UDOT’s Motor Carrier Division hosted their annual Utah Top Hands event April 27–29 at the Central Complex, bringing certified commercial vehicle inspectors together for training and competition. This event focuses on keeping inspection practices consistent statewide while sharpening skills that help keep Utah’s roads safe.

Participants completed two days of classroom training, followed by written exams and hands-on evaluations covering truck and driver inspections, hazardous materials, and cargo tanks.

With Utah seeing some of the highest commercial vehicle traffic in the country, this training plays an important role in safety and system reliability.

“The training was fantastic,” said Rick Clark, Motor Carrier Division Operations Manager. “Thanks to the instructors, staff and committee for their hard work.”

The event wrapped up with an awards luncheon recognizing top performers, including Grand Champion Morgan Lewis (Echo Port of Entry), second-place finisher Roberto Pinedo (Motor Carrier Safety Audits) and third-place finisher Byron Stuart (Peerless Port of Entry), who are pictured above.

Congratulations to all the Top Hands 2026 Winners:

Size & Weight:

Winner: Morgan Lewis (Echo Port of Entry)

Investigative:

Winner: William Kalaher (Safety Audits)

Equipment Inspection:

1st Place: Roberto Pinedo (Safety Audits)

2nd Place: Talon Nelson (Peerless Port of Entry)

3rd Place: Jay Schade (Peerless Port of Entry)

Hazardous Materials:

1st Place: Roberto Pinedo (Safety Audits)

2nd Place: Morgan Lewis (Echo Port of Entry)

3rd Place: Byron Stuart (Peerless Port of Entry)

Driver Inspection:

Winner: Morgan Lewis (Echo Port of Entry)

2nd Place (Tie):

Evelyn Rodriquez (Wendover Port of Entry)

William Kalaher (Safety Audits)

3rd Place (3-way Tie):

Whitney Tisher (Perry Port of Entry)

Taylor Jacobson (Echo Port of Entry)

Shane Barr (Peerless Port of Entry)

Overall Champions:

Grand Champion: Morgan Lewis (Echo Port of Entry)

2nd Place: Roberto Pinedo (Safety Audits)

3rd Place: Byron Stuart (Peerless Port of Entry)

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success. Check out highlights and photos of the winners here.