January/February 2022 Tracks

TRACKS IN THIS ISSUE

CO V E R S TO R Y • G O V E R N M E N T R E L AT I O N S

2021 Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits Held Virtually Page 16 G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

Supply Chain Disruptions and the Post-Pandemic Economy Page 14 E D U C AT I O N

Readying Your Trailer for Spring Page 40 E D U C AT I O N

Convention Workshops Announced for 2022 Page 65

The Official Publication of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers

January/February 2022 Volume 35 • Issue 1

M A N U FA C T U R I N G

Commercial, Industrial, & Vehicle

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Advertising Index › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 2

Statistically Speaking › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 36

President’s Report › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 4

Readying Your Trailer for Spring › › › › › › › › › › › › › 40

Headquarters Report › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 6

NATM Announces 2022-2025 Board Election Results › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 42

NATM Staff Updates • Meet the Team › › › › › › › › › 8

ON THE COVER

Contents Table of

2021 Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits Held Virtually. Page 16

NATM Debuts 2021 Guidelines › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 43 OSHA Vaccination Policy Announced, Temporarily Halted › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 11 Supply Chain Disruptions and the Post-Pandemic Economy › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 14 2021 Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits Held Virtually › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 16 National Association of Trailer Manufacturers' Political Action Committee Supports Industry › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 22 National Association of Trailer Manufacturer Members Encouraged to Host Plant Tours › › › 26

NATM 2022 Convention Sponsors › › › › › › › › › › › › 64

Safely Towing a Trailer Brochure Offers Affordable Trailer Safety and Maintenance Information for End-Users › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 44 Explaining Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings to Customers › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 45 Start the New Year Off Right: Confirm Your 565 & 566 are Up To Date with NHTSA › › › › › › › 48 NATM Adds Secondary VIN as CVP Recommended Practice › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 54 Emergency Eyewash Station Requirements › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 55

NATM Looks Forward to Serving You in 2022! › › › 30 NATM Strategic Plan Champions Industry Growth Through 2022 › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 32

TIG Welding Training: Tips, Technologies, and Safety › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 58

2022 Convention Workshop, Technical Forum Topics & Speakers Announced › › › › › › › › 65 2022 Convention & Trade Show Schedule › › › › › 66 Trailer Manufacturers: Take Advantage of the New Attendee Promo › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 67 Trailer Manufacturers: Sponsor a Dealer Event at the 2022 Show › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 67 Free Registration & Room Nights for Dealer Affiliates at 2022 Convention & Trade Show › › 68 Important NATM Convention & Trade Show Dates › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 70 Press Releases › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 72

Refer Your Dealers to NATM Dealer Program › › 34

2022 Convention & Trade Show to Address Supply Chain, Workforce Shortages › › › › › › › › 63

Welcome New Members › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 76

STAFF

OFFICERS

DIRECTORS FEB. 2020 - FEB. 2023

Executive Director Kendra Ansley • Kendra.Ansley@natm.com

President Marty Lorick • Triple Crown Trailers

Jim Berry • Dexter

Assistant Director Meghan Ryan • Meghan.Ryan@natm.com

Vice President Josh Johnson • Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.

Marketing Director Savana Morrison • Savana.Morrison@natm.com

Treasurer Marco Garcia • U-Haul International, Inc.

Technical Director Alex Stowe • Alex.Stowe@natm.org

Associate Member Representative Jim Berry • Dexter Axle

Compliance Manager Scott Crimmins • Scott.Crimmins@natm.com

Past President Owen Shelton • BoatMate Trailers, Inc.

Senior Compliance Consultant Sean Sloan • Sean.Sloan@natm.com Compliance Consultant Aaron Langer • Aaron.Langer@natm.com Marketing Coordinator Erin Mohwinkle • Erin.Mohwinkle@natm.com

Jon Devitt • Midwest Industries, Inc. Jeff Jones • Statistical Surveys, Inc. Dustin Miller • Cross Trailers, Inc. Mike Story • LOOK Trailers DIRECTORS FEB. 2021 - FEB. 2024 Leo Akins • Forest River, Inc. Andy Derr • M.H. Eby

DIRECTORS FEB. 2019 - FEB. 2022

Rick Huddleston • White River Marine Group

Patrick Jennissen • Felling Trailers

John Kerr • Marsh & McLennan Agency

Andy Gehman • MGS Incorporated Joe Ostrowski • Kenda/Americana Tire & Wheel Corporation

Bookkeeper Cindy Streeter • Cindy.Streeter@natm.com Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski • Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com Administrative Services Coordinator Abby Wiebler • Abby.Wiebler@natm.com About this publication: Tracks Volume 35, Issue 1 January/February 2022 is published six times a year(bi-monthly) for$50 peryearby the National Association of TrailerManufacturers, 2420 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NATM 2420 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604.

DISCLAIMER: The inclusion in this magazine of advertising, logos, or website links, orreference to any products, services, trade names, ormanufacturers is not an endorsement by NATM of any such advertisers, links, entities, products, services, ornames. NATM through this magazine provides news and opinion articles as a service to its members and readers. Often these articles come from sources outside of its organization. Statements and opinions expressed in these articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, its staff or management, or the official policies of NATM. Nor does NATM accept responsibility for any errors or omissions made in publishing or reproducing articles or advertising appearing in Tracks or for the return of unsolicited manuscripts sent to NATM. USPS Number: 022438

ISSN Number: 1552-2415

NATM Headquarters • 2420 SW 17th St. • Topeka, KS 66604 • (785) 272-4433 • Fax: (785) 272-4455

TRACKS

Advertising Index A.L. Hansen Manufacturing › › Inside Front Cover

Dexter Axle › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 21

Peerless › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 56

Affiliated Resources › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 9

EastPenn Manufacturing Co., Inc. › › › › › › › › › › 6

PPG › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › Outside Back Cover

Bludot › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 5

EQ Systems › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 52-53

Premium Supply › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 38-39

Bob Clements International › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 47

H.E. Parmer Company, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 42

Redneck Trailer Supplies › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 3

Buyers Products Company › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 69

Heskins, LLC › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 23

Rockwell American › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 33

Brakequip › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 7

IDC Spring › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 44

COE › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 17

KampCo Steel Products, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › 46

Tech Products, Inc. - Signs, Tags, and Markers › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 61

CPR Systems › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 15

LaVanture Products Company › › › › › › › › › › › › 27

Custom Rollforming Corp. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 19

LINK Trailer Parts › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 2

DK2 Warrior Wenches › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 25

Lippert Components, Inc. › › › Inside Back Cover

Dec-O-Art, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 22

Magnum Venus Products, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › 54

Demco › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 13

Optronics International › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 29

TexTrail › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 37 TGI-Direct › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 35 Tie Down Engineering, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 71 Vin-eze A Division of P.M.C.S., Inc. › › › › › › › › › 61

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January/February 2022

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TRACKS

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President’s Report

By Marty Lorick, Triple Crown Trailers As we begin a new year in 2022, companies across the globe are renewing their membership with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). To those of you that have recommitted to NATM’s efforts, thank you. NATM would be unable to achieve its growth and positive influence on this industry without dedicated suppliers, service providers, and trailer manufacturers supporting the Association’s mission to “promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy.” Renewing NATM Members also understand the multifaceted benefits of being a member of a trade association specific to the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.

For our trailer manufacturer members, participation in NATM and its Compliance Verification Program is entirely voluntary.

Choosing to renew your membership and invest the time and money necessary to ensure your compliance demonstrates your company’s sense of civic responsibility. The NATM members that choose to renew membership year after year recognize that building trailers to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also the law.

Participation in the NATM Compliance Verification Program lends credibility to member companies. Biennially, our trailer manufacturers receive an unbiased, third-party consultation by NATM Compliance Consultants to verify they have the processes in place to build trailers to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). By renewing membership, NATM members demonstrate their dedication to their customers in building compliant trailers. In addition, these trailer manufacturers also purchase the NATM Decal. NATM Decal purchases create awareness of NATM’s mission to promote trailer safety and applying the decal to trailers raises the visibility of their company’s affiliation with NATM as a reputable resource.

Belonging to NATM offers improved representation of your company’s needs on a federal level when it comes to legislation and regulation. It can be difficult for one small company to be heard above the racket. NATM membership unifies the voice of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry by bringing together more than 900 companies. The Association advocates on behalf of our priorities so we do not individually have to invest our already scarce resources. For example, NATM spent years advocating for a national bill that would allow unladen trailers to be towed in tandem, subject to certain limitations, by someone with a commercial driver’s license. Had the Association not regularly met legislators in person on Capitol Hill and submitted comments, such legislation would not have passed. Without NATM’s efforts, there would still be a random patchwork of differing state laws across the nation forcing trailer manufacturers and dealers to inefficiently deliver products.

Being a member of NATM also grants you connections to others in the industry. Active members in NATM recognize that participating in NATM through the Convention & Trade Show, committees, and advertising gives you access to those who can help your company achieve its goals.

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January/February 2022

Trailer manufacturers can find suppliers that offer an improved component or part, or access to a service provider to assist with financing or insurance. NATM membership links trailer manufacturers to vendors, prospective customers, and other leaders in the industry and vice versa.

One of the most apparent benefits of renewing membership with NATM is access to information. NATM provides solutions for businesses in the industry, both trailer manufacturer companies and suppliers alike. The collective brainpower of leaders in companies in all facets of this industry helps NATM problem-solve. The challenges NATM member companies face are often not unique. For example, most of us in the industry are struggling with the lack of an available, skilled workforce to fill our open positions. The NATM Education Committee recognized this is a pervasive issue and as such, had a record-breaking number of webinars in 2021.

Suppliers and service providers play an equally important role in NATM’s success. These associate members support the lightand medium-duty trailer industry through their committee and board participation, monetary investments such as advertising and membership dues. Most helpful to the industry has been suppliers leveraging their expertise to share with the industry through educational articles and workshops. Suppliers work with many different trailer manufacturers directly and get a broad view and better understanding of the industry. They can identify trends and challenges faced by trailer manufacturers and use their understanding of the collective group. This information helps NATM better understand the needs of the membership in a way that one trailer manufacturing company may struggle to convey thanks to the strength of having extra data.

As a result, supplier members have improved NATM’s ability to provide educational resources, workshops, and informative articles. Supplier member companies are also often NATM’s greatest asset in recruiting new trailer manufacturers to the Association. Suppliers are the Association’s biggest cheerleaders. Many of them advocate on behalf of NATM to encourage the trailer manufacturing companies they work with to participate in the Compliance Verification Program or to attend the NATM Annual Convention & Trade Show.

The Association is the combined effort, expertise, and support of all members, and without your annual recommitment to membership, none of this would have been possible.

For more information about renewing your company’s membership with NATM, contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie.Rutkowski@natm. com or by calling NATM’s headquarters at (785) 272-4433.

Thank you again to those that have re-enlisted to support the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. I look forward to seeing you all at the 2022 Convention & Trade Show in Tampa, Fla. ■

www.NATM.com

TRACKS

H E A D Q UA R T E R S R E P O R T

Headquarters J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

REPORT

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

A new year is upon us and the 2022 Annual NATM Convention & Trade Show is just around the corner. With winter weather stretching across much of the US, the Tampa sun and a little warm weather is a welcome respite. Even without sunny weather, the NATM Convention remains my favorite event of the year and one I have been looking forward to for nearly two years since we were all together. With more than 900 members spread across the globe, the convention allows me to connect with over 1,000 attendees all in one place. This year we’re excited to welcome trailer dealers for the first time in show history! Dealers are an integral part of the trailer manufacturing industry and I know we’re all looking forward to being together under one roof!

new content for members based on current needs. With these new committees set to start their work soon and new Board members bringing fresh perspective and industry expertise, NATM is poised to generate more value for members in 2022.

Happy New Year! May your 2022 be filled with success and happiness! ■

2022 marks the final year in NATM’s current strategic plan and there is a lot in store! Focusing on resources members can utilize to attract and retain a skilled workforce and upskill their existing workforce is just part of what members can expect to see unfold.

NATM is creating new marketing plans to increase the value of the NATM Decal and better engage end users. In the spring, I will be hitting the road with Assistant Director Meghan Ryan to meet with dealers across the country to talk more about the value of the Compliance Verification Program and how we can support dealers via our mission to promote trailer safety and industry growth. The Association is also in the process of developing strategic partnerships to grow the reach of Trailer Safety Week and better utilize industry expertise to improve trailer safety.

The Association will also be launching a new website, bringing a refreshed look and increased functionality to member and site visitors alike. The 2019-2022 strategic plan may be sliding into home, but the NATM Board is already beginning to think towards the future. In summer 2022, the Board will be hosting its 20232025 strategic planning session. Members can expect to receive surveys and outreach from NATM and its strategic plan facilitator to help guide your association into the future. Keep an eye out!

New committees have been assigned for the year and goals refreshed to propel the industry forward. NATM’s technical committees will be updating technical documents like the Safely Towing a Trailer Brochure and focusing on improvements to the Compliance Verification Program. The Membership Committee will be looking closely at member benefits and evaluating opportunities for improvement. The Finance Committee will be evaluating NATM’s long-term financial plan and setting strategic course to ensure the Association continues to grow alongside its members and can support expanding programing and benefits. The Government Affairs Committee will continue to tackle big issues like workforce and supply chains, while the Education Committee will develop

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January/February 2022

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TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP

NATM Staff Updates Meet the Team Kendra Ansley Executive Director Kendra Ansley is the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Executive Director and has been with the Association since 2011. In her role as Executive Director, Ansley oversees the Association and its staff in both programmatic and financial areas. She plans and directs all NATM programming and services personally or through NATM staff and the Association’s committees. Ansley also leads NATM’s government affairs efforts with the guidance of the Association’s legal counsel.

When she is not working to improve trailer safety or advocating for the needs of members in the regulatory arena, Ansley can be found chasing after her preschooler or cuddling her newborn. She also pretends to be an avid reader and jogger when she can find the time.

Savana Morrison Marketing Director

Savana Morrison serves as the NATM Marketing Director and has been with the Association since August 2017. In her role, Morrison oversees NATM’s branding and the development of all promotional materials, creates and implements the Association’s marketing plan, and maintains NATM’s three websites.

This two-time Drake University alumna is a public relations powerhouse who loves to flex her creative muscles. Her favorite projects allow her to strategize, build a plan, and see it through. When she’s not busy developing the latest NATM marketing tactics, she can be found baking treats for her coworkers, adding “the last” finishing touches to her Pinterest-inspired apartment, or researching her next travel destination.

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Meghan Ryan Assistant Director Meghan Ryan is the Assistant Director and has been with NATM since September 2012. Ryan oversees the planning and execution of all meetings and special events for NATM. In her role as Assistant Director, she also dedicates her time to the creation of Tracks magazine, membership programming including educational opportunities such as webinars, and the Convention & Trade Show.

She enjoys traveling and looking for her next adventure in skydiving, kayaking, hiking, and napping. She can often be found laughing with colleagues or petting her favorite coworker, Shadow, her Pyrenees-Spitz mutt who regularly shares her office and finds the early mornings “ruff.”

Alex Stowe Technical Director

Alex Stowe is the NATM Technical Director overseeing all technical programs of the Association. He works directly with the Executive Director to evaluate regulatory and technical issues applicable to the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.

Stowe received his Juris Doctorate with a concentration in business transactions from the University of Nebraska College of Law. His background in compliance stems from experience working in highly regulated areas where he was responsible for regulation interpretation, violation summary reporting, and reviewing regulations with NCAA bylaws and HIPAA compliance. In his free time, he volunteers with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and enjoys traveling with his fiancée, Abby, and their three dogs.

Scott Crimmins Compliance Manager

In his new role as the Compliance Manager, Crimmins oversees the running of the Compliance Verification Program, including conducting compliance verification consultations for trailer manufacturers to verify members have the processes in place to manufacture trailers in compliance with NATM’s Guidelines.

Crimmins is a graduate of Washburn University with a major in finance. His experience in the casualty and property insurance claims industry is applicable to his role as a compliance consultant as he has conducted many appraisals on damaged property including automobiles, RVs, semi-tractors, and trailers. Crimmins and his wife, Laurie, have three children: one son and twin daughters. In his free time, he enjoys Kansas State and Washburn University’s football and baseball teams.

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TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP

Sean Sloan

Aaron Langer

Senior Compliance Consultant

Compliance Consultant

As the Senior Compliance Consultant, Sean Sloan is responsible for overseeing NATM’s scheduling of compliance verification consultations and conducts consultations to verify members have the processes in place to manufacture trailers in compliance with NATM’s Guidelines. This position also has the responsibility of assisting members in correcting any compliance deficiencies, ensuring NATM’s compliance software is up to date, and necessary reporting is complete.

Sloan is a graduate of Baker University with a major in business administration. Sloan’s experience in corporate and government purchasing meant regular communication with manufacturers and suppliers, which has lent itself well to his new role. Sloan and his wife, Jeni, have five children. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, fishing, and watching University of Kansas basketball.

Catie Rutkowski Membership & Events Coordinator As the Membership & Events Coordinator, Rutkowski handles many of the administrative responsibilities related to membership and events. The position leads many processes including membership renewals, convention registration, and database oversight. In her role, she provides direct support to the Executive Director and Assistant Director, including support for many NATM events.

Rutkowski received her Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree from Washburn University with an emphasis in English literature and psychology. Her experience with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and its membership program benefits her role greatly at NATM. She enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with her husband and son in her free time. During the summer months, most of her weekends are spent at the Lake of the Ozarks with family.

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January/February 2022

As the newest NATM Compliance Consultant, Langer conducts compliance verification consultations for trailer manufacturers to verify members have the manufacturing processes in place to manufacture trailers in compliance with NATM. This position also has the responsibility of assisting members in correcting any compliance deficiencies.

Aaron brings firsthand experience as a trailer user and welder with his background in construction and the Kansas Department of Transportation. Langer loves spending time with his beautiful wife René and two dogs. He also considers himself an avid (albeit mediocre) golfer, and enjoys all time spent outdoors. In the evenings he can be found doing anything DIY, or working in his yard.

Erin Mohwinkle Marketing Coordinator Erin Mohwinkle is the Marketing Coordinator and has been with the Association since July 2021. In her role, she works closely with the Marketing Director and NATM staff to support all marketing and promotional materials for NATM activities. Mohwinkle provides project leadership on member marketing services, membership, and events marketing, and oversees the creation of the Directory and Buyer’s Guide, amongst other projects.

Mohwinkle brings many years of marketing and project management experience from the insurance and chamber association worlds. Mohwinkle and her husband, whom she met while they were attending Washburn University, stay very busy with their three children: two boys – Brecken and Kiernan – and their little sister, (princess) Madigan. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, attending sporting events, and traveling.

Abby Wiebler

Cindy Streeter

Administrative Services Coordinator

Bookkeeper

Abby Wiebler is NATM’s Administrative Services Coordinator. In her role, Wiebler oversees all administrative responsibilities for NATM including managing the day-to-day operations, processing all NATM Shop orders, and assisting with several Association annual projects.

Wiebler received her Bachelor’s in business administration at Washburn University, where her main focuses were marketing and international business. Her international, cross-cultural communication skills are an asset to NATM when communicating with members in the United States and abroad. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, and roller skating.

As NATM’s Bookkeeper, Cindy Streeter is responsible for maintaining the financial records of the Association by collecting, recording, reconciling and summarizing financial information, entering data, and preparing invoices.

Streeter has been employed at NATM since July 2011. She is very detail-oriented and enjoys working with numbers. Away from work, she likes to cook (especially cookies) for her friends and grandchildren.■

www.NATM.com

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

OSHA Vaccination Policy Announced, Temporarily Halted

By NATM Staff On Nov. 5, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccination and testing. The ETS is part of an action plan, announced by President Biden on Sept. 9, 2021, to reduce COVID-19 infection numbers.

Specifically, Biden has called for private employers with at least 100 employees to ensure either that: 1. All employees are vaccinated; or 2. All employees are tested at least weekly.

On Nov. 6, the fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay of the requirement by OSHA federal appeals court and has temporarily halted the requirement. More information will be provided to NATM Members via the NATM Insider newsletter. Below is information on the OSHA vaccine rule that has been halted as of the date of this publication Nov. 10.

What Does the ETS Require?

The ETS requires employers with at least 100 employees to ensure all employees are either vaccinated or tested at least weekly for COVID-19 and wear face coverings.

TRACKS

Are Remote Workers Subject to the Vaccine/Test Requirement?

The ETS requirements do not apply to those who do not report to a workplace where other individuals are present, to employees working from home (but only while they are working at home), or to employees who work exclusively outdoors.

Who Pays for the Time Employees Spend Getting Vaccinated?

Employers must provide reasonable time to receive vaccinations, including up to four hours of paid time for this purpose. Employers must also provide a reasonable time, including paid sick leave, for employees to recover from the effects of the vaccination.

Must Employers Keep a Record of Employee Vaccination Status and/or Negative Test Results?

Yes. Under the ETS, employers must require employees to provide proof of vaccination through medical records, immunization cards, etc. If an employee has no record of vaccination status, a certification by the employee with explicit language swearing to the vaccination details is acceptable. Employers must keep the documentation provided by employees, and employers must maintain a roster of each employee’s vaccination status. Similarly, employers must keep a record of a negative test provided by the employee or the test administered by the employer.

How Do Employers Calculate the 100-Employee Threshold?

The ETS states that it applies to employers who have at least 100 employees at any time. For a single corporate entity with multiple locations, all employees at all locations are counted for determining the threshold. Part-time employees and employees working from home are also included. Independent contractors are not included. Once an employer crosses the 100-employee threshold, it will be subject to the standard for the duration of the ETS – even if the employer dips below 100 employees thereafter.

Are Drivers Exempted from the Vaccine/ Test Requirement?

No specific exemption for drivers or motor carriers exists.

Drivers could only be considered exempt in the unlikely event they fall into one of the enumerated exemptions, which are (1) those who do not report to a workplace where other individuals are present; (2) employees working from home; or (3) employees who work exclusively outdoors.

www.NATM.com

What Does It Mean to be Fully Vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated means a person’s status two weeks after completing all doses of a primary vaccination, or two weeks after receiving the second dose of any combination of doses.

January/February 2022

11

TRACKS

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

Are There Any Exemptions to an Employer’s Vaccination Requirement?

Yes. A compliant mandatory vaccination policy can provide for medical, disability, and religious exemption. Individuals qualifying for these exemptions would be considered unvaccinated and subject to testing and masking requirements.

Who Pays for the Cost of the Tests?

OSHA has indicated that employers may require employees to bear the cost of required testing, ostensibly because the employee would have had the opportunity to be vaccinated at no cost. Although the ETS does not require the employer to bear the costs of testing for individuals qualifying as exempt from the vaccine requirement due to medical or religious reasons, other laws may impact the responsibility for testing costs.

How Does Weekly Testing Work?

An employee who reports to a workplace at least once every seven days must be tested at least once every seven days and provide documentation of the test. An employee who does not report to a workplace during a period of seven days or more (including places in which customers are present) must be tested within seven days prior to returning to the workplace.

Are Rapid Tests and/or Antibody Tests Acceptable?

The ETS requires a test authorized for emergency use by the FDA to detect current infection. In essence, rapid antigen tests are acceptable, but antibody tests are not. Importantly, the test cannot be both selfadministered and self-read unless observed by the employer or an authorized telehealth proctor.

employee receives a negative nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), meets the return to work criteria established by the CDC, or receives a recommendation to return to work from a licensed healthcare provider.

Is Proof that Employees Have Contracted and Recovered from COVID-19 Acceptable to Prove Vaccination Status?

No. OSHA has determined that employees who have had the virus and recovered remain in “grave danger” justifying the ETS and should either be vaccinated or be subject to the weekly testing and mask mandate.

Are Masking and/or Social Distancing Required by the ETS? The ETS requires an employee who is not fully vaccinated to wear a face-covering when indoors and when occupying a vehicle with another person for work purposes. Limited exceptions exist, including when someone is alone in an enclosed office and while eating and drinking.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

The ETS would subject employers who violate the terms to the normal citation and penalty structure applicable to other OSHA violations. To the extent a violation is deemed “serious,” penalties can reach up to $13,653 per violation. If, however, the violation is deemed “willful” or “repeated,” the maximum penalty could reach up to $136,532 per violation.■

What Happens If an Employee Tests Positive?

If an employee tests positive or is diagnosed with COVID-19, the employee must promptly notify the employer. The employee must be immediately removed from the workplace until the

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www.NATM.com

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

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TRACKS

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

Supply Chain Disruptions and the Post-Pandemic Economy

By Brody Garland, K & L Gates

2021 was an abject lesson in how the complexities of the vast and interconnected global supply chain leave us vulnerable to disruption at every stage of the process.

It feels like a world ago, but in the days preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy was humming along. Consumer confidence was high, travel numbers were soaring, and there was no end in sight. There was adequate supply at virtually every stop of the supply chain: excess capacity on ships, no shortages of containers or chassis, and no measurable congestion at our ports, terminals, and railyards.

Fast forward to late 2019 into early 2020, a viral outbreak occurs in China, and the dominoes begin to fall on the stability of the global supply chain. Chinese ports and warehouses shuttered their doors to stop the spread of the disease, and for U.S. imports, the timing could not have been worse.

These mass closures were further amplified by the seasonal impact of Chinese New Year, a time when many businesses in the region are typically shut down. From tires to steel to semiconductors, the U.S. reliance on imported goods and products from China would be dramatically exposed.

While the early causes of supply chain disruption began with the behavioral impacts and economic stress of a pandemic, the problems would be compounded by other factors: the strength of the economic recovery, a shortage of workers across several key sectors, and a transportation and infrastructure network that was overstressed to the point of breaking.

The economic trends born at the height of the pandemic continued well into 2021, with major growth in U.S. GDP and a largely remote workforce still leaning heavily on goods over services.

Economic experts speculated as pandemic restrictions were lifted, supply chain disruptions would become more temporary, but those theories would quickly be proven wrong. A leading container throughput analyst reported that in July 2021 total container volume into the 10 largest U.S. ports was up 14.3 percent, following a 33.3 percent gain in June, and a whopping 52 percent increase in May. There had been a marked shift in consumer spending habits worldwide, and it was becoming clear the supply chain would have to adjust to new realities and brace for continued pressure.

As COVID-19 continued to spread, companies started to adjust to new supply and demand curves. Shipping companies canceled sailings, and as the economy shrunk, consumers reflexively cut spending. But with households in lockdown and bank accounts surging with government stimulus, spending habits shifted. Consumers turned to more tangible goods, home improvement products, and anything else that could be delivered to your doorstep at the click of a button.

To further complicate the dynamic, the root causes would prove to be too many to count, while the solutions were so intertwined and interdependent, that solving one without addressing the others would be futile. Building out infrastructure at the ports would be insufficient without more containers and chassis. Increasing capacity would be ineffective without more ships. Increasing warehouse space would be counterproductive without more truck drivers.

As demand soared unrelentingly, logistics systems trailed the action. Shipping companies, anticipating a drop in demand for their services, began taking ships out of service, reducing overall capacity and sending freight rates soaring. The result was a perfect storm of logistical vulnerabilities: containers and chassis became scarce, a labor shortage that existed prior to the pandemic increased further, and warehouses and shipping terminals experienced unprecedented overcrowding.

As we look forward to 2022 and attempt to mitigate the supply chain congestion issues that punctuated the postpandemic economy in 2021, the problems we face will continue to challenge the transportation sector at every link of the chain. There will inevitably be some relief, but in the meantime, the economic consequences will be measured in surging prices, corresponding inflationary adjustments, and frustrating shipping delays.■

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January/February 2022

www.NATM.com

ONE STEP. ZERO DISCHARGE. High Pressure Pretreatment For Large Metal Products

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The CPR SYSTEM meets the cleaning effectiveness of a 5-stage washer in a compact size. This method of high pressure spray wand phosphating increases salt spray test times, alleviates corrosion, provides a 14-day no flash rust at 50% humidity, saves up to 80% of chemicals and 95% of water used in typical wash and dump cleaning methods. A CPR SYSTEM pays for itself within a short period of time.

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Because CPR SYSTEM uses a proprietary closed-loop recycling process to reclaim and reuse the wash solution, sewer discharge is eliminated. Therefore, this system is environmentally compliant…no permitting, treating, monitoring and record-keeping of industrial wastewater is required.

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TRACKS

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

2021 Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits Held Virtually

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director The 2021 Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits were held virtually in September. This has become one of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) most important annual events and gives members an opportunity to educate senators, representatives, and their staff about the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and its impact on their state and individual districts. There were more than 1,167,000 new trailers registered in the U.S. in 2020, representing approximately $5.32 billion in sales. In addition, NATM members employ more than 485,000 American workers.

NATM members contribute to the economy and the safety of roadways across the nation. It’s important legislators and agencies understand the needs and priorities of the trailer industry.

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January/February 2022

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COE’s team can evaluate whether a CTL solution fits your needs, calculate your potential ROI and even help you transition to buying coil instead of blanks.

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TRACKS

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

The Regulatory Roundup speaker series was held via webinar and provided an opportunity for NATM Members and Dealer Affiliates to stay engaged with government and industry stakeholders on important issues for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.

Past speakers for the event include congressional members and staff, federal agency representatives from the Departments of Transportation and Labor, and trade group leaders from the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

2021

Darien Flowers

SPEAKERS

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Ben Siegrist

Darrell Conner

Director of Infrastructure, Innovation and Human Resources Policy

Government Affairs Counselor

National Association of Manufacturers

Deputy Policy Director, Minority

K&L Gates

Josh Neff

Jeremy Gunderson

Chief, Medium and Heavy Duty Vehicle Defect Division

Senior Safety Recall Specialist/Acting Chief RMD

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

NATM hosted virtual Capitol Hill visits with members of Congress the following week. NATM members and staff had more than 50 meetings – a record-breaking number!

NATM Member attendees continued efforts to remind members of Congress of NATM’s primary mission to promote trailer safety and industry best practices. It is important to establish these relationships and raise awareness of NATM’s work as a third-party inspection body that verifies compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), as well as inform legislators that trailers are defined as “motor vehicles’’ and are thus impacted by legislation, often unintentionally. NATM works to proactively

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January/February 2022

engage and educate lawmakers to avoid potentially consequential legislation applied to the trailer industry.

Manufacturing companies across the United States face a skilled labor shortage, and the light- and medium-duty trailer industry has not been immune to this challenge.

Although NATM has made efforts in creating workshops, webinars, and Tracks articles that offer resources and ideas on how to address the skilled labor shortage, these actions alone are not enough. During the Capitol Hill visits, NATM representatives encouraged members of Congress and their staff to support future legislation that

www.NATM.com

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would promote the expansion of a skilled manufacturing workforce for the health of the American economy.

During these conversations, NATM participants recommended legislators support funding for trailer safety initiatives.

Traffic safety is considered a major public health issue, but light- and medium-duty trailer towing is one facet of motor vehicle crash safety that is often overlooked. Prior to NATM’s efforts through Trailer Safety Week, there had never been a nationwide safety initiative to address the proper usage of these trailers, which millions of Americans use each year for a wide variety of commercial and recreational purposes. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance noted an increase in towing-related crashes in recent years. While data collected in the reporting process for trailer-related crash reporting is incomplete, it is clear based on NATM’s 2015 conversation with then NHTSA Administrator Rosekind, that many incidents are the result of inadequate towing knowledge and training. All towers, both novice and seasoned, private and commercial, can struggle with towing basics.

With more than one million new trailers being towed on highways across the United States every year, and a demographic of users that mirror those of higher risk, higher fatality rate drivers, it is crucial that trailer usage is considered within the realm of traffic safety and is funded accordingly. NATM believes Congress should consider directing appropriate funding via the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to continue the progress NATM and industry partners made over the past three years.

The annual Capitol Hill Visits are an important way to become more involved in promoting the trailer industry, and NATM encourages members to attend the Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill visits. The 2022 event will be held in April in Washington, D.C., and the structure of the event will change slightly by hosting the Capitol Hill visits on the first day, and the Regulatory Roundup on the morning of the second day.

If you would like more information about how you can get involved, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com.

2021 Capitol Hill Visit DISCUSSION POINTS

› Information about industry

167,000

$5.32 Billion

<485,000

New trailers registered in the U.S. in 2020

Approximate sales

American workers employed

by NATM members

› Trailers are motor vehicles

› Supply chain challenges

› Trailer Safety Week

› Impacts of tariffs

› Skilled labor shortage

› Need for a long-term, fully funded Infrastructure Bill

* Statistical Surveys. (2020). National Light- and Medium-Duty Trailer Registrations Report, 2020. ■

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January/February 2022

www.NATM.com

Photo Courtesy of Legend Manufacturing, Inc.

DEXTER TORFLEX HELPS YOU CARRY WHAT MATTERS MOST ®

With Dexter’s Torflex Independent rubber suspension and precision machined steel spindles, you’ll have no concerns of damage to precious cargo due to road shock. Easy installation and less overall maintenance reduces headaches and downtime. From 600-12,000 lbs. capacity, we have a Torflex axle to meet almost any application. For legendary performance, Demand Dexter.

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TRACKS

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ Political Action Committee Supports Industry

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ Political Action Committee, the NATM PAC, was established in 2010. The NATM PAC serves to support members of Congress who support the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and its positions on public policy.

Campaign finance law requires NATM to secure “prior approval” from member companies before soliciting 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 you are authorized to represent your company and would like to grant prior approval for the administrative personnel, stockholders, and the families of both groups to be solicited by NATM in calendar year 2022, please contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433 to request the prior approval agreement form.

to 30 incumbent candidates—many of whom have received multiple contributions over the years. The PAC is governed by a Board of Directors composed entirely of NATM members.

The PAC Board is responsible for developing both an annual budget and confirming candidates to whom the PAC will contribute based on specific, established criteria. Having the PAC Board composed of industry members is a key feature of assuring PAC goals align with industry needs. ■

To learn more about the PAC, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.

Since its inception, 47 individuals have contributed to the PAC, raising more than $94,000. Those funds have contributed

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January/February 2022

www.NATM.com

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Heskins UHDBT can be used on many surfaces, including sound painted and galvanized metals • Aluminum siding for trailers • Truck side panels • Horse boxes • Window glass to vehicles

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National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Political Action Committee 2420 SW 17th Street Topeka, KS 66604-2627

Phone: (785) 272-4433

Fax: (785) 272-4455

Federal Law requires the NATM Political Action Committee (NATM PAC) to obtain written permission from you before you or your company can participate in our PAC. If you wish to participate in our PAC, you must first authorize us to communicate with you regarding the PAC and NATM’s political activity, including periodic solicitations for contributions. Approval does not obligate you to contribute; however, it does allow us to keep you informed of political and legislative issues and activities. Participation in the NATM PAC is voluntary and any decision to not contribute will in no way reflect adversely on any solicitee.

Contributions to the NATM PAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Federal law requires that members only give permission to one trade association per year.

All you have to do is sign your name and return the form.

SIGN ALL FIVE YEARS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE! I authorize the NATM PAC to communicate with and solicit contributions from me or those within my company’s “restricted class,” and I am permitted to make such authorizations on behalf of my company. I understand that my company may only grant permission to one trade association for the calendar years listed below, and that I may not sign this authorization if my company has already granted permission to another trade association PAC. Such approval is granted for the following years (federal law requires a separate signature for each year): SIGNATURE

__________________________________________

2021

ADDITIONAL YEARS

__________________________________________

2022

__________________________________________

2023

__________________________________________

2024

__________________________________________

2025

PRINT NAME: _______________________________________________________________________ (You may attach a business card.)

TITLE: _____________________________________________________________________________ COMPANY: _________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________ CITY: _______________________________ STATE:_____________ ZIP: _______________________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________________ Please sign and FAX to Kendra Ansley at (785) 272-4455 For more information, please contact: Kendra.Ansley@NATM.com FORGOV1302

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IT’S WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE THAT MATTERS.

THE GUTS

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TRACKS

G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S / M E M B E R S H I P

National Association of Trailer Manufacturer Members Encouraged to Host Plant Tours

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has had several successes in its Government Affairs program over the past several years due in large part to the relationships NATM members have built with their members of Congress.

Through NATM’s plant tours, legislative roundtables, and Capitol Hill visits, NATM has built an awareness of the trailer manufacturing industry and the impact it has on the various states and legislative districts. With the ever-changing composition and focus of Congress, it is important for the Association to continue to build relationships with legislators.

NATM highly encourages you to host your representative for a plant tour. Hosting a plant tour is a simple process and NATM will assist with the invitation and scheduling. Members who have participated in the past have found it to be a positive experience. ■

Interested in hosting a plant tour?

NATM encourages suppliers and trailer manufacturers to schedule legislative plant tours or round tables. All members of Congress have an impact on the outcome of any legislation, so it is important to recruit advocates who understand and support the trailer industry.

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

NATM JOB BOARD YOUR PERFECT CANDIDATE IS JUST A FEW CLICKS AWAY. An exclusive job board for NATM members.

NATM.COM 26

January/February 2022

www.NATM.com

For Challenging appliCations

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STAY UP TO DATE WITH

THE NATM INSIDER

By Savana Morrison, NATM Marketing Director The NATM Insider is the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) monthly electronic newsletter and is emailed to subscribing NATM members the last Saturday morning of every month.

Articles published in The Insider include topics such as: • NATM Events and Updates • Welding Trends and Techniques • The Dealer Corner If you would like to receive these communications and subscribe for free, contact NATM Marketing Director Savana Morrison at Savana.Morrison@natm.com.

NATM revamped The NATM Insider for 2022. Due to demand, additional advertising spots are now available to NATM members.

Contact NATM Marketing Coordinator Erin Mohwinkle at Erin.Mohwinkle@natm.com for more information.

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January/February 2022

www.NATM.com

TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP

NATM Looks Forward to Serving You in 2022!

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director The 2022 membership renewals are hitting inboxes, which makes this the perfect time for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to reflect on how membership dues are critical in supporting the actions, services, and educational programming NATM provides for its members and the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. NATM is constantly evaluating costs and benefits to ensure your annual membership investment is being met with valuable returns.

In 2021, membership dues allowed NATM to: ›

Welcome Tow Vehicle OEM Members to the Association as a new membership type.

›

Continue the Association’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan focusing on industry growth, increasing brand awareness, and continuously improving the NATM Compliance Verification Program (CVP).

›

Host a record-breaking number of educational webinars and presentations.

›

Grow the reach of the fourth annual Trailer Safety Week, including the introduction of strategic partnerships and access to additional resources.

2022 NATM Membership Dues Your 2022 NATM membership renewal notice was mailed to the attention of your accounts payable department in November. For international members, invoices were emailed.

Membership Dues for 2022 Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers) •$995 Branch Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers) $325 Associate Membership (Suppliers/Service Providers) • $860

›

Devote resources to marketing the NATM CVP and benefits of the Association to the industry as well as end-users to grow the value of the NATM Compliance Decal.

Tow Vehicle OEM Membership (Automotive Manufacturers) • $860

›

Educate members of Congress during the annual Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits.

Branch Associate Membership (Suppliers/Service Providers) • $150

›

Update the 2021 Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and-Medium Duty Trailers, also known as the Guidelines.

Trailer Dealer Affiliates $150

›

Host the 2021 Workforce Development Summit to assist members with their skilled worker shortage.

›

Adapt the NATM CVP to navigate travel restrictions and protect the health and safety of members and staff, while also continuing to help member companies ensure their compliance with applicable federal regulations and industry standards.

›

Continue offering the Association Health Plan (AHP) for most NATM member companies.

›

Continue offering the NATM Association Retirement Plan for member companies to offer their employees.

NATM’s commitment is to its members and ultimately to trailer safety. Supporting NATM members’ ability to grow and prosper, while also contributing to the safety of the nation’s roadways, is what drives the Association’s work. Your support of this mission and your integral feedback along the way are vital to NATM’s success. NATM looks forward to continuing this important work in the coming year!

30

January/February 2022

You have the option to renew your membership online at www.NATM.com. Log in to the Members Only section to view and pay the invoice.

Should you decide to pay online, please advise accounts payable to disregard the notice.

Membership dues must be paid no later than Jan. 31, 2022. Any dues not received by then will be considered delinquent, and all membership benefits will be terminated until paid per the NATM Bylaws.

For Trade Show Exhibitors, it is important to note NATM DUES MUST BE PAID BY DEC. 31, 2021, to maintain the member rate for booths at the February 2022 Convention & Trade Show in Tampa, Fla. Thank you for your continued support of the Association.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director, at (785) 272-4433 Meghan.Ryan@natm.com if you have any questions or concerns. ■

www.NATM.com

MEMBERSHIP

CELEBRATING YOUR

1 YEAR ST

OF MEMBERSHIP!

ABD EQUIPMENT & PARTS LLC Alliance North America Beast Bron Tapes, Inc. Crucible FMW SPRAYERS Ground Zero Shelters, Co. Legend Manufacturing, Inc. Little Mountain Mfg Teton Trailer Manufacturing LLC Trailer Masters LLC United Alloy Texas Watchdog Trailers LLC Whites Welding LLC www.NATM.com

TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP

NATM Strategic Plan Champions Industry Growth Through 2022

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) current strategic plan spans from 2019 to 2022. It covers three focus areas: support industry growth, be the recognized leader in trailer safety, and maintain the integrity and raise the value of the Compliance Verification Program (CVP). In the last three years, the Association, with the support of countless volunteers, has made significant strides in all three areas. Looking back at all that has been accomplished and what is on

the horizon, it’s clear the Association continues to advance and evolve alongside its members and is laying a strong foundation for years to come.

Focus Area One:

Focus Area Two:

Focus Area Three:

Accomplishments Thus Far:

Accomplishments Thus Far:

›

Association Health Plan

›

Expand Trailer Safety Week

›

Association Retirement Plan

›

Launched Dealer Affiliate program

›

Workforce Development Summit

›

›

Regular Webinars

Incorporated Dealers in the NATM Convention

›

Resource guide for creating an inhouse quality management system

›

Increased Trailer Safety Week Allyship

›

Launched Trailer Safety Week Partners and Champions

›

Created Law Enforcement Toolkit for Trailer Safety Week

›

Implemented a Third-Party Media Marketing Plan for Trailer Safety Week Expansion

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

Support Industry Growth

What’s to Come:

Be the Recognized Leader in Trailer Safety

›

NATM Academy—an online training platform for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry

›

Marketing Kits for Members and Affiliates

›

Young Professionals Program

›

Launched NATM Resource Library

›

School Engagement Program

›

Launched NATM Online Store

›

Developed a Strategic Marketing Plan

The following bullets are a look at what has been accomplished and what NATM Members and Dealer Affiliates can expect in the coming year. Please note the list of what is to come for each focus area is not comprehensive as NATM Staff and Committees refine and adapt projects and programming based on member needs.

Maintain the Integrity and Raise the Value of the Compliance Verification Program

Accomplishments Thus Far: ›

Legal review of Compliance Verification Program

›

Adopted new compliance software to include photos and digital reports

›

Developed flow charts to illustrate the Compliance Verification Program processes

›

Shortened the Extension Process for Compliance Verification Program

›

Instituted monthly compliance team training

›

Meetings with industry suppliers to enhance component, service, and software knowledge

›

Added Recommended Practices related to VIN label placement and the use of a secondary identifier on the unit

What’s to Come:

For more information about any of the initiatives seen here, contact NATM Executive Director Kendra Ansley Kendra.Ansley@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.

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January/February 2022

›

Continue to increase Trailer Safety Week Allyship

›

Develop additional video content for Trailer Safety Week

›

What’s to Come: ›

More changes to NATM’s Recommended Practices, a part of the NATM CVP Checklist

Continued implementation of Strategic Marketing Plan

›

Continued compliance team training

›

Enhance Dealer Benefits through committees and surveys

›

Continued training with industry suppliers ■

›

Redesign Trailer Safety Week Webinars

www.NATM.com

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Refer Your Dealers to NATM Dealer Program

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (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.

The launch of the NATM Dealer Affiliate program is an opportunity to unify the trailer industry and improve trailer safety.

As NATM members who have committed time and resources to participate, you are the best advocates for the value in belonging to the Association.

Growing NATM’s educational reach, improving trailer safety, and supporting trailer dealers as a vital part of the industry is the next frontier, and NATM needs members to help connect their dealer network with the NATM Dealer Affiliate program. The Association knows its members are busy, so NATM has created a Dealer Affiliate referral program for those efforts. NATM has even made communicating with dealers easier with an outreach kit filled with templates to save you time.

Companies must inform NATM of their referral on the Dealer Affiliate Application in the space provided on the form for a referral to be counted. For more information, contact NATM Assistant Director at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com.

For members who can’t commit additional time to contacting their dealer network, NATM is also collecting contact information for trailer dealers across the country to distribute safe trailering resources and discuss affiliation.

For every 50 dealer contacts your company sends to NATM, you can receive a $100 discount on advertising with NATM. Those interested should contact Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com for the required information. *Please note, all incentives are available for 12 months following the convention or the following year’s convention. Any incentives not used will expire.

Referral Tiers Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

1 - 4 Companies Referred

5 - 9 Companies Referred

10+ Companies Referred

›

One free half-page ad in Tracks magazine

›

1 free full-page ad in Tracks magazine

›

2 free full-page ads in Tracks magazine

›

Buy one, get one free convention registration (limit 3)

›

1 complimentary convention registration

›

1 complimentary convention registration

›

Company entered into raffle for a 1-year complimentary NATM membership ■

Ready to Refer a Dealer?

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

34

January/February 2022

www.NATM.com

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TRACKS

S TAT I S T I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Statistically Speaking Submitted by Statistical Surveys Registration for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry was down 11.1 percent in June 2021. Below are the details of the market’s performance for the five trailer segments as reported by Statistical Surveys:

The following are the top five states in sales growth for all trailer segments in the first seven months of 2021.

Ranking

State

Percent of Growth

Trailer Type

July 2021

January - July 2021

1

New Jersey

187.6%

Industry

-21.6%

23.1%

2

Oregon

99.4%

Open

-15.38%

30.0%

3

New Mexico

62.2%

Enclosed

-23.5%

23.9%

4

Michigan

55.9%

Livestock

3.6%

21.0%

5

Rhode Island

52.9%

Horse

-13.7%

32.3%

Boat

-36.2%

3.5%

Industry registrations for the first seven months in 2021 are up 23.1 percent over 2020.

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

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E D U C AT I O N

Readying Your Trailer for Spring

By NATM Staff It’s time to get your trailer ready for warmer weather! After a long winter sitting unused, make sure your trailer is safe before you hit the road. Below are recommendations for readying your trailer for use. For more information about safe trailering and proper maintenance, visit www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com.

01

Tires

Check the tires on both the trailer and tow vehicle, looking for damage after long winter months. Make sure you inspect the tread for uneven wear. Verify that tire pressure is correct, and don’t forget the spare tire. Proper tire pressure affects vehicle handling and safety. You can find the correct tire pressure for your tow vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the tire information placard. Underinflation reduces the load-carrying capacity of your tow vehicle or trailer, may cause sway and control problems, and may result in overheating, causing blowouts or other tire failures.

Overinflation causes premature tire wear and affects the handling characteristics of the tow vehicle or trailer.

02

Lug Nuts

Inspect all wheel lug nuts and make sure they are tightened to specifications.

03

Undercarriage

Inspect the springs, spring bushings, and hangers for wear and cracks. This kind of preventative maintenance can save your trailer from a dangerous and expensive breakdown on the road.

04

Wiring and Lights

Make sure connector-plug prongs and receptacles, light bulb sockets, wire splices, and ground connections are clean and shielded from moisture. Lightly coat all electrical terminal connections with nonconducting (dielectric), light, waterproof grease. Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are working. Verify the wiring is connected correctly, not dragging on the road but loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires.

40

January/February 2022

05

Chains

Verify that you have two safety chains, and when you hook to the towing vehicle, cross the chains, so if the hitch comes loose, the crossed chains will catch the hitch.

06

Wheel Bearings

Check your wheel bearings before returning your trailer to regular use and be sure to replace according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations. Have the bearings serviced, which requires a repack, new grease, a new bearing, and a new bearing race. Refer to your owner’s manual for maintenance information.

07

Dust Caps

Make sure dust caps are still in place and have not cracked or otherwise been destroyed. Replace if necessary.

08

Brakes

Verify the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly. Regularly have the brakes on both the trailer and tow vehicle inspected. Be sure the necessary adjustments are made, and any damaged or worn parts are replaced.

Check to see how much brake pad material remains. The start of the warmer months is a good time to replace them if they are getting close to the end of their life expectancy.

09

Breakaway System

Ensure the breakaway system lanyard is connected to the tow vehicle but not to the safety chains or ball mount.

www.NATM.com

E D U C AT I O N

10

Hitch, Coupler, Draw Bar

Make sure the hitch, coupler, draw bar, and other equipment that connect the trailer and the tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted. Check the nuts, bolts, and other fasteners to ensure the hitch remains secured to the tow vehicle, and the coupler remains secured to the trailer. Lubricate the connection point if necessary, to permit free movement of the coupler to the hitch ball.

Inspect the coupler ball socket to ensure it is not bent or dented. Any indentions could cause the ball not to seat properly, which can lead to detaching from the trailer.

11

Cargo

If the trailer is loaded, check that all items are securely fastened on and in the trailer. Check load distribution to make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are properly balanced front to back and side to side.

12

Jacks and Accessories

Be sure the trailer jack, tongue support, and any attached stabilizers are raised and locked in place. Put all jack stands up, and do not forget to bring the wheel chocks.

13

Tow Vehicle Maintenance

Tow vehicles have frequent maintenance requirements.

Spring is a good time to change the oil in the engine and transmission, lubricate components, inspect brakes, inspect belts and hoses, top off fluids to their recommended levels, check the radiator and cooling system, inspect the battery, and check the air conditioning system.

14

Tow Vehicle Mirrors

Inspect tow vehicle mirrors for damage and cleanliness to make sure you have good visibility.

15

Tow Vehicle Tools, PPE, and Accessories

Make sure you have a jack and lug wrench secured in the tow vehicle that is the appropriate size for the tow vehicle and trailer lug nuts. Verify the jack you packed up is suitable for both the vehicle and trailer capacities. Pack work gloves, safety glasses, and a mat or blanket in case you need to complete maintenance procedures or change a tire. Make sure all the tools are functioning correctly before packing.

www.NATM.com

16

TRACKS

Flooring, Body, Fenders, Cargo Securement Attachments, and General Trailer Structure

Inspect trailer flooring for chips, cracks, and excessive wear.

Make sure body panels and fenders are secure and in normal functioning order. Visually inspect the trailer structure to make sure nothing has rusted out or worn out during the harsh winter months. Replace or secure parts if necessary.

17

Welds Give the trailer a once over visual inspection for cracked welds. Welds often break, especially when trailers are regularly subjected to heavy loads. Inspect carefully, as even hairline cracks can escalate quickly to much larger problems. Pay special attention to the stress points of the trailer when inspecting. In particular, check where the tongue attaches to the trailer and the points where the spring hangers are welded to the trailer frame.

18

Ramps and Tailgate

Make sure the ramps are secured to the trailer and whatever pin or locking device that holds the ramps in place is still in its proper location and functioning. Verify the tailgate is secure but still allows for free movement.

Lubricate hinges and other components if necessary.

19

Trailers with Dump Bodies and Hoists

Check all fluid levels, hydraulic hoses, and the hoist unit.

Clean and inspect the power unit for the hoist. Check electrical wires and battery corrosion for wear. Apply grease to hoist grease fittings, or zerks, as needed. Replace parts if necessary.

20

Route Planning

Plan ahead and determine your route by checking for restrictions, bridges, tunnels, and avoidable construction zones. ■

For more information about proper trailer maintenance, refer to your trailer’s owner’s manual.

Trailer safety resources are also readily available and free to use at www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com.

January/February 2022

41

TRACKS

E D U C AT I O N

NATM Announces 2022-2025 Board Election Results

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director For 34 years, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has been fortunate to be guided by committed, forward-thinking boards of directors. These visionary boards pushed for the development of the Compliance Verification Program (CVP), determined the need for government affairs representation in Washington D.C., pulled trailer dealers into the Association through the Dealer Affiliate program, and developed fiscal policies that ensured NATM had the reserves to weather recessions and even the pandemic.

NATM’s Board of Directors is composed of 16-17 individuals (this variance in size is related to board terms as

dictated by the bylaws), with 1213 trailer manufacturers and four suppliers/service providers/tow vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These individuals are nominated by their peers, and before advancing to the ballot, each nominee’s qualifications, including industry experience and participation in the Association, are reviewed by the Nominations Committee, and a slate of candidates is prepared for election by the membership.

Split into three classes with rolling term expirations, roughly one-third of board seats are up for election each year. The 2022-2025 term of the NATM Board of Directors, as elected by the

membership will include the return of Andy Gehman (MGS Incorporated) and Joe Ostrowski (Kenda/Americana Tire) as well as new board members Charles Daugherty (Red Fern Dynamics), Daniel Luby (BoatMate Trailers), and Nathan Uphus (Felling Trailers).

These new board members will officially join their peers on Feb. 3, 2022. The Association is looking forward to continuing its work with these new and returning board members. As always, the NATM Board of Directors is interested in and open to member feedback. While members are encouraged to reach out to staff with ideas about how to improve the Association, board members are also available for discussion. ■

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January/February 2022

www.NATM.com

E D U C AT I O N

TRACKS

NATM Debuts 2021 Guidelines

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), known as the resource for safety and compliance for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, has published the 2021 edition of the Guidelines for Recommended Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines).

This massive document takes the guesswork out of meeting federal requirements governing the manufacturing of trailers under 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and is a benefit of NATM membership.

Building trailers to meet the federal regulations outlined in the NATM Guidelines is the law. But it can be very time-intensive for trailer manufacturers to research the numerous federal rules, regulations, standards, and accepted industry practices that govern trailer construction.

NATM addresses this by compiling the Guidelines. The document consists of more than 500 pages of laws, regulations, rules, standards, and industry best practices. While NATM’s Compliance Verification Program (CVP) focuses on federal regulation, the Association provides specific additional state regulation as reference. The Guidelines is updated annually by industry experts who stay abreast of changing regulations and vet the addition of recommendations and best practices.

This year through the annual revision process, the 2021 edition of the NATM Guidelines received several updates. These include: ›

Updated 49 CFR §571.139 per recent NHTSA amendments, removing the reference to §571.109, an earlier error when the regulation was written.

›

Added 49 CFR §567.1 through 567.7 (567.4 previously included) to cover requirements for manufacturers of vehicles in two or more stages and alterers, as well as relevant background information for those regulations.

›

Updated the Quick Guide and Checklist, adding question 7.41 regarding underride labeling and correlating regulatory information.

›

Added a Recommended Practices Quick Guide to support members in meeting voluntary recommendations.

www.NATM.com

Members report substantial time savings by utilizing the Guidelines, particularly on the topics of lighting and reflectors, vehicle identification number (VIN) and data plates, gross vehicle weight ratings, and state brake requirements. While the Guidelines focuses on U.S. regulations, many may have an interest in Canadian compliance. For more information, visit Transport Canada’s website at www.tc.canada.ca/en.

NATM assists its trailer manufacturing members in avoiding costly fines and decreasing liability related to trailer compliance through the NATM CVP. This program is an unbiased, third-party audit of the trailer manufacturing process and uses the Guidelines as the backbone for the program. The CVP provides biennial on-site consultations to trailer manufacturers and technical assistance throughout the entire process to ensure companies are manufacturing trailers consistent with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and other industry best practices.

Once a trailer manufacturer has successfully passed the CVP, the company is able to purchase NATM decals and market their company’s dedication to fulfilling their safety requirements by participating in an unbiased, third-party audit of their trailers. While participation in the NATM CVP is a voluntary additional cost for manufacturers, there are economic benefits of participation.

“The first-year sales saw a 20 percent boost and blew past the forecast over three years for the sales improvements for revenue targets for the existing trailer product. We will continue to use up the [NATM] decals we have in stock, and then order more,” said Pete Dixon, Engineer at Karcher North America, Inc., regarding the benefit of being a member of NATM.

For more information about how NATM can assist your trailer manufacturing company, visit www.NATM.com, email NATMHQ@natm.com, or call (785) 272-4433. ■

January/February 2022

43

TRACKS

E D U C AT I O N

Safely Towing a Trailer Brochure Offers Affordable Trailer Safety and Maintenance Information for End-Users

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) offers its Safely Towing a Trailer brochure to all members, trailer dealer affiliates, and endusers to assist towers with safe towing practices. The booklet is based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s consumer safety information. It provides general guidance, tips, and necessary information about important factors to consider and equipment needed to improve the safety of towing trailers.

The Safely Towing a Trailer brochure can be purchased individually or by case, or companies can purchase a company-specific personalized brochure for $500. The personalized booklet will feature 8-10 photos or logos from your company. NATM will send you the PDF of the final document so your company can print its preferred quantity.

This is an easy, affordable way to market your company while also educating your customers about trailer safety.

The publication includes tips on selecting a tow vehicle, tow vehicle ratings, measuring the weight of a trailer, connecting your trailer to your vehicle, tire safety, loading and weight distribution, safe driving tips, and the pre-departure safety checklist.

Of special importance for end-users is the newly extended maintenance section. NATM regularly fields questions and complaints regarding corroding trailers from end-users.

This problem is greatly dependent on the use and care of a trailer by its owner. The new maintenance section explains what causes rust, including corrosive materials such as rock salt used for deicing roadways, chips in the protective layer exposing the metal, and galvanic corrosion resulting from dissimilar metals making contact. The document then expands on proper maintenance in those various situations.

NATM Members and Dealer Affiliates can purchase copies of the brochure by contacting NATM at NATMHQ@natm.com or by calling (785) 272-4433. ■

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January/February 2022

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E D U C AT I O N

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Explaining Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings to Customers

By NATM Staff

Dealers should educate their customers on the importance of understanding a trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and tow vehicle towing capacity. All too often, customers are not familiar with what trailer GVWR or cargo capacity means nor are they familiar with what this will require from their tow vehicle in terms of its towing capacity. This lack of information can lead to dissatisfaction if customers fail to complete necessary research before the purchase of the trailer, or if trailer dealer employees fail to ask the correct questions to ensure their customer is selecting a trailer that meets their needs and legal requirements.

First, the tow vehicle must be analyzed. What is the model of the customer’s pickup truck, SUV, minivan, or car? All vehicles capable of towing have owner’s manuals with maximum rated towing capacities. What often gets overlooked is “maximum” in this context, which truly means maximum. For example, if a customer has a tow vehicle with a towing maximum capacity of 7,000 lbs., they may not want a 7,000 lbs. GVWR trailer. The customer needs to take into serious consideration the fact they will be at maximum capacity. Even without accidentally overloading the trailer, the tow vehicle will be working at its maximum capacity and not handle as well. As a result, they could find their tow vehicle does not have enough power to merge with traffic on interstate on-ramps, to pass other vehicles, or to climb long hills and mountains. Trailer customers end up dissatisfied if they have purchased too much trailer for their tow vehicle. Unfortunately, simply purchasing a larger tow vehicle with a larger towing capacity is not an affordable solution to this problem and preventative measures by the dealer are the best route to customer satisfaction.

www.NATM.com

Dealers should ask the customer what their intended tow vehicle will be and if they are committed to that tow vehicle for the next few months, years, or just the next few minutes. The customer could be vehicle shopping at the same time they are trailer shopping or may be willing to upgrade soon. From there, the trailer dealer can assist the customer in choosing a trailer their current tow vehicle can handle. Or, if the customer is in the market for a new tow vehicle, dealers can advise customers to purchase a certain category of tow vehicle that meets or exceeds a certain towing capacity threshold. It is a crucial conversation to have at the point of sale as many customers think their tow vehicle will perform adequately towing a certain model of trailer, but then find out too late they should have either purchased a smaller trailer or upgraded their tow vehicle to handle the larger trailer model.

After the tow vehicle conversation, the topic can turn more specifically to the trailer. Dealers should make sure customers understand the combination of the shipping weight of the trailer plus the trailer’s cargo capacity should never exceed the trailer’s GVWR listed on its vehicle identification number (VIN). The shipping weight information can be found on the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO), while the cargo capacity is often listed on the trailer’s tire placard.

For example, if a trailer’s GVWR is 7,000 lbs., the customer’s tow vehicle should have a towing capacity that is 7,000 lbs. or, preferably, more. It is also crucial that the customer does not overload the trailer. If the trailer itself weighs 2,700 lbs., the customer should never put more than 4,300 lbs. of cargo in it, because 2,700 lbs. plus 4,300 lbs. equals 7,000 lbs. GVWR, which the trailer should never exceed.

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If the customer tells the dealer in this example they intend to haul an estimated 5,500 lbs. of cargo, the dealer needs to explain to the customer they should purchase a larger trailer with a higher cargo capacity.

If the customer says their tow vehicle cannot haul a larger trailer, then the trailer dealer needs to explain to the customer they need both a larger tow vehicle with a higher towing capacity and a larger trailer with a higher cargo capacity. If this is not possible, the customer needs to find a way to haul significantly less cargo. The customer might be disappointed upon learning this, but later they will be appreciative of the dealer’s honesty, which leads to long-term customer loyalty. ■

CHECK THE GUIDELINES

Another critical dealer/customer conversation is what cargo the customer intends to tow. If the customer plans to haul a rock crawler SUV and camping gear that adds up to 5,500 lbs. in the example above, they cannot safely do that with the same trailer. The calculation for this example is the combination of the trailer weight of 2,700 lbs. plus the cargo of 5,500 lbs., which equals 8,200 lbs. This means the trailers’ GVWR would need to be 8,200.

But, because the GVWR of this trailer is 7,000 lbs., this customer has overloaded their trailer by 1,200 lbs.

The NATM Guidelines contain a section on trailer GVWRs. For more information, contact NATM’s Compliance Team at compliance@natm.com or (785) 272-4433.

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Start the New Year Off Right:

Confirm Your 565 & 566 are Up To Date with NHTSA

By NATM Staff As one year ends and the next year begins, many businesses spend a significant amount of time on recordkeeping.

Trailer manufacturers should ensure their 565 and 566 are up to date and accurate with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). All trailer manufacturers must register with NHTSA. SECTION 1

How can I tell if my 565 and 566 forms are complete and accurate?

Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/mid/.

Click on the following boxes to enter them into the search query:

If it says “no results found” under the search criteria, your company needs to resubmit your information. For detailed instructions on this, see sections 4 and 5.

Under Organization >Name: enter the name of your company.

Select the following checkboxes: Part 565, Part 566, & World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).

Click the blue search box in the lower left-hand corner of the screen.

Your company’s results should appear as follows.

SECTION 2

How do I submit my NTSA forms?

Manufacturers submit their information through the Manufacturer Portal on NHTSA’s website (See section 4 below).

The portal has several fillable sections to enter your own information and has a section to upload your forms. Once the submission is complete, you will receive an email with an ID number to check the status of your application. This can be entered on the homepage of the portal.

Please keep in mind 565 submittals are required to be provided to NHTSA no later than 60 days prior to the first 48

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To verify your company is registered with accurate information, click on your company name and make sure your information is correct and current. If your address, phone number, email address, and/or contact personnel have changed, you can update the information accordingly.

See section 4 for further instructions.

production model for sale is shipped.

Manufacturers are asked to submit data prior to this period with enough time for review and acceptance for posting.

Once your 566 and 565 forms have been submitted to NHTSA, they will be reviewed and, if approved, an email will be sent to you and the forms will be displayed on the Manufacturer’s Information Database (MID) at http://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/mid/. The listing on the MID serves as a confirmation of your compliance with NHTSA. Manufacturers that wish to submit paper-based forms may still do so.

Keep in mind if paper-based submittals

To verify your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Deciphering Scheme as part of the 565 form criteria, click on the “Org Name” associated with your company in the 565 results box to download your registration. For the WMI search criteria, a green checkmark will appear in the left-hand column if your company has registered according to NHTSA’s 565 process.

If your WMI criteria are not current, a yellow exclamation point will appear on the left-hand column. If you see the yellow exclamation point, you can utilize the NATM Vehicle Identification Number Deciphering Scheme (Sample) template to make submitting your VIN Deciphering Scheme a less time-consuming process.

are sent to NHTSA there will be an additional delay in processing due to NHTSA converting the information to electronic form. Delays in paperbased processing are dependent on the quality of the document. All rejected paper-based submittals will be returned through U.S. mail, which will further delay processing. If a manufacturer still wishes to mail the submittal in, they may do so to the following address: U.S. Department of Transportation Vehicle Identification Unit 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Room W55-339 Washington, D.C. 20590

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SECTION 3

What do I do if “No Results Found” appears when I search my company?

There are three steps you need to verify or complete if you received “no results found” from section 1 above:

SECTION 4

How do I enter the 566 form information?

Step 1: Get your WMI# from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), if you have not already done so.

Entering the 566 information requires entering your company’s contact information.

Step 2: Fill out and enter your company’s 566 form information through NHTSA’s manufacturer portal.

See section 4 for detailed instruction.

Step 3: After submission of your 566 information, wait for NHTSA’s reply that states the data has been accepted. Only then should you move on to completing the 565 form.

bottom of the screen. This will lead you to the second step of the submission.

A 566 form submittal covers both the manufacturer and product information and proceeds as is shown below. On the top of the page is a guide following the progress of the submission as it is completed. You will have to fill out the form below with as much information as possible before moving onto the next section titled, “Manufacturing Details.”

During step 4 upload any necessary documents that will support the submission to NHTSA. After submitting any relevant documents, move on to the last step.

Step 5 is simply to review and confirm all information is correct and complete in order to pursue registration with NHTSA.

Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/. Click on the blue icon button for “Manufacturer Portal.” Then select document type 566 for Domestic Manufacturer’s Reporting Requirements (49 CFR Part 566 – Manufacturer Identification).

Then enter your company’s legal name, country, state, city, business email address twice, and phone number. Then enter information in the text box titled “cover letter/submission description” identifying whether this is a new record or an update to an existing record. If updating your record, you must identify all changes from the existing record.

Once the process is complete, the submission can be reviewed, and the progress can be checked at any time via a submission ID. The submission ID will be assigned to the submission after step 5 is complete and will be visible on the completion page on the portal, as well as sent to the email provided. Simply type the ID into the “check status” box on the right side of the manufacturer portal home page. A confirmation email will be sent to provide notice of acceptance or rejection of the submittal.

At step 3, you must select all applicable manufacturer types, vehicle types, and equipment. You must also list the GVWR of each vehicle type that is produced by your company but do not mark any items on the form that are not manufactured.

Wait for NHTSA’s reply email stating the 566 data has been accepted before attempting to enter the 565 data. You most likely will not be able to complete both forms on the same day.

Next, type in the text box what you see in the encryption box (for example, the image above says CMXWA), then click the blue “submit new request” button at the

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SECTION 5

How do I enter the 565 form information?

Before you start to fill out the 565 information, have your VIN Deciphering Scheme prepared. Below, NATM has provided a sample VIN Deciphering Scheme Sheet you can use as a template. Once you have it filled out, or your own similar version, go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/ mfrportal/ to start the 4-step process. Click on the blue icon for “Manufacturer Portal.” Then, under document type, select “Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Requirements (49 CFR Part 565 – VIN Decoding Document)”.

Step 1: Enter your company’s legal name, country, state, city, business email address twice, and phone number. Under the text box titled “cover letter/submission description,” identify whether your company is entering a new record or making an update to an existing record. If it is an update, you must identify all the changes from the existing record.

the encryption code box, and hit the blue “submit new request” button at the bottom of the screen. This will lead you to the second page of the submission process.

Step 2: At the second screen, select whether this is a new submission or an update to the existing one. You should also provide the model years this submission covers. Then click on “Save & Continue” to move to the next step.

If it is a new submission, note it as a new submission and copy-and-paste in your company’s information.

Finally, enter the letters and/or numbers that appear in

Step 3: Select the VIN scheme file that needs to be uploaded.

This file can be PDF, Excel, Word, or another file format.

Once you select the file, click on the “Upload Document” button to attach the file to this submission. Then click on “Save & Continue” to move to the next step.

Step 4: Review the information you have input thus far and make sure the information provided is accurate. If all is correct, click on “Complete Submission” to finish this process.

Wait for NHTSA’s reply email stating the 565 data has been accepted. ■

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Vehicle Identification Number Deciphering Scheme (Sample) NATM 2420 SW 17th St. Topeka, Ks 66604 WMI Identifier

October 2016 (Revised November 2016)

Trailer Type Body Type

Total Length Number in Feet of Axles

Check Digit

Model Year

Mfg. Location

Sequential Production Number

NATM SAMPLE FORM 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

N

A

1

B

A

1

6

1

X

H

T

0

0

0

0

0

1

VIN Position #5 Body Type

VIN Position #4 Trailer Type

Body Type

Code

Open – General Cargo

A

Open-Dedicated Equipment

B

Open - Specialty

C

Open – Tilt Bed

D

S

Enclosed – General Cargo

E

X

Enclosed – Dedicated Equipment

F

Enclosed - Specialty

G

Enclosed – Living Quarters

H

*

J

Converter Dolly

K

Trailer Type

Code

Bumper Pull

B

Gooseneck-Ball

G

Gooseneck -5th Wheel or Pin

F

Semi Trailer Other

VIN Position #11 Manufacturing Location Manufacturing Location

Code

Livestock

L

Topeka, KS

T

Miscellaneous

M

Kansas City, MO

K

Dump (Bin)

N

Denver, CO

D

Pole Trailer

P

Oklahoma City, OK

O

Reel Trailer

R

Multi-Purpose

S

Tank Trailer

T

*

U–Z

www.NATM.com

VIN Position #10 Model Year Year

Code

2014

E

2015

F

2016

G

2017

H

2018

J

2019

K

2020

L

2021

M

2022

N

2023

P

2024

R

2025

S

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EQ SYSTEMS

NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT PRODUCTS & SERVICE

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NATM Adds Secondary VIN as CVP Recommended Practice

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is committed to continuous improvement. As part of this commitment, the Compliance Committee annually looks at the Compliance Verification Program (CVP) checklist and its recommended practices to ensure the integrity of the program is maintained and the Association is continuing to add value to member companies. Noting a rise in calls from law enforcement officers and consumers relying on the serialized NATM Decal to identify stolen trailers or older units where the vehicle identification number (VIN) label was damaged or worn, the NATM Compliance Committee sought to address these issues.

In July, the NATM Board of Directors approved the committee’s recommendation, and a new recommended practice was added to the Compliance Verification Program checklist: “VIN label is uniformly placed in a location and is protected from wear and tear, and a secondary identifier is hidden on the trailer.” This recommendation asks that members consider the placement of their VIN label, subject to existing regulations (see below), such that the label is placed in a location that is not exposed to regular wear and tear that would cause the label to be unreadable or damaged. Further, the manufacturer should consider placing a secondary identifier in a consistent but hidden location, so

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if a trailer is stolen and the VIN label is removed, this hidden identifier could be used to identify the unit. Some manufacturers choose to utilize the VIN for this purpose, others choose to use a code the manufacturer has linked to the VIN. This hidden identifier should be placed in a consistent location so manufacturers can direct law enforcement to its location.

While NATM Members are not required to comply with recommended practices like the newly implemented VIN and secondary identifier recommendation, VIN labels are required per 49 CFR Sec. 567.4 to be “affixed to a location on the forward half of the left side, such that it is easily readable from outside the vehicle without moving any part of the vehicle.” In July 2019, the NATM Board of Directors determined for the purpose of the NATM CVP, VIN labels installed on the front driver-side of a trailer or on the inner frame rail of the front driver-side of a trailer are compliant VIN label mounting locations, satisfying Section 567.4(d).

If you have any questions about the NATM Compliance Verification Program or this recommendation, please contact compliance@natm.com or call NATM headquarters at (785) 272-4433. ■

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Emergency Eyewash Station Requirements Submitted by Truck and Trailer Makers While the use of primary eye protection is already required in your workplace, accidents can still happen. It takes only one splash from a corrosive or caustic chemical and a lack of an adequate emergency response system to cause permanent blindness.

The cost of adhering to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency eyewash regulations is far less than the potential cost of losing an employee and paying workers’ compensation benefits for years.

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OSHA’s Standard According to OSHA, any workplace where employees’ eyes could be exposed to harmful corrosive or caustic material is required to have suitable facilities for quick-drenching or flushing of the eyes. The standard specifies that these facilities must be within the work area and available for immediate emergency use. This applies to all businesses that fit the criteria regardless of size and number of employees.

A good way to determine whether you need to have an eyewash station at your facility is by examining the first aid information on all chemicals your employees work with, which can be found either on the label or the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). If these instructions indicate that exposure of the substance to the eyes would require 15 minutes or more of flushing, you need an eyewash station. There is no OSHA threshold for the quantity of corrosive material that triggers the requirement of an eyewash station—rather, the determining factor is the possible exposure of an employee to injury.

However, beyond requiring “suitable facilities,” this standard is rather vague. Thus, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has publicized an emergency eyewash standard that further outlines what kinds of facilities are considered OSHA-compliant. OSHA specifically emphasizes that any equipment in compliance with ANSI requirements would meet the intent of the OSHA standard.

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Eyewash Station Regulations The following is a list of stipulations and requirements outlined by ANSI standard Z385.1, which is intended as a guideline for proper design, installation, use, and maintenance of eyewash equipment.

Eyewash stations must be within a 10-second walk of wherever the hazard is, and cannot be up or downstairs.

This means that depending on the size of your facility and the number of hazards, you might need more than one eyewash station.

If employees are working with exceptionally strong or dangerous materials where the consequences of a spill would be particularly harmful, the eyewash station should be installed immediately adjacent to the hazard.

An injured person must be able to turn on and start the eyewash’s water flow in no more than one second.

The device must be able to be operated hands-free if necessary, so the injured person can use it while also holding his or her eye(s) open.

Eyewash must deliver a continuous flow at a rate of 0.4 gallons per minute for a minimum of 15 minutes.

The water temperature delivered by the eyewash should be “tepid,” or in other words, lukewarm. However, investigate the types of chemicals employees are working with and identify any that may have an accelerated reaction with warm water. In that case, consult a medical professional about the optimal temperature of the eyewash station.

Employees must be appropriately trained in not only the location of the eyewash, but on its proper use. It is not enough to simply install the equipment, as employees may not know how or when to use it when an emergency actually arises.

Perform regular maintenance on eyewash equipment. For compliance with the standard, it should be inspected at least annually and also activated weekly to ensure proper operation.

Plumbed Eyewash Stations Both portable and plumbed eyewash stations are acceptable to satisfy the OSHA standard. The only type of eyewash that is not adequate is a wall-mounted plastic eye flushing bottle, as it does not supply a 15-minute, continuous water flow.

Though plumbed eyewashes are acceptable, they require a bit more care to ensure they serve their function in the event of an emergency. They do have advantages, such as the unlimited water supply, durability, and ability to also include an emergency shower in the case of full-body chemical exposure. However, if they are not properly maintained, they could do more harm than good. Since tap water is the source, failure to properly maintain these types of stations could cause buildup from pipes or standing water to be the rinsing agent. This could present a dangerous situation when working with highly reactive and volatile substances.

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Because of these dangers, it is not enough to simply have an eyewash station on site. It is important—and vital to your employees’ health—to clean the bowl and nozzles regularly, check the water pressure and run the water weekly to prevent pipe buildup. It is also a good idea to keep copies of these cleaning records to assure an OSHA inspector of your good faith efforts to comply. When a safety standard is vague—like the emergency eyewash standard, it is in your company’s best interest to do everything reasonably possible to guarantee compliance. ■ About Truck and Trailer Makers Do you have additional questions? If so, Truck and Trailer Makers is here to help. Their team of property and casualty professionals has a host of compliance resources available to support your facility and employee safety initiatives. Contact Truck and Trailer Makers at (478) 449-5928 for further assistance.

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TIG Welding Training: Tips, Technologies, and Safety

By Karena Dyer, Welding Safety and Health Product Manager, and Mark Kadlec, Weld Technician/Engineer, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC

TIG WELDING TRAINING

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As the industry continues to face a shortage of skilled labor, training new welders has become a necessity for companies. For welding operations focused on tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, training is a challenge because the process is considered to be the most difficult to learn. However, some key best practices and new technologies can help.

During training, it is also critical to instill welding safety knowledge. From the use of proper personal protection equipment (PPE) to ensuring a safe, clean work environment, new welders must understand how to safeguard themselves and others.

TIG Welding Tips and Technologies In some cases, the welders-in-training may already have experience in another process such as metal inert gas (MIG) or stick welding. This experience can ease the TIG welding learning curve, since the welders will have an understanding of welding fundamentals, such as gun or torch angles and travel speeds. Further establishing these skills, along with reliable hand-eye coordination, is critical to success. For those entirely new to TIG welding, patience and practice are of utmost importance.

In both cases, starting slow is a good first step. Trainers should consider having new welders start by working on a simple operation. Tacking small pieces together can give welders a feel for holding the TIG torch, as can creating autogenous welds — joining two pieces of metal together without the addition of filler metal.

Autogenous welding provides a sense of how to control heat input, establish appropriate travel speeds, and read the weld pool, while also encouraging good hand-eye coordination. As a next step, welders can try welding an inch or two at a time with a filler rod on a flat plate before attempting an actual joint.

As welders gain more confidence and start to weld on joints, they should consider these tips: For the best results, hold the TIG torch at a 70- to 80-degree angle. Tungsten distance to the workpiece is usually equal to tungsten diameter.

New welders should experiment with controlling the heat input using the foot pedal to gain control over weld pool size, which is determined by material thickness and amperage.

After practicing autogenous welds, take the next step in TIG welding by adding filler metal. Hold the rod so it rests horizontally at approximately a 15-degree angle to the workpiece. Gently but quickly dab the filler metal in the weld pool after heating up the base material, and keep a consistent travel speed.

Keep practicing! Remember, not only are new TIG welders learning how to hold the proper torch angle and manage the filler rod, but they are also learning to control the current level during the process.

As a side note, welding on mild steel, aluminum, and/or stainless steel, particularly thicker sections (1/8 inch or greater), is ideal for learning to TIG weld.

In addition to employing these best practices for new TIG welders, investing in the right welding technology can help simplify the training process. Today’s inverter-based power sources, particularly when used in AC mode, offer better directional control of the arc than older transformer machines, and provide balance and frequency adjustments to improve performance. They can help ease and expedite the training process.

Some new TIG welding power sources or multiprocess machines feature preset functions that eliminate the guesswork when setting welding parameters. For example, the welder can select material thickness and the machine will set the balance of frequency and amperage automatically, making it easy to start welding right away.

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— TIG WELDING TIP —

For the best results, hold the TIG torch at 70- to 80-degree angle.

Tungsten distance to the workpiece is usually equal to tungsten diameter.

TIG Welding Safety Using quality PPE and employing safe welding practices must be a top priority. Welding PPE includes, but is not limited to, eye, face, hand, and body protection. Welders should understand the importance of having a clean welding environment. Environments should be evaluated to ensure appropriate ventilation and respiratory protection.

A welding helmet is one of the essential pieces of PPE for any welder. The welding helmet provides vital protection from infrared and UV light while still allowing the welder to see the arc clearly enough to create a quality weld. Train new TIG welders to always wear safety glasses under the welding helmet.

Safety and compliance are foundational features of any helmet. In the United States, welding helmets need to meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. Specific to TIG welding, welders should be certain their helmet darkens to the recommended

ANSIZ49.1:2012 shade guide of 10-14, pending the arc amperes output. With low amperage TIG welding, welders may consider selecting a helmet that offers optic enhancement to gain a better view of the weld puddle.

Welding jackets, gloves, and apparel can be found in every welding facility, but not all products are created equal. It is important to select protective welding apparel made of materials that will perform best according to the specific application. This apparel should be rated and meet the appropriate Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)/ ANSI and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. TIG welders may want to consider a lighterweight jacket because they will not be subjected to as intense heat as with other processes, and the material will allow greater dexterity. It is also critical that the apparel is comfortable. Apparel that is too big or small can decrease performance and increase the risk of injury.

— TIG WELDING TIP —

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As with any welding process, making sure new TIG welders know that wearing the best protection for the application is critical. It not only helps reduce injuries and downtime, but it also helps ensure optimal performance. If the protection is comfortable, has a good fit, and provides the necessary protection, the welders will keep it on — increasing productivity and compliance.

Other Considerations Companies may continue to face a welder shortage for some time. In addition to providing new welders with hands-on TIG welding training, offer other resources to build their skills. Many equipment manufacturers have valuable training manuals and tutorials on their websites, as well as safety information. These materials can help new welders gain knowledge to put to work as they are learning the TIG welding process. ■

Specific to TIG welding, welders should be certain their helmet darkens to the recommended ANSIZ49.1:2012 shade guide of 10–14, pending the arc amperes output.

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2022 Convention & Trade Show to Address Supply Chain, Workforce Shortages

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director Supply chain disruptions, material and component availability, and workforce shortages have caused continued headaches for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) recognizes the challenges and is curating the 2022 Convention & Trade Show to assist the industry’s success. The NATM Convention & Trade Show is the perfect one-stop shop for trailer manufacturers and dealers to meet with suppliers and service providers on the trade show floor. Looking for a new chain supplier? Interested in checking out new light options? Shopping for new software to make life easier? If so, plan to walk the trade show floor and meet directly with suppliers and service providers in the industry.

Educational events relevant to both suppliers and trailer manufacturers alike will be featured, including government affairs updates, a trade/tariff workshop, and information about addressing the workforce shortage. To sign up for the NATM Convention e-newsletter, visit www.natm.com/convention.

the street from the Tampa Convention Center and has an NATM room block rate of $289/night.

The 2022 Convention & Trade Show is headed to the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla., Feb. 1-3, 2022. Florida continues to be a popular location for NATM’s Convention & Trade Show as it boasts sunny weather and great sites for dinners with customers, golf outings, shopping, and family-friendly vacation activities. This will be the first time Tampa has been the host location for NATM’s event, and it’s sure to be a favorite.

NATM’s booth sales continue as the industry looks forward to the 2022 show. Booth selections for the 2022 Convention & Trade Show began June 1. As of Aug. 18, any company can select their booth, regardless of NATM membership. Exhibiting at NATM’s Convention & Trade Show is affordable, with the cost per 10-foot by 10-foot booth at $1,457 for NATM members and $2,914 for non-members. Exhibitors can choose to carpet their booth or request electricity through Freeman, the exhibitor management services company, this fall. If you would like to purchase a booth, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.

Registration Now Open Online registration opened Sept. 13. To register your booth workers or to attend, visit www.natm.com/registration. For trailer manufacturers that haven’t attended in the last five years, your company might qualify for the New Attendee Promotion to receive two free full registrations, two free spouse registrations, and two free room nights. For more information, turn to page 63.

Tee Off Convention at Top Golf ​ ATM is excited to bring back the popular “Tee Off to N Convention!” event at Tampa Top Golf. “Tee off” the week with food, drinks, and golf fun on Monday, Jan. 31. Tickets can be purchased at www.natm.com/registration for $75 per person. Spots are limited so get yours today!

The Embassy Suites is also conveniently located directly across the street from the Tampa Convention Center, featuring a second-level walkway directly to the convention center and a complimentary happy hour reception. NATM has negotiated a room block rate of $279/night. To make your reservations at either hotel, visit www.natm.com/convention.

Unauthorized third parties have contacted NATM Convention attendees about hotel reservations for NATM’s 2022 Convention & Trade Show. NATM advises that you do not engage or make reservations with any third-party group.

Booth Sales

Sponsorships Think outside the booth! Sponsorships are still available for the Annual NATM Convention & Trade Show. The success of the NATM Convention is directly tied to the support of its generous sponsors. There are marketing and general sponsorship opportunities available from $250 to $50,000 to fit any budget, including networking receptions, the Top Golf Tee-Off event, trade show lounges, and more! Being a sponsor allows your company early access to booth selection for the 2023 show and provides a wide range of exposure, both electronically on NATM’s website and mobile app, and printed in the convention program map and Tracks magazine. This name recognition will help drive customers to your booth. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, turn to page 63.

Hotel Room Reservations

NATM will work with you to find the sponsorship opportunity that best fits your company’s goals. You can find the full 2022 Sponsorship Brochure at www.natm.com/sponsor.

For 2022, the NATM host hotels are the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina and the Embassy Suites

by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center. The Tampa Marriott is conveniently located directly across

For all trade show or sponsorship questions, please contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan for more information by calling (785) 272-4433 or Meghan.Ryan@natm.com. NATM looks forward to seeing you in Tampa! ■

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NATM 2022 CONVENTION SPONSORS

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2022 CONVENTION WORKSHOP, TECHNICAL FORUM TOPICS & SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED

The educational workshops and technical forums for National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) 2022 Convention & Trade Show were carefully selected for both trailer manufacturers and suppliers alike. In 2022, all booth worker registrations are eligible to attend all workshops and forums! The convention schedule is currently set as follows:

Tuesday, Feb. 1

Wednesday, Feb. 2

8:30-10 a.m.

8-11 a.m.

Workshop 1 - Addressing the Workforce Shortage Presenters: Dr. Jerry Parrish, Florida Chamber Foundation chief economist 8:30-10 a.m.

Technical Forum 1 – Tire Construction and Fundamentals

Presenters: Al Henderson, Kenda/Americana Tire and Wheel 1:30-3 p.m.

Workshop 2 – How to Recruit & Retain a MultiGenerational Workforce

Workshop 3 - Government Affairs/Trade & Tariff Update

Presenters: Brody Garland and Stacey Ettinger, K&L Gates 8-11 a.m.

Technical Forum 3: Common Trailer Failures

Presenters: Steve Tuskan and Mark Leonard, Rimkus Consulting Group; NATM Compliance Team *As of 9/29/2021 – Topics/presenters are subject to change.

Presenter: Jim Pancero, consulting and sales training 1:30-3 p.m.

Technical Forum 2 – Robotics & Automation

Presenters: Mike Mueller, B&W Hitches and Bill Monti, Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

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2022 Convention & Trade Show Schedule As of 10/11/2021 – schedule subject to change.

Monday, January 31 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Convention Tee Off - Top Golf Tuesday, February 1 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registration 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Workshop Session 1: Addressing the Workforce Shortage 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Technical Forum Session 1 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Awards Reception Membership Update Membership Award Ceremony Networking Reception with buffet lunch

Noon – 6:00p.m.

Exhibitor Move-In 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Workshop Session 2: How to Recruit & Retain a Multi-Generational Workforce 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Technical Forum Session 2: Robotics & Automation 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Newcomer Orientation 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Newcomer Reception 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

President’s Reception*

Dealers Restricted: Dealers are unable to attend the NATM * Membership Meeting, Awards Luncheon, President’s

Reception, and the Wednesday hours of the Trade Show with the exception of the Trade Show Reception. Dealers are welcome to walk the show floor on Thursday from 9:00 amNoon.

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Wednesday, February 2 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Registration 7:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Exhibitor move-in 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Technical Forum Session 3: Common Trailer Failures & Top NATM CVP Failures 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Workshop Session 3: Government Affairs/Trade & Tariff Update 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Coffee Break 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Trade Show* 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Dealer Workshop & Luncheon** 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch with the Exhibitors* 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Trade Show Reception - Dealers Welcome Thursday, February 3 9:00 a.m. – Noon Registration 9:00 a.m. – Noon Trade Show 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Coffee with the Exhibitors Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Move Out

** Denotes Dealer Only Event. www.NATM.com

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Trailer Manufacturers: Take Advantage of the New Attendee Promo

By NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) trailer manufacturers 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 complimentary hotel room nights (while available) as part of the New Attendee Promotion. Full registrations include access to all events and meals (except Top Golf Tee-Off) outlined in the show calendar. This is an affordable opportunity for trailer manufacturers to receive top-notch education, networking opportunities, and chances to develop supplier relationships while in sunny Tampa, Fla.

NATM is excited to offer free full registrations once again for trailer manufacturers’ spouses. NATM hopes you will plan to bring your other half along to enjoy the show!

The annual NATM Convention & Trade Show is your one-stop-shop for trailer parts and service providers.

With more than 300 trade show booths and 1,000+ attendees historically, this is a must-attend event!

To take advantage of the New Member Promotion, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■

Trailer Manufacturers: Sponsor a Dealer Event at the 2022 Show

By NATM Staff For the first time in National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) history, trailer dealers will be attending NATM’s annual Convention & Trade Show, held in Tampa, Fla. Feb. 1-3, 2022.

Dealer attendees will have the opportunity to participate in all workshops and technical forums, along with dealer-centered educational sessions. Networking events will provide the

opportunity to mingle with fellow industry peers, NATM Board Members and staff, suppliers, and trailer manufacturers.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for trailer manufacturers interested in supporting the Dealer Affiliate events and programming.

New Dealer Promotion

Dealer Education & Luncheon

Help get more trailer dealers to the trade show floor by sponsoring the New Dealer Promotion.

Sponsoring company information will be inserted into all New Dealer registration packets, and sponsors will receive the dealer attendee list.

By sponsoring the Dealer Workshop and Luncheon, your company will have the opportunity to briefly speak before the session or have a company spotlight presentation shown to all attendees, and sponsors will receive the dealer attendee list.

$2,500

NATM will work with you to find the sponsorship opportunity that best fits your company. You can find the full 2022 Sponsorship Brochure at www.natm.com/sponsor. For all

www.NATM.com

$7,500 | Co-Sponsorship Available ​

NATM Convention & Trade Show or sponsorship questions, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan by calling (785) 272-4433 or emailing at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com. ■

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Free Registrations & Room Nights for Dealer Affiliates at 2022 Convention & Trade Show

By NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is excited to welcome trailer dealers to the 2022 NATM Convention & Trade Show in Tampa, Fla. Feb. 1-3, 2022!

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 now allowing dealers to attend the Annual Convention & Trade Show is the logical next step in improving trailer safety.

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 2020 sold-out trade show boasted more than 200 exhibiting companies, with 37 new exhibitors, 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.

The Association’s purpose is to open lines of communication, increase trailer safety awareness, and provide dealers with education and information. NATM has worked diligently

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with committees, trailer manufacturers, industry suppliers, and dealers to create a path of inclusion for dealers.

Dealers will be invited to attend all regular workshops and technical forums, as well as the Awards Reception on Tuesday; Dealer Workshop & Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Trade Show Reception on Wednesday from 4-5 p.m.

Please note: Dealers are not able to attend the Tee Off Convention Top Golf event and will not be allowed on the trade show floor Wednesday, Feb. 2 between 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dealers are invited to tour the trade show floor and shop for components, materials, and service providers Wednesday, Feb. 2 during the Trade Show Reception from 4-5 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon.

There will be no trailers on exhibit at this show.

NATM will be offering a “New Dealer Promotion” to help offset costs for dealers attending the show. NATM Dealer Affiliates are eligible for two complimentary full registrations and two free hotel room nights while available! To apply for the New Dealer Promotion, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or (785) 272-4433. ■

www.NATM.com

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IMPORTANT NATM CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW DATES November

January

11/20/2021

1/1/2022

• Convention Program Map advertising due • Sponsorship payment due to be included in National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) printed convention materials

• All exhibitors must have membership dues paid in full for 2022 to keep the member rate on booth space

December 12/16/2021 • Sponsor logos due to be included in NATM’s printed convention materials

1/28/2022 • Pre-registration ends. Registrations after this will be on-site only and prices increase $50.

1/31/2022 • Tee-Off to Convention Top Golf Event

February 2/1/2022 - 2/3/2022 • Convention & Trade Show in Tampa, Florida

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Tie Down Is Your #1 Source For Manufacturing The Most Reliable Trailer Parts & Accessories: • Custom Aluminum, PVC, & Steel Fenders • Boat Trailer Accessories • And All Your Custom Fabrication Needs

Atlanta, GA. • www.tiedown.com www.NATM.com

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Press Releases

Kostreba Backs the Red with Winning Bid on the 2021 Trailer for a Cause Auction (Sauk Centre, Minnesota, Sept. 24th, 2021) – Felling Trailers, Inc. conducted its ninth annual online auction of an FT-3 drop deck utility trailer to benefit a non-profit organization: the Minnesota Fire Fighters Foundation (MNFFF). A winning bid of $4850.99 won the auction that ended at 7 pm on the 20th-anniversary remembrance of 9/11, Saturday, Sept. 11th, 2021. The bid winner was Joe Kostreba of Sauk Centre, MN. Joe, a local contractor, has participated in previous Trailer for a Cause auctions but never pushed for the winning bid. “This year it just made a little more sense for a few reasons. One reason was for business needs. I needed to replace my aging current FT-3 (2000 model year). The second was for personal reasons. When I was about five years old, my neighbor Dave Kane, a volunteer firefighter, was killed in the Arc fire (Noah’s Arc Restaurant in Sauk Centre, now Diamond Point). I was young, but I still remember the day like it was yesterday, as the procession of cars showed up at the neighbor’s home to notify the family of the tragic accident of Kane and Zabel,” said Joe. David Kane and Doug Zabel, both volunteer firefighters for the Sauk Centre Fire Department, passed away when the structure they were standing on collapsed under the heat and stress of a raging fire,

January 7th, 1985. “The MN firefighters risk their lives every day to try and help everyone they can save, whether it’s fires or accidents they are called to. My wife (Blaine) was an EMT in Sauk for many years and worked alongside many firefighters.”

Joe watched as the auction started on the 5th of September and was one of the first bidders to jump in on the bidding action.

Over the next 7-days, the bidding action continued with 21 bids placed throughout the auction. Joe and his daughter (Taylor) watched together as the minutes counted down to the end of the auction. “With approximately 7 minutes left in the auction, we watched the bid price not moving. We decided with a few seconds left to see if we could win the auction. With 5 seconds left, we entered our bid (the winning bid), only to have the confirmation screen pop-up with about 2 seconds left, prompting us to hit enter again. We were both very surprised that we won and congratulated each other with a high -five,” said Joe. Joe will be putting the FT-3 trailer to use hauling materials and equipment to and from job sites when needed. About three years ago, he bought the family business, Kostreba Contracting, from his family due to his father becoming ill

Pictured L-R: Bonnie Radjenovich, Joe Kostreba, Brenda Jennissen.

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and not being able to continue operating the business. “I had worked alongside my dad building the business since I was 14-years old. Twenty-seven years later, I’m still doing the same thing I grew up doing, helping families in Sauk Centre and the surrounding communities building new homes, remodeling projects, and anything they may need to be done. The trailer is going to be very well taken care of, almost too nice to use,” said Joe. “The city of Sauk Centre has been a very great place to work and raise our family and operate our familyowned business with my wife Blaine and daughter Taylor.”

The 2021 Trailer for a Cause FT-3 utility trailer was painted the signature fire engine red with custom fire engine gold pinstriping and bared the Minnesota Fire Fighters Foundation emblem. Several Felling Trailers’ suppliers joined to support the MNFFF through sponsorship of the trailer build, from lighting to tires and paint. The 2021 Trailer for a Cause sponsors were Trans-Texas, PPG, Dexter, Sealco, Peterson, Industrial Wood, Demco, Pacific Rim, and Metal Crafters/Flexco. Felling Trailers wanted to generate awareness about the hidden health dangers and cancer risks firefighters face while serving and beyond. The auction ran for seven days, from Sunday, Sept.

5th, at noon CST through Saturday, Sept. 11th (National Day of Service & Remembrance), at 7 pm CST ending with Kostreba’s winning bid of $4,850.99. One hundred percent of the $4,850.99 will benefit the Minnesota Fire Fighters Foundation!

About Kostreba Contracting Kostreba Contracting is a family-owned construction business located in Sauk Centre, MN, specializing in new homes, remodeling, and light commercial construction. The company was founded in 1985 by Wayne Kostreba and operated as Restorations

by Wayne. In 1997 the father and son team became known as Kostreba Contracting. No job too big or small. For additional information on Kostreba Contracting, contact (320) 352-3045.

About the Minnesota Firefighters Foundation After receiving training on the Health Risk to Firefighters in 2016, a small group of individuals felt compelled to do more for

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their brothers and sisters in the fire service. The founding five members piled into a small room and knew at that time there needed to be more focus on the hidden health and cancer risk firefighters faced. In early 2017 The Minnesota Firefighters Foundation was formed, and its mission is simple. Supporting firefighters and their families that have been affected by cancer and other health issues due to their involvement in the fire service. MNFFF’s primary campaign is HOODS 4 HEROES, which educates firefighters on how to protect themselves, along with giving them the tools and equipment to help mitigate the risk of cancer and other hidden health risks. The HOODS 4 HEROES campaign mission is to purchase particulate hoods for fire departments across Minnesota that cannot afford them.

For additional information on MNFFs research, education, and services, visit www.mnfff.org.

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 over 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 over 45 years. Felling Trailers’ current capabilities allow them to provide a highquality product that is 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 them on the web at www.felling.com. You can also follow them on Twitter (@ FellingTrailers), Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.), and Pinterest.

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Press Releases

Lindmeyer Joins Felling Trailers as Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager

(Sauk Centre, Minnesota, October 12th, 2021) – Felling Trailers Inc., a national leader in industrial and commercial trailers, has appointed Joel Lindmeyer as their Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager. In this role, he will be responsible for all sales development, activity, and dealer support within Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

As the regional manager for the Great Lakes, Joel’s primary responsibilities will be to achieve region market share objectives with the existing dealer base and develop new dealers in the assigned territory, providing training and product support. Joel will be taking over the Great Lakes region once served by Daniel “Boone” Larsen, who retired in May of 2021. Lindmeyer brings over twentyfive years of experience in the truck and trailer industry with a strong emphasis on sales and customer service.

“Joel has a strong knowledge of the recreational trailer and commercial/municipal truck industries. I believe he will be an asset to our team as we continue to support and grow our market share in the Great Lakes region,” said Nathan Uphus, Felling Trailers’ sales manager.

Joel gained his knowledge of the commercial and municipal truck industry while working with Monroe Truck Equipment for a period of nine years in sales and service. From there, he spent the next seventeen years working in the trailer industry in the role of Regional Sales Manager for Big Rivers LTD, a wholesale equipment distributor specializing in trailer and waterfront equipment, selling trailer lines like Triton Aluminum Trailers, Shorelander, and Karavan. After his time with Big Rivers, he took on a role as Director of Sales with a sporting goods company for a few years. During that time, Joel realized his heart was in the trailer industry and seized the opportunity to apply for Felling Trailers’ sales position. “I am happy to get back into the trailer industry; this is where my passion lies. I always knew I would one day get back to the industry in some capacity. I am grateful for that opportunity to be with Felling Trailers,” said Joel.

“Joel is the “full kit”, he brings a great amount of experience and enthusiasm to the position, and I am excited that he is a part of our Felling Trailers Sales team,” said Patrick Jennissen, Felling’s SVP of sales & marketing. For more information, visit www.felling.com or call (800) 245-2809.

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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 over 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 over 45 years. Felling Trailers’ current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certified company, WBENCECertified WBE company, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, contact (800) 245-2809, sales@felling.com, or visit them on the web at www.felling. com. You can also follow them on Twitter (@FellingTrailers), Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.), and Pinterest.

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Press Releases

Hillsboro Industries Publishes New Website Hillsboro, Kansas (October 11, 2021)- Hillsboro Industries recently launched a brand-new website to showcase its complete line of trailers and truck beds.

Specific features of the new website include, improved dealer-locator functionality, information-packed product pages for the end-buyer, easier navigation to find information across the website and an elevated look and feel to promote Hillsboro’s premium products.

Located at www.hillsboroindustries.com, truck bed and trailer buyers and prospective dealers will find helpful information to understand the superior features and factory options of Hillsboro Industries’ products.

Hillsboro was founded in 1968 in Hillsboro, Kan. Since its start, the company has been dedicated to producing unique, innovative and high-quality products. Hillsboro Industries manufactures an elite line of aluminum, steel and hybrid truck beds and all-aluminum trailers including the Endura livestock, Endura combo, Endura cargo, car-hauler and utility trailers. With an experienced and dedicated work force that continues to develop and introduce industry-first features year after year, Hillsboro is “Simply the Best.” Bottom line: when you say HILLSBORO you’re talking quality. For more information, contact Hillsboro Industries at (800) 835-0209.

ASA Electronics® Debuts New Mechless JENSEN® Stereo For Immediate Release

or movies without any additional wiring or input changes.

Elkhart, IN. – ASA Electronics has expanded our RV entertainment offerings with the JWM30 Mechless Wall Mount Stereo. The latest JENSEN stereo supports six speakers across three zones for maximum entertainment value. Dual Bluetooth streaming allows RVers to listen to audio from two different sources at once – with audio from one device playing in Zones A/B and audio from the second device playing in Zone C. Combined with independent volume control in Zones A/B and Zone C, the JWM30 is like having two stereos in one.

The JWM30 also pairs perfectly with the JENSEN JWM437 Surface Mount Speakers to create a sleek, modern sound bar aesthetic in virtually any entertainment system.

This wall mount stereo also features an HDMI input with pass through to the rear output. This allows you to plug in your Roku or Firestick and immediately start streaming your favorite shows

www.NATM.com

ASA Electronics® has been designing and manufacturing mobile electronic products for the Marine, RV, PowerSports, Agricultural, Construction, Commercial Vehicle, and Bus industries since 1977. Their proprietary brands are JENSEN®, JENSEN Marine®, JENSEN Heavy Duty®, iN∙Command®, Marine Audio®, Voyager® and ADVENT® Air. ASA is also a distributor in specialty markets for SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Polk Ultramarine®, Klipsch®, and XKGLOW® products. For more information, please visit www.ASAElectronics.com.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Welcome New Members Regular Members Dispensing Technology Corporation 390 S Lombard St Oxnard, CA 93030 www.dispensingtech.com • Equipment • Specialty Mach Built PO Box 150259 Tulsa, OK 74115 www.machbuilt.com • Aluminum • Auto Hauler • Custom Design • Enclosed Cargo • Specialty Open Road Honda 4120 Memorial Hwy Mandan, ND 58554 www.openroad-honda.com • Boat Redwood Global Ltd 86 Livingstone Rd Walworth Industrial Estate Andover, SP10 5NS • Portable Equipment • Specialty Steinhaus Brothers Inc. dba Atomic Trailers 47061 Phillip St Sioux Falls, SD 57108 • Aluminum • Utility/Flatbed Ushi LLC 347W 21st New York, NY 10011 • Aluminum • Cargo • Custom Design • Equipment • Mobile BBQ/Smoker

Associate Members 5 Star Tracking 1202 Ury St Union City, TN 38261 www.5startracking.com • Computer Software • Electrical • Hardware Armadillo Liners 6309 Skyline Dr Ste B Houston, TX 77057 • Adhesives/Tapes • Automotive OEM • Cleaners/Chemicals • Mats/Floor Coverings • Paints/Coatings/Galvanizing The Trailer Parts Outlet 2209 I 45 N Madisonville, TX 77864 www.thetrailerpartsoutlet.com • Brakes • Caps • Couplers • Electric Brake Controls • Fenders, Hardware • Hoists • Hydraulics • Jacks/Landing Gear • Lighting • Mud Flaps/Splash Guards • Sales/Marketing • Suspensions • Tires, Wheels/Rims WHEEL PROS 400 Oak Bluff Ln Goodlettsville, TN 37072 • Tires • Wheels/Rims

Dealer Affiliate Interested in becoming a member?

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

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Alpha Trailer & Truck Specialties, LLC 1670 Hwy 80 E Pearl, MS 39208 www.alphaofms.com Mountain West Trailers 1470 S Hwy 40 Heber City, UT 84032 www.mountainwesttrailer.com

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