President’s Report

By Marty Lorick, Triple Crown Trailers

I am proud to welcome you to this fall’s Special Dealer Issue of Tracks magazine. In addition to our usual circulation of readers, this issue is sent out to thousands of trailer dealers across the United States in order to spotlight compliant trailer manufacturers, as well as educate dealers on industry issues and the importance of selling trailers that have been verified for compliance.

It is important for trailer manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers alike to understand that the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is a not-for-profit association that is dedicated to making roadways safer through compliance with applicable federal safety regulations and education on safe trailering practices.

The Association was founded in 1987 by five trailer manufacturers in Chickasha, Okla. Their original intention for coming together was to get better rates for product liability insurance, but over the years, the mission and member benefits evolved. In 1991, NATM debuted trailer manufacturing guidelines and, by 2002, had established the NATM Compliance Verification Program (CVP). In 2012 participation in and successful completion of the CVP became a mandatory component of membership for all trailer manufacturers.

Based off the annually updated Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and MediumDuty Trailers (Guidelines), a compilation of applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, regulations and industry best practices that govern trailer construction, NATM Members undergo an on-site inspection of their processes and trailers to verify compliance. Manufacturers that successfully complete the CVP can purchase NATM Compliance Decals to display on their trailers. Displaying these red, white, and blue decals adds value to the trailers and show customers commitment to meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. NATM is the only association in the nation that verifies compliance for light- and medium-duty trailers, and it is easy to distinguish trailers built by participating companies from the rest: with the red, white, and blue NATM Decal. To learn more about the importance of compliant trailers, turn to page 18.

The Mission of NATM is to “promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy,” and reaching out to trailer dealers with a Dealer Affiliate program is a natural next step in the progression of the Association’s efforts to improve the safety of the nation’s roadways. Though, providing education to consumers can be difficult and time-consuming, especially with an already demanding to-do list. It can be difficult for a trailer to stand out against the competition, as uneducated consumers tend to make decisions based on price alone. Consumers erroneously assume that all trailers are manufactured in accordance with the law and don’t understand that getting the best deal can sometimes come at a higher cost when they purchase a trailer that is not compliant.

Seatbelts are not optional in cars, just as adequate safety chains and properly applied conspicuity tape are not optional on trailers. The difference between these two products regarding their safety requirements is the historically limited policing in the trailer industry compared to the billion-dollar automotive industry. As NATM has been warning members and the industry, trailers are no longer being overlooked by authorities. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration has been announcing fines at record levels, and the industry is very much on their radar and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Just driving down the highway, you can see DOT officials pulling over and inspecting trailers of all sizes, with drivers being ticketed for noncompliance or improper usage.

Promoting safety within the trailer industry through efforts such as the NATM CVP, the Dealer Affiliate program, and this fall Special Edition of Tracks is key to NATM’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. Consumer education, especially through dealers, is a large component of trailer safety. To learn more about how to market NATM compliant trailers, turn to page 20.

The Association is only successful thanks to the hardworking trailer manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers that are committed to safety and compliance. If you are interested in becoming more involved in learning more about becoming a member, do not hesitate to contact the Association at NATMHQ@natm.com or by calling (785) 272-4433.