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Headquarters REPORT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

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! ■