as this year’s Grand Champion by Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) President Maj. Erick McGuire of the Florida Highway Patrol. The event was held from Aug. 10–14, in Pittsburgh, Pa., bringing together 47 of the top inspectors from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to compete in NAIC, the only North American event dedicated to commercial motor vehicle inspector excellence.
“This honor reflects Corporal Rains’ commitment to public safety and his exceptional skill and professionalism as a commercial vehicle inspector,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “Our department is extremely proud of his achievement and the way he represents DPS and our entire state on one of the biggest stages in commercial vehicle enforcement.”
In addition to being named Grand Champion, Corporal Rains received the High Points Award – United States, as the top-scoring U.S. inspector. He further distinguished himself with strong performances in multiple categories, including:
- First Place – Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods and Cargo Tank/Bulk Packaging Inspection
- First Place – Passenger Carrier Vehicle Inspection
- Third Place – North American Standard Level I Inspection (the most commonly performed 37-step inspection)
NAIC competitors undergo rigorous testing across six inspection categories over two days, performing mock roadside inspections on commercial vehicles, identifying violations and applying advanced safety protocols under timed, real-world scenarios. The competition also provides cutting-edge training on the latest safety technologies, hazardous materials regulations, post-crash inspections and more—skills competitors take back to their home jurisdictions to enhance roadway safety.
As the 2026 NAIC Grand Champion, Corporal Rains will attend the upcoming CVSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla., where he will be honored and address Alliance membership at the awards luncheon on Sept. 23.
About DPS CVE
In 1927, the increase in truck traffic on small Texas roads became a major issue, resulting in damage to highways and bridges. With the advent of trucking as a major industry, and the roads at the time generally being very narrow, the Texas Legislature found it necessary to create an organization to enforce existing regulations. The Legislature authorized the Texas Highway Department to employ 18 License and Weight inspectors and one chief inspector. After only two years, the License and Weight section was increased to 50 men and was named the State Highway Patrol. Two years later, in 1931, the enforcing agency was authorized 120 men. Today, there are 827 DPS Personnel certified to enforce federal motor carrier safety regulations, stationed across the state of Texas. These men and women play a vital role in ensuring commercial vehicles stay in compliance while out on Texas roadways.
Please join us in congratulating Corporal Rains on his accomplishments at NAIC.
Article source and photo credit: Texas Department of Public Safety
