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Understanding MCOs and Labels on Trailers By NATM Staff National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) regularly receives questions regarding VIN labels, tire placards and Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCOs) or Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSOs). Labels on trailers play an important role in communicating crucial information from the trailer manufacturer to the end user, such as flagging a hazard or explaining how to appropriately use the equipment. These placards supply the end user with information that is often too important to risk losing, such as cargo capacity or VIN information, hence the federal requirements of their application.
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) is similar to a Certificate of Title issued by the local DMV. The trailer manufacturer issues an MCO to the original purchasing dealer. The dealer then endorses it to the new vehicle owner who submits it to the local DMV upon vehicle registration. Sometimes the dealer will handle this transaction. The local DMV then issues a Certificate of Title or a similar ownership document to the new vehicle purchaser. The MCO is provided to the customer when they purchase the trailer. The MCO must be on banknote paper and must accompany each trailer sold. The image below is an example of an MCO that has been properly filled out with all the required criteria. One of the important items listed on the MCO is the shipping weight of the trailer. The shipping weight of the trailer listed on the MCO, plus the trailer’s cargo capacity listed on the tire placard should never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the
trailer that can be found on the VIN placard. For example, a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 7,000 lbs. that has a shipping weight of 4,500 lbs. should never have cargo loaded on it that exceeds 2,500 lbs. because 4,500 lbs. plus 2,500 lbs. equal 7,000 lbs. The max GVWR of the trailer is listed as 7,000 lbs. and anything making the trailer weigh over 7,000 lbs. overloads the trailer.
VIN Placards A vehicle identification number (VIN) is the identifying code for each specific vehicle and is permanently attached to the trailer. The VIN placards must feature the 17-digit VIN number assigned to the trailer, and the label must be riveted or permanently affixed in such a manner that it cannot be removed without destroying or defacing it. The VIN placard shall be affixed to a location on the forward half of the left side (roadside) such that it is easily readable from outside the trailer without moving any part of it. The label must contain the name of the manufacturer, the month and year the trailer was manufactured, the GVWR of the trailer, the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the axle(s), the correct tire information including the tire size, load rating, and tire inflation pressures. The VIN placard must also contain accurate rim information, including rim size, width, configuration, the vehicle compliance conformity statement, the 17-digit VIN, and the vehicle type classification. The appropriate compliance statement must also be included on the VIN placard, whether it be for the U.S., Canada, or both countries. It must also describe the vehicle type as either trailer or tra/rem. The measurements on the VIN placard must be listed in metric first and imperial second, but it is acceptable to list only metric values.
NATM Associate Members that sell MCOs/MSOs
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Chicago WaterMark Company www.chicagowatermark.com/certo/ (888) 292-8376
Dec-O-Art, Inc. www.dec-o-art.com (574) 294-6451
Colonial Bank Note Company www.colonialbanknote.com (800) 715-4010
Vin-eze A Division of P.M.C.S., Inc. www.vineze.com (818) 957-5647
March/April 2022
www.NATM.com
