Tracks: November/December Issue 2022

OFFICERS

Advertising Index

H.E Parmer Company ›

Heskins, LLC

Hometowne Capital ›

Hutchens Industries, Inc.

IDC Spring

13

32

30

57

Kenda/Americana Tire & Wheel Corporation › 65

LaVanture Products Company

LINK Trailer Parts

Lippert

International

Industrial Group

54

Simpson Strong-Tie

Back Cover

President’s Report

By Marty Lorick, Triple Crown Trailers

As the year comes to a close, I like to reflect on the National Association of Trailer Manufacturer’s (NATM) accomplishments before the enthusiasm of the new year kicks in. Your Association, its board, committees, and staff have worked to improve access to benefits and expand and recalibrate with the past year’s challenges and adjustments. This year held challenges for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry with the continuation of supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages. Despite this, the industry and the Association are finishing the year strong. As 2022 ends, it’s important to reflect on this year’s successes and be thankful for what we have accomplished through hard work and persistence.

The year started out strong with our reunion at the 2022 Convention & Trade Show in February in Tampa, Florida. After the cancellation of the 2021 show due to COVID-19, members flocked to Tampa in droves to enjoy sunshine and networking. The show saw near-record attendance registrations and we were a mere 11% short of breaking the 2019 all-time record.

Early this summer, more than 40 NATM members and staff met in Washington, D.C., June 13-15 for the annual Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits. The past two years, COVID-19 had forced this event to be virtual. Staff and members were anxious to get back to Capitol Hill and bring industry concerns to the country’s leaders in-person. NATM member companies represent a notable portion of the U.S. workforce and contribute considerably to the gross domestic product. In 2021, more than 1,267,000 new trailers were registered in the U.S., representing approximately $5.78 billion in sales. With more than 1,000 member and dealer affiliate companies, the Association represents more than 387,910 American workers. It is crucial to communicate with legislators about issues facing the industry. The next event will be hosted in September 2023.

This fall, the NATM Educational Committee brought multiple webinars to the membership, including the Government Affairs Update in August; Statistical Surveys’ webinar on Trailer Registrations, Data and Trends in September; The State of the Economy and Role & Trajectory of Inflation in October; and a Trade and Tariff Update in November. For more information or to access the recordings, visit www.NATMShop.com

The Association launched a new website and membership database in September to improve the member experience and access to resources. The new Novi database will streamline event registration for the Convention and Trailer Safety Week, as well as allow members to enhance their online listings. For more information and to see the new site, visit www.NATM.com.

Registration for the 2023 Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas opened in October, and the show promises to be another record-breaking year. The Fort Worth region is surrounded by a hub of trailer manufacturing companies and the location boasts the highest NATM Convention attendance records. Make sure to take advantage of online registration, as all tickets will increase $50 onsite. For industry suppliers and trailer manufacturers looking to maximize their exposure, there is still time to sponsor and support the industry. To learn more, contact Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or visit www.NATM.com.

To my NATM family, I hope you all have a safe and happy “hauliday” season and a very Happy New Year! ■

Marty Lorick

Headquarters REPORT

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

2022 is quickly coming to an end. For the final issue of Tracks each year, I like to reflect on all that has been accomplished before the fervor of the new year kicks in. From events to membership benefits expansion, and the continued implementation of many programs, 2022 was a great success. While this year was decidedly less bumpy than the previous two years, we started off on a high with near-record attendance at the Convention in Tampa, Fla. and are closing with preparations well underway to navigate a recession. Fortunately, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) and its member businesses learned a lot from the Great Recession, and the last two years have honed our ability to innovate and adapt to deliver member value.

But before we look to the future, let’s look at our past. At the 2022 Convention, NATM brought together 1,180 attendees, and welcomed trailer dealers for the first time in history. NATM’s marketing team increased efforts to improve awareness of the NATM decal and its meaning. The 2022 decal debuted a new scannable QR code that brings endusers to a landing page with trailer safety resources and information about the Compliance Verification Program (CVP). NATM also launched updated CVP and decal videos, reaching industry members and end-users about the value of the program. The marketing team also updated the CVP and decal marketing kit – helping members inform their own dealers and customers about the value of compliance and what it means for roadway safety. These resources are great to pass along to dealers to help them in their sales pitch.

Taking trailer safety one step further, NATM’s fifth annual Trailer Safety Week was celebrated June 5 through 11. Boasting more than 430 allies including members, non-members, law enforcement, and state departments of transportation among other interested parties, the awareness campaign grew brand reach by 2,700 percent. Trailer Safety Week was also honored by governors in the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma through proclamations in support of the event. Trailer safety is important 365 days a year, and it’s not too late to join the movement. To learn more about how your company can get involved, visit www.trailersafetyweek.com/interest.

Behind the scenes, NATM staff transitioned the member database and website. Members are noticing an improved, more accessible NATM.com. Members-only resources are easier to find, online bill pay can be done at the click of a button, and event registration is easier than ever. The Association has also launched a tailored eNews option.

Members can choose to receive information about the entire Association, or limit their interests to membership, marketing, government affairs, convention, or technical content. The Association has also expanded its education offerings, including the recent webinars Statistically Speaking and the State of the Economy. Unable to attend the webinars live? No problem! NATM has expanded its online resource library, giving members on-demand access to webinars to suit their busy schedules.

From a government affairs perspective, the Association and its representatives at K&L Gates have been hard at work. Early this year, NATM’s efforts were rewarded when Congressman Burchett and Congressman Garamendi co-sponsored the Trailer Safety Improvement Act. This bill will direct NHTSA to actively participate in and support trailer safety improvement efforts under its existing highway safety initiatives. In June, NATM members and staff came together in Washington, D.C., and had 61 congressional meetings. There they spoke about the Trailer Safety Improvement Act, garnering additional support in the House and the creation of companion legislation in the Senate. On Capitol Hill, attendees also provided education about the industry’s commitment to safety, the value of NATM, and industry pain points like workforce shortage. NATM also closely monitored movement on the infrastructure bill, with specific interest in a newly created Department of Transportation advisory committee, which is tasked with researching side underride impacts. This research will directly guide regulatory or legislative change, and as such, upon the opening of the Committee, NATM immediately began to work with legislators and industry to nominate an NATM member to serve on the committee to ensure the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry is represented. While committee selection had not happened as of this writing, the Association was able to develop a strong nominations package in support of the nominee.

In 2022, NATM saw the expansion of member and dealer benefits, including access to more state regulations and an improved compliance verification program. Meanwhile, significant progress was made in developing NATM Academy, an online, on-demand training platform for the industry. It has been another year of adapting to meet member needs and the Association is excited to continue the momentum in 2023! ■

Kendra F. Ansley

Inflation Reduction Act Sets New Standards on Climate Action

By Brody Garland, K&L Gates

After nearly a year of failed negotiations and legislative rewrites, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law on Tuesday, Aug. 16, in an effort the Administration has touted as “one of the most significant laws in our history.” The $739 billion Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which passed the Senate by a 51-50 party line vote and in the House by 220-207, has been identified as the country’s largest-ever investment in climate and energy programs. The bill has enormous implications for nearly every sector of the economy, with provisions impacting the way corporations are taxed, the way healthcare services are delivered, and the way the government regulates fossil fuel emissions.

In addition to the billions of dollars in climate and energy funding, the IRA will also:

› Impose a 15 percent corporate minimum tax rate on companies earning $1 billion or more;

› Increase funding for IRS tax enforcement;

› Allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices;

› Extend Affordable Care Act subsidies through 2025;

› Permit grant leases for offshore wind projects in parts of the Outer Continental Shelf; and

› Invest $369 billion in energy security and climate change programs, promising to reduce carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would also reduce deficits by about $305 billion over 10 years, in line with the $300 billion deficit reduction figure cited by the bill’s champions, Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin.

For those operating commercial vehicles, transporting goods, or even casually driving on our nation’s roads, the dramatic impact of the bill is unquestionable. Notably, the bill includes more than $40 billion in direct transportationrelated spending, and another $20 billion in loans to build new factories that manufacture clean vehicles. Some key transportation-related provisions in the bill include:

› $3 billion in grants to reduce air pollution at ports;

› $60 million to reduce diesel emissions related to goods movement facilities;

› Tax credits and grants for clean fuels and clean commercial vehicles;

› $4,000 in tax credits to buy used electric vehicles;

› $7,500 in tax credits to buy new electric vehicles;

› $30 billion in tax credits related to solar panels, batteries, turbines, and critical minerals;

› $10 billion in tax credits to build clean technology manufacturing facilities;

› $20 billion in loans to build new factories that can manufacture clean vehicles;

› $2 billion in grants to retool existing automobile factories;

› $3 billion in grants for projects that address equity, safety, and affordable transportation;

› $60 million to reduce diesel emissions resulting from goods movement facilities;

› $3 billion for the U.S. Postal Service to purchase electric vehicles; › $2 billion for the use of low-embodied carbon construction materials; › $1 billion in grants for clean heavy-duty vehicles; and › $297 million in grants to support sustainable aviation fuel and low-emission aviation technology projects.

The result of the IRA is a sweeping reform to the way motor vehicles and emissions are regulated, with the expectation that the bill will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 1 gigaton in 2030, or a billion metric tons – 10 times more climate impact than any other single piece of legislation ever enacted.

While it’s too early to predict how the bill will affect the trailer industry writ large, or the potential unintended consequences to the businesses involved in either the manufacture or transport of these goods, it is safe to say the reach of the bill will be felt far and wide. As the bill shifts from concept to implementation, it will be crucial for interested stakeholders to stay engaged. The details will be left to the agencies, and how these regulations play out practically will depend upon the feedback and guidance of the affected businesses.

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NATM Political Action Committee

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) established a Political Action Committee, the NATM PAC, in 2010. The NATM PAC serves to support members of Congress who support the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and its positions on matters of public policy.

Campaign finance law requires NATM to secure “prior approval” from member companies before soliciting member companies’ executive and administrative personnel, stockholders, and the families of both groups. Member companies may not approve solicitations by more than one trade association in any calendar year.

If, on behalf of the company you are authorized to represent, would like to grant prior approval for the administrative personnel, stockholders, and the families of both groups of your company to be solicited by NATM

in calendar year 2023, please complete the prior approval agreement online using the QR code on this page.

Kenda/Americana Tire & Wheel

Hosts NATM Strategic Plan, Board

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

Kenda/Americana Tire & Wheel hosted National Association for Trailer Manufacturer’s (NATM) Board of Directors and technical committees July 26 through 28 at its Technical Center in Canton, Ohio. The three-day session included a facilitate strategic planning session and board meeting, as well as a tour of the Kenda facility, presentations from Peerless Industrial Group and U-Haul, and on-site technical committee meetings.

The 2023-2026 strategic planning session began well before the July meeting. NATM hired a facilitator to undertake industry research ahead of the meeting, providing data from members, former members, and non-members about the needs of the industry and the value proposition NATM offers. Importantly, the data reflected the priorities the Board had identified ahead of the report and provided valuable feedback about how NATM could best engage and support members. The NATM Board used the resulting research to guide the first day and a half of its meeting. The first phase resulted in four areas of focus:

› Advocacy & Partnerships

Education

› Compliance Verification Program & the NATM Decal

Industry Cohesion

On the third day of the event, the Compliance, Technical, and Technology Committees were invited to tour Kenda’s Technical Center with a demonstration from staff of the various performance tests tires undergo. Kenda staff

also presented a dynamic presentation on tire pressure. Following Kenda’s tour and presentations, Cary Kronebusch of Peerless Industrial, presented on cargo securement and tie down regulations. William Craig of U-Haul closed the presentations with a riveting discussion of trailer dynamics to include videos from U-Haul’s test track.

Following these presentations, an alltechnical committees meeting was held with each individual committee meeting separately after. While technical presentations, demonstrations, and committee meetings were the order of the day, the group also had ample time for networking, including an NATM-hosted dinner the evening before. Attendees were happy to learn from industry experts and have time with peers.

NATM is grateful to Kenda and their team for hosting the event. A special thank you is also due to the NATM Board for its hard work on shaping the trajectory of the Association for the next three years, and to the Technical Committee members who came together to advance trailer safety and industry knowledge.

For more information about participating on NATM Committees or the Board Of Directors, contact Executive Director Kendra Ansley at Kendra.Ansley@natm.com ■

NATM Membership Code of Conduct

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) mission is to promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy. To that end, NATM and its Board of Directors have enacted many programs and initiatives over the years to support both safety compliance and improved business strategies to support the continued improvement and success of the industry. Discussions of the Board have brought up the need to reinforce and, in some ways, expressly state what the expectation is for members of NATM in terms of their conduct as the Association looks to continue to elevate the industry.

As such, the NATM Board adopted the following member Code of Conduct on July 27, 2022.

NATM Code of Conduct

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is a voluntary, non-governmental trade association representing the light- and medium-duty (under 26,000 lbs. GVWR) trailer manufacturing industry. Through education and advocacy, NATM seeks to improve trailer safety and the success of the industry.

NATM’s efforts depend on the exercise of generally accepted standards of behavior and communication, sharing of knowledge and experience, and integrity of all NATM members.

This NATM Code of Conduct embodies shared values and experiences that contribute to any member’s individual ethical judgments and decisions and describes aspirational ethical standards that NATM members should strive to uphold, including general guidelines for conduct by NATM members during conferences, events, meetings, committee and other volunteer work, mentoring relationships, and all online spaces including (but not limited to) social media and listservs.

NATM members should:

› Promote trailer safety in accordance with NATM’s mission;

› Maintain the highest standards of business conduct by using only legal and ethical means in all business activity;

› Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect, and objectivity in all matters and activities associated with NATM;

› Uphold a professional, legally appropriate business relationship with NATM staff promoting positive and collegial atmosphere free from

harassment and other unacceptable behaviors;

› Respect and uphold all applicable local, state, and national laws.

NATM members shall not:

› Represent, by virtue of their NATM membership or otherwise, that (1) they have a legal partnership with NATM, or (2) NATM endorses their products, services, or programs, unless NATM has expressly provided such an endorsement via a written agreement.

› Engage in or facilitate any discriminatory or harassing behavior directed toward NATM staff, members, officers, directors, meeting/event attendees, exhibitors, advertisers, sponsors, suppliers, contractors or others in the context of activities related to NATM.

As a condition of association membership, all NATM members agree to abide by the above Code of Conduct. Alleged violations of this code will be evaluated and NATM reserves the right to take any action deemed reasonable and necessary.

Statistically Speaking

By Jeff Jones, Statistical Surveys

Registration for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry was down 21.5 percent in June 2022. Below are details of the market’s performance for the five trailer segments as reported

following are the Top 5 states in sales growth for all trailer segments in the first six months of 2022.

of

Industry registrations for the first six months of 2022 are down 21.9 percent over 2021.

there are any questions, or if Statistical Surveys can help, please contact Jeff Jones at (254) 715-1314 or jjones@statisticalsurveys.

Rear Underride Guard Protection Amendments

By Alex Stowe, NATM Technical Director

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have updated the safety standards that apply to rear underride protection and adopted similar requirements to Transport Canada’s standards for rear impact guards. These new standards will require rear impact guards to provide sufficient strength and energy absorption to protect occupants of passenger cars impacting the rear of trailers at new speed guidelines.

Who this applies to:

This change will impact trailers that are subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 223 “Rear impact guards” and FMVSS 224 “Rear impact protection.” FMVSS 223 specifies the strength and energy absorption requirements in quasi-static force tests of rear impact guards that are sold for installation on new trailers. FMVSS 224 is a vehicle standard that requires new trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. or more to be equipped with an impact guard meeting the requirements of FMVSS 223.

These rules exclude pole trailers, pulpwood trailers, road construction controlled horizontal discharge trailers, special purpose vehicles, wheels back vehicles, temporary living quarters, and “low chassis vehicles”, which are defined as “a trailer or semitrailer having a chassis that extends behind the rearmost point of the rearmost tires and a lower rear surface that meets the configuration requirements of S5.1.1 through 5.1.3 of FMVSS 224.”

These updated rules will become effective Jan. 11, 2023, with a compliance date of July 15, 2024. This information is being provided now as NHTSA has indicated early compliance is permitted, and some members may want to conduct testing and install compliant guards before the compliance date of July 15, 2024.

Current Rule

FMVSS 223 and 224 currently help ensure installed rear impact guards are configured low and wide enough to prevent a passenger vehicle running into the rear of a trailer from intrusion underneath the trailer. The regulations make sure the guard is strong enough to withstand a 48 km/h (30 mph) impact of the colliding vehicle, and the guard has strength energy-absorbing capability to further mitigate harm to occupants in the passenger vehicle.

FMVSS 224 requires each trailer to be equipped with a rear impact guard certified to FMVSS 223’s standard and is attached to the vehicle’s chassis in a manner that ensures the ground clearance of the rear impact guard be no more than 560 mm (22inches) from the ground and located not more than 305 mm (12 inches) forward of the rear extremity of the trailer and extend laterally to within 100 mm (4 inches) of each side of the vehicle.

Updated Rule

The updated FMVSS 223 will require rear impact guards to have sufficient strength and energy absorption to protect passenger cars upon rear impact with trailers at 56 km/h (35 mph). This updated speed requirement falls in line with the current Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) on rear impact guards, CMVSS 223.

Further, the update to FMVSS 223 S5.2.1 will require the rear impact guard resist force levels specified below without deflecting by more than 125 mm and without eliminating any load path that existed before the test was initiated. Those force level requirements are:

› A force of 50,000 Newtons (N) applied at test location P1 on either the left or right side of the guard;

A force of 50,000 N applied at test location P2; and

A uniform distributed force of at least 350,000 N applied across the horizontal member of the guard.

The updated energy absorption requirement of FMVSS 223 S5.2.2 will require a guard, other than a hydraulic guard or one installed on a tanker trailer:

› Be able to absorb by plastic deformation at least 20,000 Joules (J) of energy within the first 125 mm of deflection without eliminating any load path that existed before the test was initiated; and, › Have a ground clearance not exceeding 560 mm, measured at each support to which the horizontal member is attached after completion of the load application.

A guard could instead demonstrate resistance to a uniform distributed load greater than 700,000 N applied

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Dual Certification Labels on Towable RVs Exported to Canada

By Alex Stowe, NATM Technical Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Compliance Staff is aware of an issue impacting RVs and towable RVs exported into Canada. NATM has received feedback from members of the Association who are attempting to export their towable RVs to Canada that the member’s towable RVs are being rejected at the border due to having both the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) required certification label and the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) required certification label.

Historically, members have been able to place dual certification labels on their towable RVs without running into issues exporting towable RVs into Canada. However, NATM has learned Transport Canada is now rejecting these towable RVs at the border and requiring only the CMVSS certification label to be present on the exported towable RV. NATM is providing this information to members so they may investigate this further and consider only attaching the CMVSS required certification

label on any towable RVs being exported to Canada. As of now, NATM is not aware of this impacting other trailer types exported into Canada, but this information is being provided to assist any members that are exporting towable RVs into Canada.

The NATM Compliance Verification Program does not cover CMVSS requirements or requirements for exporting a trailer to Canada. This information is being shared with the membership in an attempt to assist with awareness of an issue currently impacting some members. For more information about the NATM Compliance Verification Program, contact NATM Technical Director Alex Stowe at Alex.Stowe@natm.com. ■

NATM Launches 2023 Media Kit

By Erin Mohwinkle, NATM Marketing Coordinator

NATM ADVERTISING

REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Placing advertising in front of key audiences in the trailer industry is one of the easiest and most effective benefits of National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) membership. In 2023, we have made it more user-and-budget-friendly.

Advertising in the bimonthly Tracks magazine, on www. NATM.com, the print Directory & Buyers Guide, or the Online Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide is so easy and is offered either individually or as package deals.

NATM recently released the NATM 2023 Media Kit! In this kit you will find new lower price point package options, additional ad space on the newly launched website and additional advertising selections in the expanded eNews offerings.

While pricing is decreasing in some instances, the same is not true for the advertising reach. With the launch of our new site, expanded Tracks distribution, and expanded eNews selections, your advertising will reach new heights.

In 2023, we will expand our eNews communications to focused groups, which will allow advertisers to talk directly with potential clients. The NATM Insider will continue to be our full membership, all-encompassing newsletter but we will also offer six newsletters that members can sign up for: Convention, Government

different frequency and offer advertising opportunities.

NATM members can upload their company logos and update and edit company information on NATM’s online Membership Directory. If you want a featured directory listing, the new site offers this option for you. With this new feature you will receive better visibility by displaying at the top of the category and have an expanded listing where you can promote special offers, your website, and even link to your social media feed.

If you have any questions or concerns about advertising, contact NATM Tracks editor, Samantha Darling LaCount, at Advertising@natm.com.

NATM encourages members to submit suggestions for Tracks article topics and welcomes submissions for member spotlight articles.

W W W N A T M C O M / A D V E R T I S E

Advertising Reach:

•

Member Companies

•

as of

• Website visitors annually: 22,000+

Essential Package $3,000

›

half page Tracks

› Half page Print Directory & Buyers Guide

› Featured directory listing in the Online Directory & Buyers Guide

INDIVIDUALLY PRICED: $4,274

SAVINGS: $1,274

Basic Package $5,900

› 6x full page Tracks

› Full page Print Directory & Buyers Guide

› 12x NATM Insider eNews OR 12x NATM.com leaderboard

INDIVIDUALLY PRICED: $9,919-$12,007

SAVINGS: $4,019-$6,107

Premium Package $9,900

› 6x full page Tracks in the first 15 pages of the magazine

› Full page demand placement of choice in the Print Directory & Buyers Guide

› 12x NATM.com leaderboard

› 12x NATM Insider eNews

INDIVIDUALLY PRICED: $17,938

SAVINGS: $8,038

To learn more about the individual options and pricing, visit NATM.com/advertising.

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Clicklease Helps Dealers Access Customers You Aren’t Thinking About

By Lindsay Bragg, Content Manager, Clicklease

Your dealers may be missing out on an entire segment of customers. A large portion of trailer buyers are small businesses and start-ups. The problem is 40 percent of businesses don’t qualify for financing from traditional lenders (source: Lendio).

And for many businesses, a trailer is essential business equipment. For these buyers, saving up the cash isn’t an option, and maintaining cash flow is a top concern. Clicklease was created to help these small business buyers afford the equipment they need to grow, so trailer dealers can sell more now.

Clicklease offers trailer financing at the point of sale. Point-of-sale financing offers attractive terms and payment options to buyers, pays dealers in full for the equipment up front, and increases sales by 32 percent. A good financing partner makes it easy to close the sale.

To make financing simple and streamlined for both buyers and sellers, Clicklease has pioneered an automated approval process. Buyers can apply with just eight questions and their driver’s license and get an instant approval decision. They can sign documents online and walk off the lot with their trailer right away.

Sellers only need to submit a purchase order and invoice to get funded the very same day.

Clicklease can even take care of the entire title and registration process. All a seller needs to do is provide temporary tags, and Clicklease will take care of the rest—all at no cost to dealers.

Clicklease is the expert in small business trailer financing. They know how customers think and designed their entire process around what buyers and dealers need to close the sale.

Service

When considering financing options, customers look for five things:

Is it easy to apply?

Point of sale financing shouldn’t get in the way of closing the sale. Some financing options require bank documentation, proof of income, and even references to get approved. With Clicklease financing, customers don’t need to bring any documents with them.

Will I get approved?

Clicklease has some of the highest approval rates around. Clicklease can approve customers with credit scores as low as 550. And there are no time-in-business requirements like you’ll find with other small business financing partners.

How long will it take?

Clicklease’s application is only eight questions long. Customers can apply in minutes and get an instant decision—and that’s not a preapproval. That’s as good as cash.

Will it hurt my credit?

Clicklease doesn’t do a hard credit pull to make an approval decision, so applying won’t ever affect a customer’s credit score. They call it a risk-free application.

Will this meet my needs?

Clicklease offers approvals from $500 to $20,000, so customers can afford the trailer they need right away. Plus, when customers apply, they can choose from several payment options to find a monthly payment that matches their revenue goals.

Trailer customers enter a dealership ready to finance, so presenting financing information early means customers can focus on the sale without worrying about how they’ll afford it. Clicklease makes it easy for dealers to close the sale with free digital and point-of-purchase marketing materials, too.

In a survey by American Banker, 87 percent of buyers between the ages of 22 and 44 said they would prefer to finance large purchases with monthly payments.

Clicklease is a critical sales tool for trailer dealers around the country. Help dealers offer financing for any type of buyer. Learn more about Clicklease at www.clicklease.com/natm. ■

NATM Dealer Affiliate Program

By Scott Simons, NATM Membership Outreach Specialist

Trailer dealers serve a vital role in the sales process for many of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) members. As they sit on the front lines of the sales process and as the main point of contact for most, if not all, end-users, they also serve another vital role. Trailer dealers are also helping improve trailer safety as it is always in their best interest for their customers to purchase a trailer built by an NATM-compliant manufacturer. A manufacturer verified through the NATM Compliance Verification Program to have processes in place to build compliant trailers is giving the customer confidence in their purchase.

As trailer safety remains the No. 1 priority at NATM, the Association is looking to grow its footprint with trailer dealers across the country. As NATM increases the number of dealers in its Dealer Affiliate program, the Association is simultaneously increasing end-user awareness of the importance of NATM and the Compliance Verification Program, ultimately leading to an increase in compliant trailer sales and safer roadways for everyone. To accomplish this goal, trailer dealers need access to information and resources to make this process easier. That’s where the NATM Dealer Affiliate program comes in.

contact

Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.

Free Registrations & Room Nights for Dealer Affiliates and New Attendees at 2023 Convention

By Catie Rutkowksi, NATM Membership & Events Coordinator

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is excited to welcome new members and NATM Trailer Dealer Affiliates to the 2023 NATM Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 14-16, 2023!

NATM Trailer Manufacturer Members and Dealer Affiliates who have never attended the NATM Convention & Trade Show, or who have not attended in the last five years, are eligible for two complimentary full registrations, two complimentary spouse/partner registrations, and two free hotel room nights (while room nights last) per company as part of the New Attendee Promotion. Full registration includes access to all events (excluding Top Golf) outlined in the show schedule.

New in 2023, dealers are welcome during all hours of the trade show to shop for components, materials, and service providers. There will be no trailers on exhibit. Dealers will be invited to attend all regular workshops and technical forums, as well as the awards reception on Tuesday. Please note: Dealers are not able to attend the Tee Off Convention Top Golf event or PAC Reception.

The NATM Convention & Trade Show is the annual trade show for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. With more than 1,000 trailer manufacturer and supplier attendees per year and growing, this “must attend” event provides education, networking, and communication for those in the industry. The 2022 trade show boasted more than 175 exhibiting

companies, giving attendees a variety of products and services to view. The show also included attendees from more than 100 trailer manufacturing companies across North America.

NATM has been committed to trailer safety for more than 30 years. While NATM has long worked with trailer manufacturers, industry suppliers, and service providers, trailer safety can only be improved through dealer interaction and consumer education. Expanding the Association’s base to include dealer affiliates and inviting dealers to attend the annual Convention & Trade Show is the logical next step in improving trailer safety.

The Association’s purpose is to have open lines of communication, increase trailer safety awareness, and provide dealers with the education and information they have long requested from NATM. NATM has worked diligently with committees, trailer manufacturers, industry suppliers, and dealers to create a path of inclusion for dealers.

To take advantage of the New Attendee Promotion, contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.■

GET LIFTED!

LIFTING & LEVELING

S Y S T E M S

2023 Convention & Trade Show in Forth Worth

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is looking forward to returning to Fort Worth, Texas, for its 2023 Convention & Trade Show, Feb. 14-16, 2023, at the Fort Worth Convention Center. As an industry hub, Texas continues to be a popular location for NATM’s Convention & Trade Show. The last convention hosted in Fort Worth saw a record-breaking number of trailer manufacturers in attendance, and NATM is looking forward to welcoming trailer dealer affiliates to the full show.

Booth Selection

The NATM Member rate for a 10’ x 10’ booth is $1,700. Booth spaces for nonmembers are $3,400. Trade show space opened to 2022 sponsors May 30. Following sponsors, non-sponsor exhibitors at the 2022 show selected their spaces. The opportunity to select space for general membership opened Aug. 1, and non-members were allowed to choose booth space beginning Aug. 15. Contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com for more information.

Sponsorships

As always, the NATM Convention & Trade Show would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors. There are sponsorship opportunities available from $250 to $50,000 to fit any budget. Being a sponsor allows you to select your booth before previous exhibitors and the general memberships. It provides a wide range of exposure, both electronically on NATM's website and mobile app, as well as at branded events. This creates name recognition, which helps drive customers to your booth.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, turn to page 43.

2023 Convention Developing Schedule

Monday, February 13

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Convention Tee Off - Top Golf*

Tuesday, February 14

8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Registration

9:30 am - 11:00 am

Workshop Session 1: How to Handle Accelerated Inflation Price

Increases by Jim Pancero

9:30 am - 11:00 am

Technical Forum Session 1: What’s New in Paint Pretreatment with Atotech USA LLC

11:15 am - 1:30 pm

Awards Lunch & Keynote Speaker Stephen Drum, Retired NAVY SEAL

Master Chief, Co-Creator of the U.S. Navy Warrior Toughness Program

Noon - 6:00 pm

Exhibitor Move In

2:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Workshop Session 2: From Turnover to Retention: Keeping Top Talent with Jim Pancero

2:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Technical Forum Session 2: Unlocking the Hidden Cost of Welding by Air Gas

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

NATM PAC Reception***

3:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Newcomer Orientation

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Newcomer Reception

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

President's Reception*

* Dealers Restricted: Dealers are unable to attend.

***The PAC Reception may only be attended by NATM's "Restricted Class," which includes certain NATM employees, individual and other noncorporate NATM Members, and certain employees of corporate members with preapproval.

Wednesday, February 15

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Registration

7:30 am - 11:00 am

Exhibitor Move In

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Workshop Session 3: Hedging and Risk Management for Metal Commodities by Ryerson

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Technical Forum Session 3: Trailer Stability

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Coffee Break

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Workshop Session 4: Government Affairs Update with K&L Gates

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Technical Forum Session 4: Emerging Trends in Trailering; NATM

Compliance Program Overview

11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Trade Show

11:30 am - 4:00 pm

Lunch with the Exhibitors

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Trade Show Reception

Thursday, February 16

9:00 am - Noon

Registration

9:00 am - Noon

Trade Show

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Coffee & Compliance

Noon - 5:00 pm

Exhibitor Move Out

New Attendee Promotion

Are you a new member trailer manufacturer? Are you a trailer manufacturer whose company has not attended in the last five years? Are you a dealer affiliate? You may qualify for NATM’s New Attendee Promotion!

The New Attendee Promotion includes two complimentary full registrations, two complimentary spouse/partner registrations, and up to two complimentary hotel room nights per company at the host hotel for the Convention. Complimentary hotel rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis and will go fast. Those interested in participating should contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie. Rutkowski@natm.com soon. More information will be provided via email this fall. To sign up for the Convention & Trade Show emails, visit www.NATM.com/convention.

Tee Off Top Golf Event

Start off the 2023 Convention & Trade Show right with an evening filled with food, drinks, and golfing at Top Golf Fort Worth. For just $80 a person, attendees will receive dinner, two drink tickets, and the opportunity to play at Top Golf. The event will take place Feb. 13, 2023, from 6 - 9 p.m. Transportation is included, and attendees will meet at the front of the Fort Worth Convention Center at 5:30 p.m. to board. Sign up when you register for the show - this great event is not included in the full registration tickets (Note: this event is limited to exhibitors and trailer manufacturer attendees; no dealer access).

Start warming up to compete in the Hole-In-One competition, sponsored by Kenda/Americana Tire and Wheel! Attendees will attempt to win a $10,000 cash prize for a hole-in-one shot on the Top Golf course.

Convention App Sponsored by H-I-S Industrial Coatings

Lead Retrieval is easier than ever for NATM Convention & Trade Show attendees! Sponsored by H-I-S Industrial Coatings, the NATM mobile app will double as the lead retrieval system for the show. Attendees’ contact information can be found on the official NATM Events mobile app, featured wherever apps are sold. Open your app store and search “NATM”. Official NATM attendees get exclusive access to the list of attendees housed on the app.

Simply open the attendee list on the NATM Events app and either scroll to or search for the business contact you’re looking for. From there, contact information can be added directly to your phone by pressing and holding on the attendee’s listed information. Additionally, attendees can call or email contacts within the app by tapping on the preferred contact method.

continued on pg 40

F R E I G H T

W e h a v e n e w s t a t e o f t h e a r t e q u i p m e n t L a s e r s P r e s s B r a k e s & T u r r e t P r e s s e s O u t d a t e d e q u i p m e n t i s e x

S C R A P

a b s o r b s t h e c o s t f o r a n y p a r t s t h a t d o n o t m e e t t h e q u a l i t y s p e c i f i c a t i o n s

F L O O R S P A C E & P E R S O N N E L

W h y t a k e u p v a l u a b l e s p a c e a n d p e o p l e o n p r o c e s s i n g w h e n t h e y c o u l d b e u s e d f o r a s s e m b l y ?

H A N D L I N G

E Q U I P M E N T I N V E S T M E N T

AMADA

FIBER LASER

AMADA

FIBER LASER

AMADA

PRECISION PRESS BRAKE

TRACKS

Hotel Information

The Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel will host NATM’s largest room block for the 2023 NATM Convention & Trade Show. Opposite the Fort Worth Water Gardens, this straightforward, modern hotel is within walking distance to the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The traditional, warm rooms offer cherry-wood furniture, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms have access to a club lounge, which serves complimentary breakfast and evening drinks. Suites feature separate living rooms, wet bars, and four-poster beds and some have dining areas. Amenities include a 24-hour gym and a heated indoor pool. There's also a casual restaurant serving a modern American menu.

The hotel room rate for the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel is $169/night. You can make hotel reservations by visiting www.NATM.com. Please remember, the only way to guarantee a room at the special NATM rate is to book directly from the NATM website this fall. NATM has not authorized any group hotel room services to call you or to solicit your business!

Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel

1701 Commerce St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 $169 per night

Additionally, NATM will have smaller room blocks available at the following hotels: Hilton Fort Worth

815 Main St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 $204 per night

Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown Convention Center

1010 Houston St. Fort Worth, TX 76102 $209 per night

Questions about the show sponsorship opportunities or exhibit space?

Contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■

HOWDY,

2023 Convention Sponsors

Get Noticed! 2023 Convention Sponsorship Opportunities

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has unveiled new and revised sponsorship opportunities for 2023! There are marketing and general sponsorship opportunities available from $250 to $50,000 to fit any budget. Being a sponsor allows your company early access to booth selection for the convention and provides a wide range of exposure, both electronically on NATM’s website and mobile app, as well as in print in Tracks magazine. This

name recognition will help drive customers to your booth.

Sponsorships are also a powerful component in reinforcing your marketing program. A sponsorship allows you to reach a highly targeted market and provides NATM funding to deliver high-quality educational programs, speakers, and events. You can find the 2023 Sponsorship Brochure at www.NATM.com. ■

Available Sponsorship Opportunities Include:

NEW! Ribbon Wall

Provide attendees with a little flair on their name badges with a sponsored ribbon wall near registration. From NATM credentials such as committee work and company anniversaries to fun characteristics, attendees will flaunt their ribbons with pride. Sponsors may provide ribbons of their choosing to be included on the wall pending NATM approval.

Save The Date Mailer

Have your company’s logo featured on the informative Save the Date sent out to all NATM trailer manufacturer members as well as trailer manufacturers within driving distance of the 2023 Convention & Trade Show. Guaranteed 750 postcards to be sent in this winter.

Lone Star Saloon/Lasso Lounge

Lunch with the Exhibitors

After a morning of networking, your company’s sponsored lunch will have attendees singing your praises.

Aisle Floor Decals – Will go Fast!

Promote your brand and get noticed as soon as attendees step foot on the show floor with these branded floor clings.

Tee Off to Convention (Holding Bays)

Help attendees kick off the week with the regularly sold-out Tee Off to Convention event. Hosted at Top Golf, the night will be filled with food, fun, and drinks! While attendees wait their turn to tee off, your company logo will be featured in the holding bays.

NEW! Virtual Swag Bag

Aluma

This lounge is sure to be an attendee favorite. Have attendees’ undivided attention as they take a moment to relax and treat themselves to refreshments.

NEW! Headshot Booth

This booth will feature headshots for attendees to update their business image during part of the trade show hours, as well as seating for attendees to take a moment to relax or network. Plan ahead and secure a booth alongside your company booth to drive visitors directly to you.

Reach attendees ahead of the event with your coupons, special event offers, and booth information by advertising in the 2023 NATM Convention Virtual Swag Bag email featuring exhibitor highlights and special offers. Guaranteed two emails sent to all registered attendees prior to the show.

For more information about NATM’s 2023 Convention & Trade Show, including sponsorship opportunities and registration, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@ natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.

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At Lippert, our goal is to make products that help you discover the ultimate sense of freedom. With thousands of team members globally, innovation is at our core and we will never wait to see what can be done better. Our products are inventive and inspired.

We promise you the best Customer Service, period. Why? Because your adventure is on the line, and it’s our job to make every future journey even better than those of the past. Our purpose is clear: We are a Company where Everyone Matters. Every Customer. Every Team Member. We support the Communities we work in with over 100,000 hours of collective service every year. We make lives better.

OSHA Top 10 Violations for 2021

By Marsh & McLennan Agency

Every year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases the Top 10 most frequently cited standards for the manufacturing industry. This report provides a roadmap of the safety issues OSHA focuses on and the fines they levy from their on-site facility inspections. As such, this report serves as an important guide for your business as you consider priorities within your employee safety program.

There are numerous advantages to focusing on employee safety and the primary goal of a safety program is to ensure your workers return home at the end of their workday in the same physical condition as when they arrived. Your commitment to a safe work environment becomes part of your work culture and can be an important factor in your ability to attract and retain employees. It is also found that businesses with strong safety cultures have employees who are more engaged on the job, which increases productivity and decreases likelihood of an accident at work. A study by Lockheed Martin of their Paducah, Ky., facility showed that by developing a safety culture, they were able to increase productivity by 24 percent. The tension between productivity and safety is age old but companies that focus on and build safe work environments prove repeatedly that productivity does not suffer.

If the merits of a safe workplace don’t motivate you, then perhaps OSHA’s penalties will get your attention. OSHA

Description of Violation

penalties are on the rise. From 1990 to 2016, OSHA penalties did not increase. All of that changed when Congress enacted the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. This act not only increased the penalties to “make up” for the many years when no increases were made, it also indexed future penalties to inflation so annual adjustments will push OSHA fines higher. In 2015, the maximum penalty for Serious and Other-Than-Serious penalties was $7,000 and a Willful or Repeated violation carried a maximum penalty of up to $70,000. The penalties for this year are $14,502 and $145,027 per violation, respectively.

Perhaps even more concerning, many in Washington, D.C., do not think the 2015 legislation went far enough. Last year, the House of Representatives voted to approve the “Build Back Better” bill. Included in the nearly 2,500 pages of legislation was language to increase the maximum penalty for Willful or Repeat violations to a staggering $700,000. The Senate later rejected the measure, but the intent of the House sends a clear message to all employers.

With the benefits of a safe workplace in mind, as well as the punitive intent of Congress expressed in the failed 2021 legislation, it is worth noting OSHA’s Top 10 citation list below.

1. General Requirements for All Machines – This standard refers to machine guarding of presses, power saws, jointers, and milling machines. Requirements include securely anchoring fixed machinery, operation guarding, and types of guarding.

2. Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) – Control of hazardous energy is the practice of de-energizing equipment and locking the energy source to prevent release of energy. Requirements include written procedures, training, and periodic inspection.

3. Respiratory Protection – This standard refers to respirators used to protect employees from hazardous substances. Requirements of this standard include a written program, selection of respirators, medical evaluations, fit testing, safe operating procedures, and training.

4. Hazard Communication – This standard refers to the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Requirements include developing and implementing a program, recordkeeping, labeling, and training.

Cited Standard Number

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Description of Violation

5. Powered Industrial Trucks – Powered industrial trucks include forklifts and fork trucks. This standard’s requirements include operator training, inspections, and safe work practices.

6. General Electrical Requirements – This standard refers to the practice of examining, installing, and using electrical equipment of different types, sizes, voltage, and current capacity. Requirements include specifications for electrical connections, terminals, guarding live parts, and working with 600 volts.

7. Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment for General Use – This standard refers to the practice of using the proper methods when wiring different setups. Requirements include following proper methods for temporary wiring, cable trays, electrical cabinets, and switches.

8. General Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements – This standard refers to providing, managing, and maintaining the proper personal protective equipment for employees. Requirements include identifying required PPE, maintenance, sanitation, replacement, and training.

9. Woodworking Machinery Requirements – This standard applies to woodworking machinery, such as table saws, circular saws, jointers, and planers. The standards are specific to each type of machine and focus mainly on guarding the points of operation.

10. Occupational Noise Exposure – This standard refers to the reduction of employees’ exposure to excessive noise. Requirements include noise monitoring, employee training, audiometric testing, and providing hearing protection.

Cited Standard Number

29 CFR 1910.178 29 CFR 1910.303

While accidents can happen in the safest of work environments, employers who prioritize employee safety can reduce workplace accidents and increase the likelihood their employees return home happy and healthy. If you

29 CFR 1910.305

29 CFR 1910.132

29 CFR 1910.213 29 CFR 1910.95

would like more information on how to implement safety initiatives related to the OSHA standards above, email Marsh & McLennan’s Steve Zink at Steve.Zink@marshmma.com. ■

Speed up trailer bed production. Step on it.

Introducing the Simpson Strong-Tie ® Quik Drive ® PROHSD Wood-to-Steel fastening solution — a fast, reliable and easy way to install truck and trailer beds. Our Quik Drive PROHSD and PROHSDM tools have an optional extension and footstep for stand-up use, eliminating the strain of working on hands and knees. The PROHSDM also features a unique nosepiece for greater stability and accuracy. Save time by using the Quik Drive tool with collated strips of Strong-Drive® TB Wood-to-Steel screws for steel up to ¼" thick, or with Strong-Drive TF Wood-to-Steel screws for thicker steel up to 15/32". To learn more about the Quik Drive PROHSD Wood-to-Steel solution, visit go.strongtie.com/prohsd or call (800) 999-5099.

The Value of Total Compensation Statements:

Communicating the Benefits You Provide Your Employees

By Lisa Clark, Marsh & McLennan Agency

One of the largest expenses and most time-consuming responsibilities an employer faces is offering an employee benefit plan. With health care costs continuing to rise and health coverage requirements mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers find themselves absorbing more and more health care costs for their employees while their employees remain unaware of the “hidden” benefits they are receiving.

Though an employer’s benefits package may be quite substantial, employees may not know about, or may not understand some of the benefits offered and the cost associated. To assist employees in fully comprehending their benefits package, consider providing Total Compensation (Benefit) Statements. Personal Benefit Statements summarize each employee’s individual benefits, illustrating the significance of their benefits package as part of their total compensation.

Providing Total Compensation Statements can be a meaningful solution to help employers communicate the entire value of their benefit offering to employees, including perks that may be overshadowed by traditional benefits. Employees can better appreciate their full compensation package when an employer provides a comprehensive view of its benefits package.

Total Compensation Statements may include information for benefits offered by the employer including:

Bonuses

Plan

Security Contributions

Matching Contributions

Time Off

Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life, Disability)

Sharing

Union Membership

Duty Pay

Holidays

Rewards

Expense

/ Tuition Reimbursement

Stock Purchase Plan

There are many benefits to providing Total Compensation Statements to employees:

› Increase employee awareness of their benefits and how much those benefits cost the company

› Provide a dollar amount for benefits that do not seem to have a tangible monetary value

› Promote the idea of total compensation, beyond just a paycheck

› Raise employee morale because they tangibly see the range of benefits being offered by their employer

› Higher retention rates by employees

› Show potential recruits their total calculated compensation on top of their base compensation to illustrate the employer’s benefit plan offering is more competitive in the hiring process

Many payroll and benefit administration systems include options to prepare Total Compensation Statements, pulling information from payroll and benefits to generate statements. If your payroll / benefit administration system does not provide an option to generate Total Compensation Statements or you are interested in learning about additional solutions for providing benefit statements to your employees, contact Lisa Clark at Marsh & McLennan Agency by emailing Lisa.Clark@marshmma.com. ■

Tapes:

Email Savana Morrison@natm com to learn how NATM Members in good standing can market the NATM Decal.

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Press Releases

Cassopolis, MI - EQ United consists of three divisions that include EQ Systems, EQ Harness, and EQ Logistics.

James Witty became a valued part of EQ United as the Vice President of Sales in June 2022. To compliment his arrival, Witty brings 24 years of overall sales experience.

Witty started his RV career at Nexus where he was determined to learn both sales and the production side of the company. After the migration to Winegard, he was tasked with leading and developing a sales strategy and team. Throughout his career, he absorbed knowledge from various people who flourished in their leadership roles. Those experiences gave Witty the wit he needed to develop the team that was instrumental in the aggressive growth of Winegard. This profound example of leadership has earned him multiple awards, but he felt his true recognition came from the people he managed.

In Witty’s role as Vice President of Sales, he will bring opportunities in growth for EQ United and its divisions alike by creating a strategic focus on all aspects of the company’s financial milestones.

“Witty joined our team as an RV industry veteran with proven sales success and innate people skills,” says Jason Loose, COO of EQ United. “We are excited to add James to our Corporate team as the VP of Sales and look forward to all he can do in his role. He holds a high level of skill and knowledge as we continue to move forward with strategy and growth.”.

“My mission is to create and maintain a structured, professional sales team built for aggressive growth and customer retention while continuing to promote a healthy corporate culture and environment,” Witty says. “We will increase our share of the market as well as grow through adding content per RV as we evolve as a company, developing innovative product solutions for the RV industry.”

Witty is originally from Michigan City, but moved to Middlebury, Ind. after 2011.

For more information, contact EQ United Marketing Director, Rachel Little at (800) 846-9659 or at rlittle@equnited.us. ■

James Witty, VP of Sales, EQ Systems

EQ United Hires James Witty as VP of Sales. James Brings to EQ United 24 Years of Overall Sales Experience

Healing with Honor, Felling Trailers Announces 2022 Trailer for a Cause Auction Dates

Sauk Centre, Minnesota, July 6th, 2022 - Felling Trailers, Inc. is conducting its 10th annual online auction of an FT-3 drop deck utility trailer to benefit a non-profit organization. Eagle’s Healing Nest is the 2022 recipient. Felling Trailers wants to help generate awareness about the invisible wounds of war our veterans carry. Thus, Felling Trailers manufactured and painted one of its most popular trailers, custom metallic “Patriot Blue” with chrome pinstriping and bears Eagle’s Healing Nest’s emblem, along with its credo “Promises Made. Promises Kept.” The online trailer auction will run for six days: Aug. 22 through Aug. 27. Several Felling Trailers' suppliers have joined to support Eagle’s Healing Nest by sponsoring the trailer build, from lighting to tires to decking. The 2022 Trailer for a Cause sponsors are Trans-Texas, PPG, Dexter, Sealco, Peterson, Industrial Wood (Blackwood), Demco, Pacific Rim, and Metal Crafters/Flexco. One hundred percent of the winning bid will benefit Eagle’s Healing Nest!

Founder Melony Butler created the Nest to be a place of peace and healing for veterans struggling from a host of issues ranging from depression, anxiety, PTSD, decades of homelessness, to addictions of many sorts. Veterans come to the Nest to heal with honor from the invisible wounds of war and time of service. Eagle's Healing Nest is located in Sauk Centre, Minn., on 124 acres with 24 buildings. Originally Minnesota Home School for girls, a veteran's healing center came to life out of an old dormitory. Butler opened the Eagle’s Healing Nest in 2012 with two functional buildings. She stated, "We will build the Nest one branch at a time until it is complete. A place to call home and a place to Heal with Honor!"

Since that time, with donations from various organizations, veterans, and volunteers contributing what they can, they have been able to renovate 21 of the 24 buildings on site. When the last of the buildings are complete, the Nest will be able to house 180-200 veterans, service members, and their families.

The Trailer for a Cause auction will start Monday, Aug. 22 at 7 a.m., running for six days, ending Saturday, Aug. 27 at noon at Eagle’s Healing Nest’s Nest Fest.

The Eagle’s Healing Nest is a non-profit organization that receives no government funding. Nest Fest is one of a few fundraising events the Nest hosts yearly. Now in its ninth year, the volunteers and residents of the Nest open their doors and hearts to the community with veteran-made crafts, a silent auction, bake sale, tours, and new this year, the Trailer for a Cause auction. The online auction can be viewed at https://www. felling.com/our-company/trailer-for-a-cause/. Arrangements to be made for pick up at Felling Trailers’ manufacturing facility or delivery (freight extra). ■

thinking ahead on backing up.

learn

Voyager ® Vision turns your smart device into a short-range, wireless camera monitor, for use with the Voyager WVOS2TX Wi-Fi transmitter and up to two wired Voyager cameras. The transmitter delivers the camera feed directly to your device to assist during low-speed maneuvers, stationary observation or for surveillance.

About Felling Trailers, Inc.

Felling Trailers is a family-owned and operated Full Line Trailer Manufacturer located in Central Minnesota. Started in 1974, Felling Trailers, Inc. has grown from a small shop to a factory and office complex that today covers more than 325,000 square feet. Felling’s pride and differentiation is its customized trailer division. Its engineers utilize the latest industry-leading design techniques, and its experienced metal craftspeople use cutting-edge technology to turn its customers' conceptual trailer needs into a tangible product. Felling has been providing innovative trailer solutions to the transportation

industry for more than 45 years. Felling Trailers' current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certified company, WBENC-Certified WBE company, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, contact (800) 245-2809, sales@felling.com, or visit www.felling.com. Follow them on Twitter (@FellingTrailers), Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.), and Instagram.

Pictured above is the 2022 Trailer for a Cause, FT-3 utility trailer.

KENDA HAS YOU

Felling Trailers Adds UN31 Tanks to Their Certifications

Sauk Centre, Minnesota, August 9th, 2022 – Felling Trailers, Inc., a national leader in industrial and commercial trailers, recently received certification for its UN31 Tank design. The UN31 tank is certified as a fuel tank, 607 usable gallons, intended for the mobile generator industry. The UN31 tanks were designed to be compatible with Felling’s DDG drop deck generator trailer line. The tank option is utilized in conjunction with an OEM’s Genset mounted to the trailer frame. The tank is certified to meet the safety standards of CAN/CGSB-43.146 for metal IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) for use with liquids in packing group III, such as diesel fuel.

The certification consists of a six-stage testing process; stacking, leak proofness, hydraulic pressure, roll over, drop, and vibration test. Each stage of the testing process has specific parameters that must be followed and passing status achieved. Felling Trailers' Engineering and R&D teams started the UN31 Tank project in the late fall of 2019. Working with testing constraints and Minnesota's ever-changing weather and accompanying temperatures contributed to the overall project timeline, achieving certification in the first part of 2022.

To learn more about Felling Trailers’ UN31 tank certification or other Felling Trailer solutions, visit www.felling.com or call (800) 245-2809. ■

About Felling Trailers, Inc.

Felling Trailers is a family-owned and operated Full Line Trailer Manufacturer located in Central Minnesota. Started in 1974, Felling Trailers, Inc. has grown from a small shop to a factory and office complex that today covers more than 349,000 square feet. Felling's pride and differentiation is its customized trailer division. Its engineers utilize the latest industry-leading design techniques, and its experienced metal craftspeople use cutting-edge technology to turn its customers' conceptual trailer needs into a tangible product. Felling has been providing innovative trailer solutions to the transportation industry for more than 45 years. Felling Trailers' current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Certified Quality Management System Company, WBENC-Certified WBE, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, contact (800) 245-2809, sales@felling.com, or visit www.felling.com. Follow them on Twitter (@FellingTrailers), Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.), and Instagram.

Wil-Ro Sales Up 15 Percent in Q2 2022, Signs Three New Distributor Partners, Expands Footprint in Southeast Wil-Ro Totals 28 Distributor Partners Across 16 States

Gallatin, Tenn. – July 11, 2022 – Wil-Ro, Inc., a leading truck body manufacturer based in Gallatin, Tenn., signed three new distributor partners in Q2 2022 and noted sales up 15 percent compared to the previous quarter. The company continues to focus on innovation and aggressive growth moving into the year's second half.

Three New Distributors / Dealer Partners – Q2 2022 include:

› A&G Diesel & Fleet Repair, Clarksville, Tenn.

› Ace Truck Body, Inc., Grove City, Ohio

› H&H Truck and Outdoor, Alabaster, AL and Byron, Ga.

The new partners strengthen Wil-Ro's presence in the Southeast and mark a new entry into Alabama. Wil-Ro offers financing options to all new Distributor Partners, providing up to 180 days interest-free through Northpoint Commercial Finance.

second consecutive year. Based solely on employee feedback gathered by a third-party surveyor, this award measures 15 culture drivers. Wil-Ro's unique approach to culture runs deep, and it is in the spirit of each team member. Building off its core values, Wil-Ro has created a new position for Quality Inspection, which will help reduce quality issues on truck bodies. ■

"The quality inspection position adds a ton of value to Wil-Ro's product," said Sean Smith, Team Leader in Product Finishing at Wil-Ro. "Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it—it's what the customer gets out of it."

About Wil-Ro, Inc.

Owner of Wil-Ro, Inc. "Despite shared industry hurdles, we're experiencing momentum with Wil-Ro sales up nearly 15 percent this quarter compared to Q1 2022, and June marked the largest volume of truck bodies delivered year-to-date.

We are committed to helping our customers thrive in this challenging market."

Wil-Ro remains optimistic for supply chain and chassis shortages to improve later this year into early 2023.

Innovation is in the air at Wil-Ro in 2022 as the manufacturer launches its highly anticipated Liberty Flatbed this quarter, combining customer-favorite elements of Wil-Ro's Utility Flatbed and Skirted Flatbed. Plus, Wil-Ro will be rolling out improved truck body features, including new latches and headboard designs.

Wil-Ro recently won Top Workplaces by The Tennessean for the

Crafted in America since 1973, Wil-Ro, Inc. manufactures high-quality truck bodies and trailers for landscaping, hauling, construction, equipment distribution, and farming, as well as outdoor adventure excursions. Wil-Ro's premier truck bodies and trailers come in a variety of standard models as well as custom configurations to fit the needs of customers and distributor partners nationwide.

Headquartered in Gallatin, Tenn., Wil-Ro focuses on craftsmanship and people, fostering time-honored manufacturing processes to build the strongest, longest-lasting truck beds and trailers in the industry. Forged in the fires of the American spirit, Wil-Ro is American-made and Veteran owned. For more information, please visit wil-ro.com.

"We're thrilled to welcome these companies to the Wil-Ro Distributor Network," said Joshua J. Coster

Welcome New Members

Dealer Affiliate

4 Seasons Trailer And Equipment INC 187 Hwy 6 Grinnell, IA 50112 www.4seasonsgrinnell.com

Advanced Transport PO Box 684 Pearl City, HI 96782

Centerpoint Trailer Sales 6825 Lamar Rd Reno, TX 75462 www.centerpointtrailers.com

Extreme Trailers of Texas PO Box 1189 15625 Interstate 10 E Baytown, TX 77522 www.extremetrailersoftexas.com

Franklin Trailers, Inc 460 N Rte 73 West Berlin, NJ 8091 www.franklintrailers.com

Hayes Trailer Sales, Inc. 102 Fischer Dr Russellville, KY 42276 www.hayestrailersales.com

Kerlin Trailers 9944 S State Rd 15 Silver Lake, IN 46982 www.kerlinmotors.com

Marx Truck Trailer Sales, Inc 2411 3rd St Sioux City, IA 51101 www.marxtrailer.com

Matos Marine Carr 115 km24.6 Aguada, PR 00602

SteelPoint 200 Beltway Blvd Mathews, NC 28104 www.steel-point.com

Trailers Plus Inc dba Huntley Motor World 309 W Goldfield Ave Yerington, NV 89447 www.huntleymotorworld.com

Supplier

Axles Plus

2502 W Dewitt Henry Beebe, AR 72012

• Axles/Hubs/Springs, Couplers, Fabricated Parts, Fenders, Metal Production Machinery, Metal Stamping

Globe Tech LLC 40300 Plymouth Rd Plymouth, MI 48170 www.globetech-us.com

• Automotive OEM, Doors/Ramps, Electrical, Engineering, Fabricated Parts, Fasteners, Hardware, Hitches, Metal Stamping, Roll Forming, Steel-Structural, Storage Racks

Hometowne Capital 32 Weatherford Sq Jackson, TN 38305 www.hometownecapital.com

• Financing

Lowen Color Graphics 1111 Airport Rd Hutchinson, KS 67501 www.lowencg.com

• Labels/Decals/Nameplates

M2 Supply 3722 Lexington Park Dr Elkhart, IN 46514 www.m2supply.com

• Adhesives/Tapes, Cleaners/ Chemicals, Gaskets/Seals, Paints/ Coatings/Galvanizing, PreTreatment Systems, Sealants

Rigid Hitch, Inc.

3301 W Burnsville Pkwy Burnsville, MN 55337 www.rigidhitch.com

• Axles/Hubs/Springs, Brakes, Cleaners/ Chemicals, Doors/Ramps, Electric Brake Controls, Fenders, Hardware, Hitches, Jacks/Landing Gear, Mud Flaps/Splash Guards, Suspensions, Tools/Equipment, Towing Accessories

Trailer Alarms, LLC 301 Main Plaza

New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.trailer-alarms.com

• Batteries/Accessories, Locks, Safety Devices, Towing Accessories

Trailer Manufacturer

Beaver Built Adventure Trailers 23 E Lake Crescent NE Unit 1 Airdrie, AB Canada www.beaverbuilt.ca

• Utility/Flatbed

Cache Camper Manufacturing 7593 E Ashmore Ave Wasilla, AK 99654 www.cachecamper.com

• Agricultural/Farm, Aluminum, Auto Hauler, Boat, Cargo, Concession, Custom Design, Dog, Dump, Enclosed Cargo, Equipment, Gooseneck, Horse, Landscape, Livestock, Living Quarters, Mobile BBQ/Smoker, Motorcycle, Pole/Pipe/Cable Reel, Portable Equipment, RV/To

ElkRiver Trailers 1400 W Bristol St Elkhart, IN 46514 www.sailorgroupllc.com

• Aluminum, Boat, Cargo, Custom Design, Enclosed Cargo, Equipment, Landscape, Mobile BBQ/Smoker, Motorcycle, Snowmobile/ATV, Utility/Flatbed

Heritage Fabrication Inc. 5897 S Limit Ave Sedalia, MO 65301 www.heritagefabrication.com

• Aluminum, Auto Hauler, Boat, Cargo, Enclosed Cargo, Utility/Flatbed

Kirk Rosenlund 102 Airport Rd Thomasville, GA 31757

• Agricultural/Farm, Cargo, Equipment, Utility/Flatbed

M&W Welding Inc. 7003 278th St Moravia, IA 52571 www.iowahaytrailer.com

• Agricultural/Farm, Auto Hauler, Boat, Custom Design, Equipment, Gooseneck, Horse, Landscape, Livestock, Pole/Pipe/Cable Reel, Portable Equipment, Snowmobile/ ATV, Specialty, Utility/Flatbed

Trailer Manufacturer

Millroad Trailers 63 Millroad Brucefield, ON 0 www.millroadtrailers.com

• Agricultural/Farm, Aluminum, Auto Hauler, Cargo, Custom Design, Dump, Equipment, Gooseneck, Landscape, Portable Equipment, Snowmobile/ ATV, Specialty, Utility/Flatbed

Performance Assembly Solutions 28190 Plymouth Rd Livonia, MI 48150 www.performanceas.com

• Custom Design

Range Energy 1060 La Avenida Mountain View, CA 94043 www.rangeenergy.com

• Agricultural/Farm, Aluminum, Auto Hauler, Boat, Cargo, Concession, Custom Design, Dog, Dump, Enclosed Cargo, Equipment, Gooseneck, Horse, Landscape, Livestock, Living Quarters, Mobile BBQ/Smoker, Motorcycle, Pole/Pipe/Cable Reel, Portable Equipment, RV/To

Rustic Mountain Holdings LLC 2116 3rd Ave S Irondale, AL 35210 www.rusticmountainoverland.com

• Cargo

South Texas Custom Trailers 500 Airport Rd Yoakum, TX 77995

• Livestock

Stallion Manufacturing, LLC 2290 Mcguffey Rd McGregor, TX 76657

• Enclosed Cargo

Trailerman Trailers Ltd. 2337 Townline Road, Unit 1 Abbotsford, BC 0 www.trailermantrailers.ca

• Aluminum, Cargo, Custom Design, Enclosed Cargo, Equipment, Gooseneck, Specialty, Utility/Flatbed

TruckCorp LLC

3026 Saratoga Ave SW Canton, OH 44706 www.truckcorpllc.com

• Cargo, Custom Design, Equipment, Landscape, Portable Equipment, Specialty

Vela, LLC 1887 Whitney Mesa Dr #2020 Henderson, NV 89014 www.velarv.com

• RV/Towable

Xxiss Corp. PO Box 2372 Lancaster, CA 93539

• Custom Design, Living Quarters, RV/Towable

WWW.NATM.COM/CONVENTION

Annual Statement of Ownership

Publication Title: Tracks

Issue Frequency: Bimonthly

Complete Mailing Address of Known Office: 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604

Publicaton Number: 1552-2415

Filing Date: 8/29/2022

Number of Issues Printed Annually: 6 Annual Subscription: $50 Member $100 nonmember

Contact Person: Meghan Ryan Telephone: 785-272-4433

Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604

Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: National Associaton of Trailer Manufacturers Editor: Meghan Ryan 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604

Publication Title: Tracks

Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 9/1/2022

Avg. No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions

Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions

Paid Distribution Outside the Mails

Paid Distribution by Other Classses of the Mail Through the USPS

Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County

Free or Nominal Rate In-County

Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through USPS

Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail

1,737

Publication Statement of Ownership: This statement will be published in the 11/1/2022 Issue of Tracks Magazine

Editor Signature: Meghan Ryan 8/29/2022

Versatility defined for trailer manufacturers

To learn more, visit ppgversolon.com

Versolon