ISSUE 08
OCTOBER 2021
Nov./Dec. 2020 Volume 33 Issue 6
Page 24
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES
TIRE RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS SIMPLIFIED
EWR REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL TRAILER MANUFACTURERS
Page 20
Page 50
Page 42
NATM Headquarters • 2420 SW 17th St. • Topeka, KS 66604 • (785) 272-4433 • Fax: (785) 272-4455 STAFF
On the Cover: The NATM Compliance Decal. For more information on the importance of the decal turn to page 14.
Tracks Editor Elizabeth Moore Elizabeth.Moore@natm.com Executive Director Kendra Ansley Kendra.Ansley@natm.com Assistant Director Meghan Ryan Meghan.Ryan@natm.com Quality Director Monica Johnson Monica.Johnson@natm.com Marketing Director Savana Morrison Savana.Morrison@natm.com Technical Director Terry Jones Terry.Jones@natm.com Compliance Consultant Scott Crimmins Scott.Crimmins@natm.com Compliance Consultant Sean Sloan Sean.Sloan@natm.com Bookkeeper Cindy Streeter Cindy.Streeter@natm.com Administrative Assistant Kay Deever Kay.Deever@natm.com OFFICERS President Owen Shelton BoatMate Trailers, Inc. Vice President Marty Lorick Triple Crown Trailers Treasurer Josh Johnson Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Associate Member Representative Jim Berry Dexter Axle Past President Patrick Jennissen Felling Trailers DIRECTORS FEB. 2018 - FEB. 2021 Leo Akins Forest River Cargo Division Lyle Berning Novae Corp. John Kerr Marsh & McLennan Agency Serena Moran Sun Country Trailers DIRECTORS FEB. 2019 - FEB. 2022 Joel Bauer Midsota Manufacturing, Inc. Rick Coffey The Carlstar Group
Tracks President’s Report ........................................... 6
Statistically Speaking....................................... 32
Headquarters Report ....................................... 8
NATM Dealer Compendium Offers In-Demand Resources for Dealerships............ 34
Letter to Prospective Members........................ 9 NATM Convention & Trade Show Update: 2021 Show in Nashville Cancelled.................. 10 NATM Set to Feed America with Industry Support...................................... 11 Trailer Manufacturers: Join Now, Receive Two Free Months of Membership.................... 12 Five Reasons You Should be Using the NATM Shipping Program ......................... 17 Workforce Development Summit: Nov. 17-19......................................... 20 NATM Wheel Attachments 101 Webinar........ 22 Top Compliance Verification Program Failures.............................................. 24 Stay Up-To-Date with The NATM Insider ...... 27 Share Your Expertise! NATM Calls
Performance Evaluations: Best Practices ....... 38 Top Tips for Truck Drivers to Reduce Driving Fatigue................................... 40 Early Warning Reporting Requirements for all Trailer Manufacturers ........................... 42 Ford Reveals Plan for $700M Plant, Jobs at Rouge Plus All-Electric Ford F-150 Secrets.... 44 Five Quick Tire Tips to Share with New Buyers.............................................. 47 Tire Recordkeeping Requirements Simplified ................................. 50 Insurance Market Update: Mid-Year Report... 52 How MIT Built its Own COVID-19 Testing Trailer .............................. 56 Membership Benefits Expanded in 2020......... 59
Carl Maxey MGS Incorporated - Ft. Collins
for Educational Articles and Presentations...... 28
2021 Membership Awards Nominations.......... 62
DIRECTORS FEB. 2020 - FEB. 2023
New 2021 Media Kit Available with Advertising Opportunities........................ 30
Member News.................................................. 64
Jon Devitt Midwest Industries, Inc. Marco Garcia U-Haul International, Inc. Jeff Jones Statistical Surveys Dustin Miller Cross Trailers, Inc. Mike Story LOOK Trailers
New Member Update....................................... 70
About this publication: Tracks Volume 33, Number 6 Nov./Dec. 2020 is published six times a year (bi-monthly) for $50 per year by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, 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, or reference to any products, services, trade names, or manufacturers is not an endorsement by NATM of any such advertisers, links, entities, products, services, or names. 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.
Tracks
A.L. Hansen Manufacturing Co...........................................63
Myers Spring Co. ................................................................38
Affiliated Resources.............................................................15
Napoleon/Lynx.....................................................................32
Bludot, Inc.........................................................Inside Front Cover
Optronics International........................................................54
Bob Clements International Inc...........................................65
Peterson Manufacturing Co.................................................49
BrakeQuip............................................................................19
Powerbrace Corp..................................................................33
Buyers Products Company...................................................48
PPG Industries, Inc....................................... Outside Back Cover
Cargo Systems, Inc..............................................................52
Premium Supply..................................................................36-37
CPR Systems........................................................................13
Qingdao Highton Machinery Co., Ltd.................................31
Dec-O-Art, Inc.....................................................................43
Redarc Corporation..............................................................58
East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc.......................................47
Redneck Trailer Supplies.....................................................5
Equalizer Systems ...............................................................28
Ridewell Suspensions..................................... Inside Back Cover
H.E. Parmer .........................................................................22
Rockwell American..............................................................55
Hutchens Industries, Inc. .....................................................61
Tech Products, Inc................................................................42
Huth Ben Pearson International LLC..................................27
TGI-Direct...........................................................................29
KampCo Steel Products, Inc................................................40
Tie Down Engineering, INc.................................................25
LaVanture Products Co........................................................21
Vineze .................................................................................18
Lippert Components, Inc.....................................................4
Wire Works Technologies, Inc.............................................23
Muro North America, Inc.....................................................7
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November/December 2020
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Tracks
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November/December 2020
For more information, find us at redneck-trailer.com or call us at 1-877-9REDNECK.
5
President's Report
Tracks
President’s Report By Owen Shelton, BoatMate Trailers
2020 is a year that none of us will ever forget. It has been fraught with challenges and obstacles, but 2020 was also a year filled with hard work and progress for NATM and its members. As 2020 comes to a close, I want to take time to reflect on the adversity faced and to celebrate our successes. Both NATM and the light- and medium-duty trailer industry have been resilient and adaptable in these unprecedented times, and I would like to commend our efforts during 2020 and thank the many people that have made this year a success. COVID-19 brought many industries to a screeching halt, and for those who did not stop, like the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, working became more difficult due to everchanging federal and state regulations as well as constant updates about the virus. Thankfully, NATM was quick to respond to member needs regarding COVID-19. In the past nine months, NATM has published a plethora of resources for members, paring down the onslaught of information into digestible parts. Your Association created a resource center on natm.com which includes CDC and OSHA guidelines as well as updates on relief packages. The Association also created a COVID-19 Resource Guide with practical steps for protecting the safety of employees. In addition, NATM partnered with Marsh and McLennan Agency (MMA) to bring members and
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November/December 2020
dealer affiliates weekly COVID-19 webinars, and NATM surveyed members on the impact of COVID-19. The results of these surveys were used in advocacy efforts and as an information source for participants as they navigated business decisions. Most importantly, NATM has altered the Compliance Verification Program to abide by travel restrictions and protect the health of everyone involved in the process while still verifying compliance. While these COVID-19 related resources are now available to all NATM Members, they are only the beginning of the expanding list of membership benefits. The Association Health Plan and Association Retirement Plan are now being offered to eligible members. On Sept. 1, NATM released the Dealer Compendium which is a 300-page resource guide for trailer dealers that includes state laws, trailer safety information, end-user materials, and other important documents. NATM is also offering more virtual education options than ever before, such as webinars and workshops, and many of these efforts are culminating in the release of an online resource library for members that is to be published soon. The library features essential information, recordings of past webinars, technical resources, and past Tracks articles.
www.NATM.com
President's Report
Tracks Even with all that NATM has accomplished this year, there is still more to be done in 2021. Earlier this year, the NATM Board of Directors voted to extend the 2019-2021 Strategic Plan to 2022. This extension will allow NATM and its board members to bring Strategic Plan objectives to fruition, which include but are not limited to, increasing memberships and incorporating feedback of dealer affiliates, implementing a trailer technician training program, and improving enforcement practices. This year, NATM welcomed two new faces to the staff. Kay Deever joined in March as the administrative assistant, and Elizabeth Moore started in August as Tracks editor. Internally, longtime staffer Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director, has shifted her efforts to focus on membership and events including the NATM Convention & Trade Show while Terry Jones has been promoted to Technical Director. With the expanding membership base and benefits, these staff changes will bring much needed support to the NATM staff and members to help carry out NATM’s mission of trailer safety and industry best practices.
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NATM’s success is only possible because of the hard work and dedication of its members, and we truly value your contributions to making this year’s achievements a reality. Thank you to everyone that took time to serve on an NATM committee, attend the trade show, or take part in our government affairs initiatives, including this year’s virtual Regulatory Roundup. To my NATM family, I hope you all have a safe and happy “hauliday” season and a very happy New Year!
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November/December 2020
7
Headquarters Report
Tracks
Headquarters Report
By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Directer Growing up, my grandfather, the owner of a small family business, had a black and white sketch on his desk of a crane with a frog partway down its throat, but the frog had its hands around the throat of the crane, and it said: “Never Ever Give Up.” My grandfather passed a few years ago, and I don’t know what happened to the sketch, but I think about it from time to time when faced with big challenges. If 2020 could be summed up in one sketch, I think that just might be it. This year has been a fight for all of us. It’s now November, and here we are, perhaps more tired, but still moving forward despite all that we have faced. For the final issue of Tracks each year, I like to take the time to reflect on all that has been accomplished before the fervor of the new year kicks in. Reflecting on victories, lessons learned, and the many people who came together to make it all happen. As I look back this year, it feels much like a story told in two parts—before and after. Looking at my Headquarters Report from January 2020, we had big plans for the year ahead—more travel and visiting member facilities, a focused effort on workforce development, and increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the Compliance Verification Program. We were gearing up for what turned out to be another fantastic convention in Las Vegas. And then, the after. Plans changed, and changed again, and are still changing. The world is in many respects a very different place right now. We have faced and continue to face challenges for which none of us were prepared. This time, the after, however, has brought out some of the very best that humanity has to offer. We have seen incredible fortitude and industriousness. We have seen charitable giving increase and people become incredibly creative about creating human connection in a time of social distancing. This unbreakable spirit is perfectly exemplified by the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. Many in the industry were deemed essential workers—continuing to churn out needed products in a very uncertain time. Others, shut down or slowed for a while and worked to find a way to bring your teams back to work safely as soon as possible. The slow-down was only temporary for most of the industry, with reports of backlogs of work and orders well into 2021 continuing to abound. While this news is positive as demand remains, NATM recognizes many challenges remain related to
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November/December 2020
supply chain delays, increasing component costs, a continued workforce shortage, and changing policy and guidance related to COVID-19. While members adapt, the Association has been taking your cues and adapting right alongside you. Offering virtual education, increasing the frequency of communication to cover timely topics related to COVID-19 relief packages and regulatory updates, and creating a COVID-19 guidance package for bringing back your workforce safely. We quickly restructured the Compliance Verification Program to accommodate remote consultations, and when the time was right in June, we began implementing a new hybrid consultation process that protected the health of members and staff but also accommodated on-site, physical inspections of trailers. And just like members, the regular work of the Association continued. NATM and its partners at its government affairs group, K&L Gates, continued to advocate for the industry on Capitol Hill, even converting the Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill visits to a virtual event in July. The Association carried out its annual Trailer Safety Week, with a 253 percent increase in allyship, reaching more than 32,000 people through NATM’s marketing alone. While the Association adjusted many of its Strategic Planning timelines to accommodate unexpected new projects, we continued forward with others like the Sept. 1 launch of the NATM Dealer Resource Compendium, a 300+ page document covering state laws, applicable federal laws, consumer safety information, and much more. 2020 certainly was not the year anyone had planned. It has taken many of us to our limits and then some more. Still, here we are, continuing to move forward despite it all. We have learned lessons and climbed mountains that will make us all stronger, better, more capable as we face the future. The coming year promises a continued climb as many challenges remain, but if this year has taught me anything, it is that we can overcome unfathomable obstacles if we Kendra Ansley NATM Executive Director work hard, lean on each other, get creative, and never ever give up. www.NATM.com
Letter to Prospective Members
Letter to Prospective Members
Tracks
By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director To our industry peers, The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is sending one complimentary issue of our magazine to non-members of the Association in an effort to continue to educate the entire industry on trailer safety and compliance. As an association of more than 900 light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers, industry suppliers, service providers, and dealers, the Association represents a large proportion of the industry. While we remain an association by and for our members, our commitment to trailer safety, compliance, and industry success extends to the entire industry without regard for membership status. It is for this reason the Association has made many educational workshops, webinars, A trailer built using a NATM compliant process. and even the NATM convention available to nonmembers. Some of these events have been made available at no cost to non-members. The soon to be launched online NATM Resource Library, which includes technical content, articles from back-issues of Tracks magazine, webinars, end-user resources, and more will also be available in part to non-members. Education on topics like the most common failures of the Compliance Verification Program, regulations covering de-rating of the GVWR of trailers, and compliant tire recordkeeping practices are all important to roadway safety and access to this information should be reasonably available to the entire industry. NATM has had countless conversations with legislators and federal agencies, including a 2015 meeting with former NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind, about how the Association can help educate the entire industry. One failure, one accident, one issue sends ripples throughout the entire industry. As such, we hope you enjoy this issue of Tracks magazine at no cost. Please visit www.natm.com for upcoming events and participate when relevant to your business. Of course, we hope you’ll join NATM and take advantage of the numerous benefits and services available to members. We would love to hear your voice when it comes to setting the strategic direction of the Association and when meeting with Members of Congress and federal agencies whose actions impact your work. Until then, please enjoy this complimentary issue of Tracks. If you have any questions about NATM, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Stay safe!
Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director Kendra.Ansley@natm.com (785) 272-4433 www.NATM.com
November/December 2020
9
NATM Convention & Trade Show Update: 2021 Show in Nashville Cancelled
Tracks
NATM Convention & Trade Show Update: 2021 Show in Nashville Cancelled
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
After extensive and careful deliberation, NATM will be cancelling the upcoming NATM Convention & Trade Show that was to take place Feb. 23-25, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. The light- and medium-duty trailer industry relies heavily on face-to-face networking, which is why NATM’s Convention & Trade Show plays an integral role in bringing together suppliers and service providers with trailer manufacturers and dealers across the nation. For several months, NATM’s staff, board, and event hosts in Nashville have explored options to ensure that members can attend safely and receive the same high-quality event they have come to expect. However, the health precautions that are crucial for decreasing the risk of transmitting COVID-19, including social distancing, will impede NATM members’ ability to do business on the show floor and network with their industry peers. Further, attending NATM’s Convention is a significant financial investment for industry companies and NATM does not take that lightly. While the show is scheduled for a few months away and the future is uncertain, NATM does not wish to delay the decision at the risk of detrimentally impacting members as they wait to plan, ship, travel, and attend a large in-person, indoor
event that will be unable to draw the same great attendance numbers as years past due to the current circumstances. NATM has issued detailed information regarding refund processing for exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees by email. For more information, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com. NATM will be working to transfer the Workshops and Technical Forums to webinars over the course of 2021 in order to ensure members receive this important educational content. The webinars will also be housed in NATM’s Online Resource Library so NATM member company staff can participate on their own schedule. This change will also allow individuals to participate in all workshops, rather than choosing between the two tracks when in person. While NATM will certainly miss seeing everyone person, the Association is already looking forward to the 2022 Convention in Tampa, Fla.! Mark your calendars for Feb. 1-3, 2022— NATM has a fantastic reunion for the industry already in the works! For more information regarding the NATM Convention & Trade Show, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com.
NATM C ONVENTION & TRADE SHOW S A V E
T H E
D A T E !
2022
2023
2024
February 1-3
February 14-16
February 13-15
Tampa, FL
Fort Worth, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Tampa Convention Center
Fort Worth Convention Center
South Point Hotel & Casino
Questions? Assistant Director Meghan Ryan Meghan.Ryan@NATM.com | 785-272-4433
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November/December 2020
www.NATM.com
NATM Set to Feed America with Industry Support
Tracks
By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director spends 98.7 percent of its expenses on programming with just NATM is excited to launch its first annual giving campaign— .4 percent being spent on administrative costs according to NATM Feeds America! In the face of a global pandemic Charity Navigator, an organization that systematically rates and wildfires across California and Colorado, the number of charities using a standardized methodology. The Association Americans that are food insecure is on the rise, and NATM is has applied their own ethics regarding member investment asking the industry to join the fight against hunger! when searching for a worthy organization to partner with in According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment fundraising. closed in September at 7.9 percent. This represents 12.6 NATM is matching industry contributions from both individuals million Americans, 3.8 million of those who have permanently and companies’ dollar for dollar up to $5,000 until December lost their jobs and another 4.6 million lost their jobs due to 15, 2020. Double your contribution with NATM’s match. temporary layoffs. On top of these challenges, with virtual You can donate online at https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/ schooling in place part-time or full-time in in many school participant/NATM. districts across the country more meals are being served at home, and children who rely on school food programs no longer have the same access to food. The National Public Radio (NPR) reported a study in September undertaken by the Booking Institute which found in June of 2020 27.5 percent of households with children were food insecure with the number expected to rise as COVID spikes and wildfires spread across the country. This value represents 13.9 million children. Feeding America estimates nearly 54 million people, including 18 million children, will experience food insecurity this year alone. Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hungerrelief organization. They work to get nourishing food from farmers, manufacturers, and retailers to people in need. Feeding America’s network includes 200 food banks and 60,000 good pantries and meal programs across the U.S. With just one dollar, Feeding America can provide 10 meals to people in need. NATM has carefully selected Feeding America not only because its mission aligns with a growing need in our communities, but because the organization allocates their resources in a way that NATM values as well. Feeding America www.NATM.com
Many NATM members invest in their communities and are committed to giving back. The Association is thrilled to join the industry in fighting hunger with Feeding America. As a thank you for those who donate, for every $100 donated by a company or individual, you will be entered into a drawing for a free full Convention registration in 2022. Give $100, get one entry! Give $200, get two entries! Further, the company that raises the most for Feeding America will be featured in NATM’s coverage of the campaign including outside industry publications. The company will also receive one free full- page ad in Tracks magazine in 2021. Interested in getting your entire team to participate? Start your own company-wide giving campaign. Matching employee contributions, even with defined maximums, is a great way to build community while giving back! Employee contributions and company contributions will be combined for purposes of determining the company that donates the most as part of NATM Feeds America! Have questions? Contact NATM Executive Director Kendra Ansley at Kendra.Ansley@natm.com. November/December 2020
11
Trailer Manufacturers: Join Now, Receive Two Free Months of Membership
Tracks
Trailer Manufacturers: Join Now, Receive Two Free Months of Membership
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director The backbone of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers is the Compliance Verification Program (CVP) for trailer manufacturers. Whether your company has been manufacturing for decades, or plans to start next year, the program is sure to be of value. NATM is the industry association that can assist you with improving your business through its CVP, access to technical staff, educational resources and programming, government affairs advocacy, and networking opportunities to work directly with component suppliers and service providers. By joining this fall, your company can receive up to two free months of NATM Membership! NATM Compliance Verification Program & the Guidelines All trailers are required to be built in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and NATM compiled all of the applicable standards, regulations, and laws into one large compendium that is updated annually called The Guidelines for Minimum Recommended Manufacturing Practices, or the Guidelines. The Guidelines save hours of time for trailer manufacturers because all of the information is neatly sorted and readily available to those who need it the most. NATM compliance consultants travel to member facilities after the initial sign up and then every two years thereafter to verify that members have the processes in place to meet required regulations, standards, and best practices. During the visit, the consultants use a checklist created from the Guidelines to audit the company’s processes. It is important to distinguish that NATM does not audit all facets of the manufacturing process, such as welding, but instead ensures that the company is meeting applicable federal requirements. Though the following is not a complete list, the consultation includes a review of the following items: •
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Administrative—WMI number, information current with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), recordkeeping (tires, Early Warning Reporting, etc.), VIN labels, and Owner’s Manuals
November/December 2020
•
Safety Standards—safety chains or cables, brakes, emergency breakaway systems, rear underride
•
Lighting—as required for trailers 30 feet in length or longer or trailers under 30 feet in length, as required for trailers 80 inches in width or wider or trailer under 80 inches in width
•
onspicuity Tape—as required for trailer 80 inches in C width or wider and 10,001 lbs. GVWR or larger
•
Recommendations—various recommendations based on industry best practices.
All NATM trailer manufacturer members are required to successfully complete a compliance consultation. Once a member has done so, they are able to purchase and place NATM Compliance Decals on their trailers. In recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been watching the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and levied fines of millions of dollars on trailer manufacturing companies failing to meet requirements. Fortunately, members receive NATM’s A Guide to NHTSA Early Warning Reporting and Safety Recalls which is a practical guide to understanding obligations as enforced by NHTSA, as well as continuing education on EWR and tire recordkeeping requirements. Of all new members that join, 90 percent fail the initial compliance consultation. This includes both new manufacturers and seasoned manufacturers who have just joined the Association. NATM consultants help members through the process of making the appropriate changes and submitting necessary corrections in order to pass the Compliance Verification Program. NATM Decals Once a member passes the Compliance Verification Program, they are able to purchase the red, white, and blue NATM Decals to place on their trailers. NATM markets the decal to end users and dealers as a sign of safety and an easy identifier of compliant manufacturers. www.NATM.com
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ONE STEP. ZERO DISCHARGE.
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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Trailer Manufacturers: Join Now, Receive Two Free Months of Membership
Tracks
NATM Convention & Trade Show 2022
With over 1,000 attendees annually, the NATM Convention & Trade Show is the ultimate networking, education, and product-sourcing event for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. Trailer manufacturers and dealers walk the show floor to meet with exhibiting suppliers and service providers, and all attendees are eligible to attend the multiple educational workshops. For those looking for new business leads, this is a do-not-miss event! Please note, the 2021 NATM Convention & Trade Show scheduled for February in Nashville, Tenn. has been cancelled. The next show is scheduled for Feb. 1-3, 2022 at the Tampa Convention Center in sunny Tampa, Fla! By joining as a new member at any time and maintaining membership, you will qualify for the New Member Promo in Tampa, Fla. which includes two free room nights (while available) and two full registrations to attend the Convention & Trade Show! The CVP, decal, and convention are just a few of the benefits and services NATM provides to its members. The Association also offers: Advocacy—The Association and its partners in Washington D.C. represent the needs of the light- and medium-duty industry with regulatory agencies and Members of Congress. Guided by a member-led committee, board, and member surveys, the Association confronts a number of vital issues like the Highway Bill Reauthorization, the impact of tariffs on the industry, and similar concerns.
Safety products for your customers—Purchase NATM Generic Owner’s Manuals and Safely Towing a Trailer brochures to provide your customers and dealers with safe towing information and more. NATM Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide—A database of industry related products and services as well as a listing of all members. Find a new supplier to improve your bottom line! Tracks Magazine—The official bi-monthly magazine of NATM is filled with educational content, product profiles, and more. Industry Education—Throughout the year NATM delivers timely webinars straight to your desk. Topics focus on important regulatory, technical, and government affairs updates, as well as human resources and other business services. Joining is easy! Complete the application online by visiting www.natm.com/trailer-manufacturers. Once your application is submitted, a member of our team will reach out with more information about the next steps, provide you with a copy of the NATM Guidelines, and get you in touch with our technical team. For more information about membership, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.
A Guide to NHTSA Early Warning Reporting and Safety Recalls—A practical guide to understanding your obligations as enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Technical Resources—Access to the NATM Technical Director and Compliance Team to help with technical issues, resources, and support. NATM Guidance on Workplace Safety for COVID-19— NATM has compiled guidance from OSHA, the CDC, and industry experts to provide member companies with information to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace, tailored specifically to manufacturing settings. NATM Compliance Decal
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November/December 2020
www.NATM.com
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Free Shipping Discounts for NATM Members Ship smarter with the NTMA Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip®.
SMALL PACK AGE
LTL FREIGHT
TRUCKLOAD FREIGHT
» Discounts up to 29%* on select FedEx® services.
» Significant discounts off published carrier rates.
» Substantial network of vetted carriers for better load coverage.
» FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery®.
» Online tools and expert support to manage your entire shipping process.
» Negotiated rates for competitive pricing.
» No volume minimums.
» Freight insurance options for added peace of mind.
» Specialized equipment for unique shipping challenges.
H OW I T WO R K S
BENEFITS
» Your FedEx discounts will be linked to your existing account if they’re better than your current pricing. If you don’t have an account, one will be created for you.
» Reduce shipping costs with NATM discounts on a variety of services.
» You’ll receive access to the quoting tools on PartnerShip.com so you can compare LTL freight rates and carrier options.
» Save valuable time with a dedicated team operating as your very own shipping department. » Rest easy with custom shipping solutions that match your specific business needs.
» For truckload shipments, rates and coverage are arranged by experts so you rest easy.
*Includes a bonus 5% online processing discount. Full details available at PartnerShip.com/44NATM/FedExdiscounts
PartnerShip.com/44NATM enter 8372 as promo code
Five Reasons You Should be Using the NATM Shipping Program
Five Reasons You Should be Using the NATM Shipping Program
Tracks
Submitted by PartnerShip As the industry bounces back from the COVID-19 crisis, NATM members are pushing forward, resuming operations, and manufacturing essential equipment. To successfully navigate these new challenges, it’s never been more important to ensure businesses are running efficiently and keeping costs low. With PartnerShip and the NATM Shipping Program, members ship smarter thanks to five key advantages. 1. Increased Efficiency Product transportation is just one piece of operating a business, and shipping management doesn’t end when the product leaves the dock or door. Through overseeing pricing, paperwork, scheduling, tracking, and claims management, hours disappear from the day and can require a costly dedicated department. Working with quality third party logistics (3PL) like
PartnerShip saves time and effort, so the focus can be on more pressing areas of business with the assurance experts are taking care of the day-to-day procedures. 2. Reduced Costs With so many unknowns as businesses forge ahead, it’s important to manage operational costs, and the shipping budget is no exception. Working with a team of experts who leverage long-standing relationships with the best carriers is a great way to guarantee fair pricing. With this in mind, FedEx now offers higher discounts off list rates than ever before for NATM members—40 percent on FedEx Express and 30 percent on FedEx Ground. Businesses can save on freight shipping, too, with competitive rates from UPS Freight, XPO Logistics, and other top-notch carriers. Reducing costs through the NATM Shipping Program allows greater budget flexibility and keeps the bottom line in check.
The NATM Shipping Program offers a variety of benefits to members such as increased effiency, expert support, and industry knowledge for customized solutions. www.NATM.com
November/December 2020
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Five Reasons You Should Be Using the NATM Shipping Program
Tracks 3. Expert Support It’s tough to overstate how complicated shipping can be, and many people overlook major details that affect cost, claims, transit times, among others. Collaborating with a specialized team acting as the shipping department is invaluable. PartnerShip will evaluate factors like freight class, packaging optimization, and extra service costs, making sure shipping operations are set up for maximum success. 4. Customized Solutions A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for the majority of shippers. Most businesses require a flexible shipping program with services that suit the needs of business cycles. Whether it’s efficient small package operations or freight shipping services, available options need to match expectations and the budget. One business might need more less-than-load (LTL) options and less truckload services while another wants to look into ondemand warehousing to increase supply chain efficiency.
Vin-eze
A Division of PMCS, Inc.
A shippig provider can work as a knowledgeable consultant, especially as business needs shift post-COVID-19, to offer solutions and make sure logistics needs are met successfully. 5. Industry Expertise Specific industries present their own individual shipping challenges. As the endorsed shipping provider for NATM, the shipping experts at PartnerShip are familiar with the unique obstacles connected to those in the trailer manufacturing industry. NATM members need expert handling to suit any size of shipment, ensuring safety and security of the load. To manage those needs effectively, shippers must collaborate with an expert partner who is as invested in the success of your business as you are. The NATM Program offers unparalleled service at no extra cost to members. With PartnerShip, a support team of specialists will help your business thrive during a time wrought with unexpected challenges. Learn more about the program by calling (800) 599-2902 or visit PartnerShip.com/44NATM.
Easy to use VIN Software
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November/December 2020
www.NATM.com
TRUST THE BRAKE LINE EXPERTS
DOT-compliant hydraulic brake systems From tubing to hoses, protect your customers and business with hydraulic brake lines that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
TRUST THE BRAKE LINE EXPERTS
From tubing to hoses, protect your customers and business with hydraulic brake lines that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
BrakeQuip works closely with your team to design and build the optimal brake layout for your trailer.
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Discover your options. call 865-251-9193 or visit brakequip.com/trailer
Workforce Development Summit: Nov. 17-19
Tracks
www.natm.com/workforce
November 17-19, 2020
Workforce Development Summit: Nov. 17-19
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
Does your company have the necessary tools to keep up with the demanding job market? In the trailer manufacturing industry, a successful business is dependent upon an educated, highly skilled workforce; however, it is becoming a challenge to retain this type of worker. NATM will be hosting a three-part webinar series on workforce development to help members address this challenge and ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to recruit and retain skilled workers, which helps keep employees and businesses competitive in today’s economy. This series will focus on HR-related hot button issues. NATM’s Workforce Development Webinar Series will discuss recruitment strategies, onboarding, and workplace culture. The webinar series will take place online over the course of three days, Nov. 17-19, 2020. Attendance is free for NATM members and dealer affiliates. For questions, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or (785) 272-4433. Cost: Free for NATM Members and Dealer Affiliates Register: www.natm.com/workforce
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November 17, 2020 WORKPLACE CULTURE 2:00 p.m. CST Mike Krizman–Human Resource Advisor, The University of Texas at Arlington “Building a Successful Workplace Culture” November 18, 2020 RECRUITING 2:00 p.m. CST Leressa Suber PHR, SHRM-CP Evaluation and Talent Development Specialist, NC State University, Industry Expansion Solutions “Attracting/Retaining a Skilled Workforce Post-Pandemic” November 19, 2020 RECRUITING, ONBOARDING 2:00 p.m. CST Veronica “Ronne” Grantham–Regional Operations Director, NC Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions “Accessing the talent pipeline, recruitment strategies, onboarding, and engaging untapped populations” www.NATM.com
Tracks
For Challenging appliCations
ATIONS ING APPLIC R CHALLENG
LPC Gas Springs are available in both Black Nitride and Stainless Steel all at factory pricing and a large inventory is in stock for immediate shipment.
LK, TAPES, CAU LS, FOAM COATINGS TRIMS, SEA INDUSTRIAL SEALANTS,
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PVC Foam and High Bond Tapes: As the exclusive distributor of Gaska Tape products we offer high density foam tapes, Hi-Bond tapes, vinyl glazing tape, and polyethylene foam tapes at competitive prices.
Since 1969 LaVanture Products Company has been providing customers with the highest quality products to meet the challenging applications of today’s competitive markets. LaVanture offers products to meet the needs of custom applications in the industry.
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All of these have passed our rigid quality standards. If we sell it... we stand behind it!!!
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New LaVanture Line of Sealants: LaVanture Products is proud to announce our new sealant line including great quality products including, MS Polymers, Silicones and many others. We have partnered with a quality manufacturer to provide a great product at a great price.
Applications: • Tool Boxes • Door and Window Seals • Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers • Truck Bodies • Made Cargo Trailers in the USA • Utility Boxes • Fiberglass Doors • Work Truck Doors • Marine • Recreational Vehicles • Roof Sealant We also stock complete lines of high quality EPDM Seals, Trim Seals, Edge Trims, Butyl Tapes, Caulks and Sealants.
Conspicuity Tapes: We are a national distributor for 3M D.O.T. Diamond Grade Conspicuity Tape.
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LaVanture Products | Post Office Box 2088 Elkhart, IN 46515-2088 | E-mail: sales@lavanture.com Phone: 800-348-7625 | Fax: 800-348-7629 www.lavanture.com | www.conspicuity.com
November/December 2020
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NATM Wheel Attachments 101 Webinar
Tracks
NATM Wheel Attachments 101 Webinar
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
NATM continuously aims to provide exceptional membership services and benefits. One way the Association does this is by hosting multiple educational webinars each year. The goal is to help members and dealer affiliates better understand the current climate of the industry, and NATM tailors these free educational events around pertinent focus areas. Providing education to members in the pursuit of trailer safety and industry success is the foundation of NATM’s mission. This winter, NATM will feature Ted Schorn, Enkei America, to discuss wheel attachments. Schorn will cover the history of the Trailer Safety Industry Coalition (TSIC) and wheel separation issues. Additionally, the webinar will delve into how the wheel stays on the trailer with the attachment/fastening process and fundamental assembly practices required for good results. These include equipment, the sequence of attachment, and torque audit. Ted Schorn has over 35 years of quality experience in automotive, aerospace, and medical fields. He has authored the book, Understanding the Wheel Fastening System on Trailers, published by NATM and RVIA, and he led the development of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard TSIC-1-2008, “Process Controls for Assembly of Wheels on Trailers” (R3013). Ted is employed at Enkei America, Inc., as vice president of quality and technology, where he has worked for the last 29 years. For additional information, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or (785) 272-4433. Wheel Attachments 101 Thursday, December 10, 2020 Presenter: Ted Schorn, Vice President of Enkei America Time: 2:00 p.m. CST Cost: FREE for NATM members & Dealer Affiliates Registration: Open in November
It’s not just a mudguard. It’s Selection, Delivery, Fit, Fabrication & Service.
H.E. PARMER COMPANY Nashville, TN (615) 256-4687 www.hepop.com
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November/December 2020
www.NATM.com
We build to your exact specifications! Onsite PVC Injection Molding - S.A.E. and Custom Molds Wire Harness Assembly • Terminating and Splicing Wire Cutting • Braiding or Looming • Wire Marking • Testing
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Top Compliance Verification Program Failures
Tracks
Top Compliance Verification Program Failures
By Terry Jones, NATM Technical Director Across the country at trailer manufacturer facilities, it is apparent that certain items are failed more than others. In fact, 90 percent off all new members and 47 percent of recertifying members fail their consultation by missing at least one item during their consultation. NATM compiles these analytics periodically in an effort to address the most frequent issues industry-wide. To view the Compliance Verification Program Overview Webinar that discusses the top 10 CVP failures, contact NATM Administrative Assistant Kay Deever at Kay.Deever@natm.com. What follows is a list of these items in order starting with the most frequently missed item. 1. The manufacturer provides tire warranty cards for each trailer sold. Summary: Each manufacturer is required to provide a tire warranty card with each trailer with the tire identification number (TIN) of the tires filled in. These cards are available from the supplier or manufacturer of the tires and can simply be filled out and given to the customer or dealer. 2. The manufacturer maintains and retains tire identification record of new tires provided to first purchaser (other than for resale) of each new unit. Summary: In relation to the first item, each manufacturer is to record the tire identification number (TIN) for each tire sold and tie it to the VIN of the trailer on which it was installed. This item can be complicated given not all trailers are shipped with tires attached and thus, compliance can be accomplished through different methods. If you have questions about the various methods, contact NATM Technical Director Terry Jones at Terry.Jones@natm.com for more information. Additional information on tire recordkeeping can be found on page 50. 3. NHTSA notification statement is provided to each owner in at least 10-point font. Summary: NHTSA’s brief defect reporting notification statement is required to be provided to all customers and is usually found within the owner’s manual but can be provided in a separate document. The easiest way to be sure of compliance is to use one of NATM’s Generic Owner’s Manuals. For more information about purchasing generic owner’s manuals, contact NATM Administrative Assistant Kay Deever at Kay.Deever@natm.com.
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4. Owner’s manual includes required tire information. Summary: NHTSA’s tire information must also be provided to each customer. This can be done by including the required items in an existing owner’s manual, providing NHTSA’s own rendition of the document, “Tire Safety: Everything Rides on It”, or again, by providing one of NATM’s Generic Owner’s Manuals. For more information about purchasing generic owner’s manuals, contact NATM Administrative Assistant Kay Deever at Kay.Deever@natm.com. 5. Manufacturer’s 565 form is included on the NHTSA database and is complete and accurate. Summary: NHTSA requires manufacturers to provide their VIN deciphering scheme so trailers can be properly identified by the number if needed. The uploading process for the scheme is quick and easy, but NATM Members are welcome to contact NATM for a thorough how-to guide for assistance. 6. Rear reflex reflectors are properly installed. Summary: Each trailer is required to have two reflectors on the rear of the trailer. This can be accomplished by: • • •
installing a small red reflective sticker. utilizing a stop, tail, turn lamp that has the reflective property built in. installing conspicuity treatment (DOT tape) on the rear.
For more information, contact NATM to request the Federal Lighting Equipment Location Requirements poster by emailing NATM Administrative Assistant Kay Deever at Kay.Deever@natm.com. 7. Rear identification lamps are properly installed on units 80 inches wide or wider. Summary: Trailers that are 80 inches or wider in extreme width are required to have three lamps on the center rear. Extreme width means the widest point of the trailer whether the tire, fender, or body but does not include accessories such as jacks. For more information, contact NATM to request the Federal Lighting Equipment Location Requirements poster by emailing NATM Administrative Assistant Kay Deever at Kay.Deever@natm.com. www.NATM.com
Top Compliance Verification Program Failure Items
Tracks
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
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8. The VIN label is applied in the proper location (front road side).
The reflector requirement can be met in three ways: installing a small amber reflective sticker.
Summary: A trailer’s VIN label is required to be placed on the front left (driver’s) side of the trailer. If a trailer was quartered, the VIN must be placed in the quadrant that is closest to the tow vehicle and on the same side as the driver.
•
9. Weights and pressures are listed in both metric and English measurements on the certification label. Summary: Measurements on the VIN label are required to be listed in metric and English measurements are to be listed second. 10. Front side reflex reflectors are properly installed. Summary: Each trailer is required to have an amber reflector installed on the side as far forward as practicable. This reflector is to indicate the front of the trailer when viewed from the side.
www.NATM.com
•
utilizing a front side marker lamp that has the reflective property built in. installing conspicuity treatment (DOT tape) on the side.
For more information, contact NATM to request the Federal Lighting Equipment Location Requirements poster by emailing NATM Administrative Assistant Kay Deever at Kay.Deever@natm.com. The above items are but a small sampling of the Compliance Verification Program checklist, but any item has the potential to result in a failure. For more information on these items or the resources listed, contact Terry Jones, NATM Technical Director, at Terry.Jones@natm.com. To request a link to the NATM Compliance Verification Program Overview Webinar featuring the top 10 failure items, email NATM Administrative Assistant Kay Deever at Kay.Deever@natm.com.
November/December 2020
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The modern way to offer a retirement plan.
Marsh & McLennan Agency makes it easier to offer and administer 401(k) plans to NATM members through our tech-savvy digital retirement platform, powered by Vestwell. Our solution removes friction points typically experienced through traditional providers by offering flexible investment strategies, streamlined administration, automated onboarding, and fiduciary oversight, all at competitive pricing. By acting as a single point of contact for you and your employees, our modernized retirement offering keeps everyone’s best interests in mind.
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Want to learn more? Contact Duane Moppin at Duane.Moppin@marshmma.com or 913.645.9760. DISCLOSURES This document is not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency LLC (MMA), Vestwell Advisors, LLC (Vestwell), and their affiliates shall have no obligation to update this publication and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein. MMA and Vestwell are not affiliated. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting or legal matters are based solely on our experience as consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax or legal advice, for which you should consult professional advisors. Any modeling analytics or projections are subject to inherent uncertainty and the analysis could be materially affecting if any underlying assumptions, conditions, information or factors are inaccurate or incomplete or should change. Securities offered through MMA Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, and a federally registered investment advisor, Main office: 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10036. Phone (212) 345-500. Variable insurance products distributed by MMA Securities LLC, CA 0k81142. Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency LLC and MMA Securities LLC are affiliates owned by Marsh & McLennan Companies. l MMA Retirement.com
Stay Up-To-Date with the NATM Insider
Tracks
Stay Up-To-Date with The NATM Insider By Elizabeth Moore, NATM Tracks Editor
The NATM Insider is NATM’s 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 & 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 2020. Due to demand, additional advertising spots are now available to NATM members. Contact Tracks Editor Elizabeth Moore at Elizabeth.Moore@natm.com for more information.
The Best Benders for Frame Fabrication are now part of NATM! Simple. Tough. Powerful. Fast-working. Affordable.
• Quick and efficient ram-style bending ideally suited to trailer frames • Bends square, rectangular, round with the power and versatility you need • Long lasting … lasts decades • Ergonomic, efficient, quiet • Wide assortment of tooling in stock • Custom tooling available!
Huth has helped Trailer Manufacturers bend tubing for over 25 years. www.HuthBenders.com www.NATM.com
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Made in the USA November/December 2020
27
Share Your Expertise! NATM Calls for Education Articles and Presentations
Tracks
Share Your Expertise! NATM Calls for Educational Articles and Presentations
By Elizabeth Moore, NATM Tracks Editor
NATM is striving to develop additional educational opportunities for NATM members and is looking to leverage Associate members’ expertise in providing content to others in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. NATM delivers learning opportunities in a number of formats including online Educational Summits, convention workshops, webinars and Tracks magazine articles. The purpose of events and articles is to provide valuable industry information and training to NATM members. The focus of the presentations or articles are not to be on the products or services of the presenting company unless submitting a specific “Company Spotlight� or “Product Profile� article for consideration.
Members have shown interest in learning more about the following: • • • •
Welding LEAN manufacturing Quality control Technology
Educational webinars are at no cost to NATM members. If your company is interested in participating in any of these venues, please let NATM know. For more information about contributing, contact Tracks Editor Elizabeth Moore at Elizabeth.Moore@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.
You Still Cranking?
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800-846-9659 | WWW.EQUALIZERSYSTEMS.COM 55169 CR 3 N, ELKHART IN 46514 EQUALIZER SYSTEMS IS A MANUFACTURER OF ELECTRIC AND HYDRAULIC POWER-LIFTING AND LEVELING SYSTEMS. WE ARE DEDICATED TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN THE SELECTION, INSTALLATION AND SERVICE OF OUR SYSTEMS. CALL EQUALIZER SYSTEMS AT 1-800-846-9659 FOR ASSISTANCE DETERMINING WHICH SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR YOUR NEEDS.
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November/December 2020
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www.NATM.com
“ENGINEERED TO LAST”
LOGOS • WARNING DECALS • BANNERS VINYL CUT GRAPHICS • SIGNS • METAL NAMEPLATES
FOR THE TRAILER INDUSTRY
(P)1.800.416.5553 • (F)1.800.498.9659 csr@tgi-tgi-direct.com • www.tgi-direct.com
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New 2021 Media Kit Available with Advertising Opportunities
Tracks
New 2021 Media Kit Available with Advertising Opportunities
NATM NATM NATM ADVERTISING NATM ADVERTISING ADVERTISING WHY ADVERTISE WITH NATM ADVERTISING
By Elizabeth Moore, NATM Tracks Editor If you, or someone you know, would like to receive Tracks magazine or advertising notices, please let 7NATM 8 5 . 2 7 2know, . 4 4 3 3 and NATM.COM you will be added to the mailing list.
Placing advertising in front of trailer manufacturers and dealers is one of the easiest and most effective benefits of NATM membership. Advertising in the bimonthly Tracks magazine, on www.natm.com, the annual NATM Convention Program, or the Online Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide is easy. NATM has further simplified the process by putting all the information in one convenient document, the NATM 2021 Media Kit!
78 . 2Y7A2N . 4@4 N 3 3A T M . C O M MEGHA N5. R NATM.COM magazine deadlines for contracts and artwork are 2O 7 2M. 4 4 3 3 M E G H A N . R Y A N @ N A7T8M5..C
Tracks follows:
as
NATM.COM
MEGHAN.RYAN@NATM.COM
785.272.4433
Jan./Feb. Deadline: Nov. 15 NATM.COM ELIZABETH.MOORE@NATM.COM
March/April
Fill out the contract, send it in, and once your ad is published, offers NATM will send you anNATM invoice for payment.advertisers
Deadline: Jan. 15
a unique opportunity to reach If you have any questions or concerns about advertising or Tracks magazine, contact Tracks Editor trailer manufacturers, suppliers, trailer dealers andElizabeth Moore at It is free for NATM members to upload their company Elizabeth.Moore@natm.com. NATM encourages members consumers all in one place. With both digital and print logos and update company information on NATM’s online to submit suggestions for Tracks article topics and welcomes avenues sure tofor have what you're Membership Directory, and your listing available, can be edited. NATM issubmissions member spotlight articles. looking for.
900+ 369,000+ 22,000+
NATM MEMBERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 2020
WEBSITE VISITORS ANNUALLY
TRACKS MAGAZINES DISTRIBUTED ANNUALLY
2021 ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES NATM is enhancing the advertising opportunities it offers its members. With more options available to advertisers than ever before, 2021 promises to be a year full of new opportunities.
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NATM.COM BANNER ADS
NATM INSIDER (ENEWS)
TRACKS MAGAZINE
CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW PROGRAM MAP
PRINTED MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY & BUYER'S GUIDE
ONLINE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY BANNER AD
QUESTIONS?
CONTACT TRACKS EDITOR ELIZABETH MOORE AT ELIZABETH.MOORE@NATM.COM
www.NATM.com
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WE ARE THE MANUFACTURER
Electric/ Hydraulic drum Spindles, brake system
Hydraulic disc-caliper brake system
torsion arms and assemblies Accessories and hardwares
Grease seals
Dust caps
Equalizers and hangers
Mobile home axle parts
www.qd-highton.com info@qd-highton.com
Statistically Speaking
Tracks
Statistically Speaking
Submitted by Statistical Surveys
Registrations for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry was up 19.2 percent in July 2020. Below are the details of the market’s performance for the five trailer segments as reported by Statistical Surveys. Trailer Type
July 2020
Ranking State Percent Growth 1 Utah 20.9%
Jan.-July 2020
2 Arkansas 16.7%
Boat 16.8% 1.2%
3 Mississippi 15.8%
Enclosed 20.8% -10.8%
4 South Dakota 13.3%
Horse 12.8% -13.0%
5 Idaho 9.2%
Livestock 14.2% -12.2%
Industry registrations for the first seven months of 2020 were down 6.2 percent from 2019.
Open 20.0% -7.0% Industry
The following are the top five states in sales growth for all trailer segments for the first six months of 2020.
19.2% -6.2%
If there are any questions or if Statistical Surveys, Inc. can help, contact Jeff Jones at jjones@statisticalsurveys.com.
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Shipping from:
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WE SHIP GALVANIZED STEEL CUSTOM LOCKRODS IN TWO WEEKS.
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More Options, Better Solutions
NATM Dealer Compendium Offers In-Demand Resources for Dealerships
Tracks
Dealer Compendium Launched for Dealer Affiliates NATM Dealer Compendium Offers In-Demand Resources for Dealerships
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), known as the resource for safety and compliance for the lightand medium-duty trailer industry, published its first edition of the NATM Light- and Medium-Duty Trailer Dealer Resource Compendium. Known as the Dealer Compendium, this document was launched Sept. 1, 2020 and is free to all NATM Dealer Affiliates. The Dealer Compendium is full of educational content and materials that will help trailer dealers quickly and easily access essential information in one place. The document includes state laws, helpful trailer safety information, as well as resources NATM Dealer Affiliates can pass along to their customers. Modeled after the NATM Guidelines for trailer manufacturers, this resource guide is over 300 pages and contains information on: State Towing Laws State Brake Laws State Safety Chain Laws State License Plate Laws Commercial Driver’s Licenses State Dealer Registration/Licensure Laws Towing Tandem Trailers Information Tire Recordkeeping Federal Excise Tax Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings Early Warning Reporting and Safety Recalls
Dealer Checklists Selling NATM Compliance Social Media Marketing Kit Trailer 101 Articles Trailer Definitions NATM’s Guidance on Workplace Safety Guidance for COVID-19 The information featured in the Dealer Compendium is gathered from resources such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, amongst others. The Dealer Compendium will be updated annually by NATM Committees and staff that stay abreast of changing regulations and vet additions to the document’s contents. 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 NATM Dealer Affiliate program is an opportunity to unify the trailer industry to improve trailer safety. In addition to granting access to NATM’s publications such as Tracks magazine, the NATM Insider, dealers receive hard copies of safety resources to distribute to customers. For more information about how the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers can assist your dealership, visit www.natm.com, email NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433.
Safe Trailering Resources
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www.NATM.com
NATM DEALER COMPENDIUM Free to all NATM Dealer Affiliates
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Performance Evaluations: Best Practices
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Performance Evaluations: Best Practices Submitted by Truck and Trailer Makers
Employee evaluation is an important part of a company’s quality assurance. Many companies formally evaluate an employee’s performance and progress after an initial trial period and then again on an annual or semi-annual basis. Although performance evaluations can improve productivity and employee morale, many employers do not make them a high priority because they are time-consuming and are sometimes viewed by managers as having little practical value.
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To let employees know how they are doing
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To document incidents of poor performance for future reference
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To establish valid defenses for employment litigation and legitimate reasons for termination
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To determine the level of salary increases
Why Conduct a Performance Evaluation?
From a productivity perspective, regular performance reviews can help ensure that employees are meeting performance expectations. They can also help evaluate individuals, teams and managers and find underperformers that need to be addressed.
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To promote growth and competence and to increase employee productivity
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To facilitate employer-employee communication and develop relationships
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To hold all employees to the same standard of performance and identify high and low performers
In addition, the increasing number of discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuits illustrate the importance of performance documentation as a means of justifying the
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Performance Evaluations: Best Practices
Tracks legitimate business reasons underlying an employer’s personnel decisions. A series of well-documented evaluations that clearly describe an employee’s poor performance provides the employer with objective evidence of legitimate and nondiscriminatory reasons to support a job transfer, demotion, layoff, or termination. Failure to conduct formal evaluations may leave an employer vulnerable in a discrimination of wrongful discharge lawsuit.
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Give employees the opportunity to review, challenge, and comment on the evaluation.
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Meet with employees to discuss all evaluations and expectations. Keep a record of the meeting.
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Have employees sign the evaluation. While the employee may not agree with it, it provides evidence that the employee has seen it and has been given a copy. If the employee refuses to sign, the individual giving the evaluation should sign it along with a witness noting that the employee was given a copy.
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Establish a review process for evaluations. This will keep the supervisor honest and ensure that supervisory staff is performing reviews consistently.
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Give employees time to improve and offer resources and assistance if appropriate.
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Follow established procedures strictly. Apply all procedures and standards equally to all employees.
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Use other supervisory personnel in the process, if possible, to mitigate claims of personality conflict. This will enhance credibility if all evaluations point to the same conclusion.
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Make sure employees understand the consequences for failure to perform at an acceptable level. There should be no surprises in employee supervision and evaluation.
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Managers should be held responsible for helping subordinates develop and improve.
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Maintain confidentiality in employee performance evaluations.
Best Practices When Implementing a Performance Evaluation Process •
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Perform formal evaluations at the same time for everyone each year. While this increases the workload of managers and supervisors during review time, it forces direct comparisons of employees and establishes a nonbiased system. Have regular meetings with supervisory staff. Supervisors will learn from each other’s experiences. Provide adequate training and insist on candid observations.
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Clearly communicate to employees what their duties are and what is satisfactory performance. Accomplish this through periodic reviews of job descriptions, training, and both formal and informal appraisal.
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Tell employees the criteria upon which their performance will be reviewed. Develop standards and establish reasonable goals for employees. Make sure that employees understand the consequences of their failure to improve.
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Don’t wait until the annual evaluation to provide feedback; offer it throughout the year. Give both positive and negative feedback.
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Document poor performance in writing. This can be done in the form of coaching, training, discipline, or assessment.
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Ask employees to complete a self-assessment in addition to the review completed by the manager. This can identify areas where the employee and manager disagree on performance or expectations.
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For more details about the Trailer Makers Toolkit resource, contact Andrew Dearing, CIC, MWCA, Trailer Industry Risk Management Advisor/Insurance Broker, at Truck and Trailer Makers at adearing@trailermakersins.com or call (478) 4495928.
November/December 2020
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Top Tips for Truck Drivers to Reduce Driving Fatigue
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Top Tips for Truck Drivers to Reduce Driving Fatigue
Submitted by CDLjobs.com
Every truck driver knows that life on the open road can be daunting. Though long-distance hauling can be as livelihoodsustaining as any vocation, the negative aspects can sometimes be challenging to manage. The mental and physical exhaustion caused by stress, hours behind the wheel, a lack of sleep and exercise, heavy lifting, and isolation can take its toll on any trucker’s quality of life. Driving fatigue goes deeper than being tired or bored. It can be an overwhelming exhaustion, not to mention a cause of road accidents. The National Academies of Sciences conducted a study on 963 crashes involving trucks have shown that driver fatigue was found to be associated with 13 percent of the accidents.
This means that one of the drivers involved was fatigued, but it wasn’t established whether fatigue was an important contributor to the crash. The good news is that there are definite steps that can be taken to reduce driving fatigue and keep everyone safe on the road.
Getting Enough Quality Sleep The importance of getting enough quality sleep before embarking on a trip cannot be overstated. The ideal is at least seven hours of uninterrupted rest before a driver gets behind the wheel.
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Top Tips for Truck Drivers to Reduce Driving Fatigue
Tracks When driving long distances and sleeping in the cabin or a motel, good sleeping habits should be observed. These habits include not drinking coffee before bed, eating early enough for the digestion process to begin, and avoiding the blue light emitted by phones and TVs for at least an hour before falling asleep. Another study published in Healthcare found that chronic insufficient sleep doubles reaction time and increases lapses of attention fivefold, both of which can be deadly when on the road. The simple habits mentioned above can help to ensure a good night’s sleep, increasing reaction time and decreasing lapses in attention. Creating a Sound Sleep Schedule Long-distance trucking is an industry where time spent on the road and miles covered means money earned. Drivers need to stick to work schedules, and they can apply the same organizational principles to their sleep. Many drivers find it exceptionally helpful to experiment with different sleep times and patterns to see what conditions work best. However, what works for one driver may not work for the next. Time slots, intervals, and even temperatures can make a massive difference in sleep quality. Observing a Healthy Diet To the average driver, getting the recommended daily allowance of each food group can be more challenging than getting enough sleep. The typical rest stop doesn’t cater to a healthy and balanced on-the-move diet. Even so, truck drivers should be aware of the options presented and their usual eating habits. This way, they can make informed choices at meal times. For example, a roasted chicken sandwich on whole wheat bread with a side salad may be a better option than a hamburger and fries, but a hamburger and fries is a better option than not eating anything at all. It’s also worth noting how certain foods make one feel. Do carbs lead to feelings of lethargy or do they feel nourishing? Is that cookie helpful to the mind or body, or is it a snack to eat when bored? Being aware of how various foods affect energy levels and the body differently can be a major contributor to making healthy eating choices. Before changing eating habits, it is important to have a conversation with a doctor about the possible effects of www.NATM.com
switching up foods or diets, especially if any pre-existing conditions are present. The Caffeine Trap A few cups of coffee daily is not an unhealthy habit, but drivers who rely on caffeine to stay alert on the road may experience negative consequences. Initially, the high doses of caffeine will keep the driver alert, but after a few hours, energy levels will dip, and the user will start to feel fatigued again. This cycle may lead to consumption of even more caffeine-laden beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and the aforementioned coffee. After a day of caffeine consumption, the drinker may have difficulty falling asleep or other side effects such as racing thoughts or shaky hands. Although, caffeine tolerance varies from individual to individual. To avoid the caffeine trap, refuse caffeinated food and drink after a certain time of day, opt for non-caffeinated alternatives such as teas, or cut back gradually to reduce the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms like headaches. Get Moving Truck driver or not, human beings all need daily movement or exercise. While feeling slightly stiff or tired after driving all day on the open road is perfectly normal, constant stiffness or soreness is not. Sitting in the same position for several hours can slow or interrupt blood flow to the legs and other extremities, making regular movement essential. It’s advisable for drivers to regularly pull over to the side of the road to quickly stretch their legs or take a short walk. Not only will this ensure regular movement, but it will also help keep them awake. Exercise increases a person’s heart rate and releases endorphins that boost brain activity and enhances focus. Driving fatigue is a very real problem for truckers, but with these tips, staying alert and focused is far easier. Source: Lorie Dodson is a full-time writer for CDLjobs. com with a background in logistics management and freight forwarding, covering a variety of topics and news within the industry.
November/December 2020
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Early Warning Reporting Requirements for all Trailer Manufacturers
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Early Warning Reporting Requirements for all Trailer Manufacturers
By Terry Jones, NATM Technical Director
With fines up to $7,000 per day, per violation, up to $17,350,000 cumulative and criminal penalties including up to 15 years in prison, defect reporting is an extremely important process for manufacturers to follow. However, lengthy and vague regulations make compliance difficult. Here are the basics which manufacturers need to know: Any defect, safety-related or not, in the vehicle or equipment, may trigger the Early Warning Reporting (EWR) requirements. Defects including any failure or malfunction beyond normal deterioration in use, any failure of performance, any flaw, or unintended deviation from design specifications can trigger these requirements.
If an item installed on the vehicle is produced by another manufacturer, that manufacturer as well as the vehicle manufacture are BOTH subject to the EWR requirements. However, only one of the involved parties need to submit the required reporting. Whichever manufacturer does not submit the reports should obtain verification of the successful submission as both are designated responsible parties. Every trailer manufacturer, regardless of size or number of trailers manufactured, has an obligation to satisfy the EWR requirements. The scope of the EWR obligation, and not whether a manufacturer actually has an obligation to report, is what varies based on the number of trailers produced by the manufacturer. To calculate production numbers, manufacturers must include the number of trailers for sale, sold, offered for sale, introduced in interstate commerce, and imported into the United States in a calendar year. Simple sales numbers or registration statistics may not be adequate as trailers for sale should be included. For producers of less than 5,000 trailers per year, two categories of documents must be submitted. This includes 1) a copy of all notices, bulletins, and communications that are sent to more than one manufacturer, distributor, dealer, lessor, lessee, owner, or purchaser and; 2) a copy of each communication issued to, or made available to, more than one dealer, distributor, lessor, lessee or other manufacturer, owner or purchaser relating to a customer satisfaction campaign, consumer advisory, recall, or other safety activity involving repair or replacement. Producers of 5,000 or more trailers per year must follow the same submittal requirements as the under 5,000 producers but also submit further information. This further information includes quarterly production reports, the number of property damage claims, warranty claims, and
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Early Warning Reporting Requirements for all Trailer Manufacturers
Tracks consumer complaints. Further, all internal reports produced by the manufacturer regarding the problem or dissatisfaction must be included. This submission information is required to be submitted no later than five working days following the end of the month in which it was issued. If the manufacturer has not had any submissions in a given month, NHTSA still recommends submitting a letter stating they had no submissions to prevent any misunderstandings regarding reporting. It is highly recommended the report be submitted via email with all documents in .pdf file format. Documents can be submitted to tsb@dot.gov and are subject to a 20 MB size limit per email. If more than 20 MB needs sent, multiple emails are required.If production numbers previously at or above 5,000 per year drop below 5,000 trailers per year, one must continue to submit quarterly reports for a specified length of time.
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Once a manufacturer has crossed the 5,000 trailer threshold in a calendar year, the manufacturer must satisfy the over 5,000 trailer EWR requirements for the year and the following two calendar years, regardless of whether the following years production numbers fall below 5,000 trailers. This list is not exhaustive and is meant only as a reference or starting point for understanding EWR requirements. If a manufacturer believes an obligation may exist: •
Contact Terry Jones, NATM Technical Director at Terry.Jones@natm.com.
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NATM members may request a complimentary copy of NATM’s A Guide to NHTSA Early Warning Reporting and Safety Recalls for further requirement information.
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Contact internal or external legal counsel for the manufacturer. NATM associate members in the legal category can be found here: https://web.natm.com/Suppliers/Legal
November/December 2020
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Ford Reveals Plan for $700M Plant, Jobs at Rouge Plus All-Electric Ford F-150 Secrets
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Ford Reveals Plan for $700M Plant, Jobs at Rouge Plus All-Electric Ford F-150 Secrets
By Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press
“It’s hard to imagine a facility that has meant more to America than the Rouge.”
Ford Motor Co. revealed Thursday an audacious plan to build a $700 million plant at the Rouge complex that would create the first all-electric F-150, the nation’s bestselling vehicle. “This plant mirrors the story of America and American manufacturing,” said Bill Ford Jr., executive chairman, during an event at the manufacturing site livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. “This is where the industrial revolution took hold, where the arsenal of democracy was forged, where parents and grandparents and great grandparents built not only cars and trucks but their own American dreams. “Today is about the future and the Rouge has always been the center of innovation,” Ford said, noting that construction of a modern manufacturing center had begun right behind the stage on which he was standing. This year’s COVID-19 crisis made it clear why it is so important for companies like Ford to help keep the U.S.
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manufacturing base strong and help the country get back to work, he said, acknowledging the efforts of UAW members. The new Rouge Electric Vehicle Center will add 300 jobs as part of the project, which will support battery assembly and production of the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid and fully electric F-150. Ford is just beginning to build its redesigned 2021 F-150 at the Rouge complex and Kansas City Assembly with plans to ship to dealerships starting in November. This latest announcement about the electric version comes despite economic challenges worsened by the pandemic, and keeps a commitment to new jobs and investment plans negotiated as part of the fouryear UAW labor contract. “When we had our agreement in the fall with the UAW, this was part of our total plan,” Gary Johnson, Ford chief manufacturing and labor affairs officer, told reporters prior to www.NATM.com
Ford Reveals Plan for $700M Plant, Jobs at Rouge Plus All-Electric Ford F-150 Secrets
Tracks the event. “From a manufacturing standpoint, I didn’t have any discussions with the current (U.S. presidential) administration. It was all part of our UAW national contract.” While Ford had mentioned a significant planned investment in southeast Michigan previously, this is the first time the company has confirmed its location and announced a new plant. The rationale behind a separate facility points to flexibility, Johnson told reporters. “We will use the current body and paint shop” in collaboration with the new building, which will be about 500,000 square feet. He declined to reveal manufacturing capacity, saying demand will drive decisions. “The building—it’s going up,” Johnson said. “Expectation is we’ll have the building completed sometime next summer. We’ll start doing our early prototype builds as part of our launch plans. So, more to come. The steel is up.” F-150 torture The all-electric pickup is planned to hit the market in mid-2022. Ford proudly noted that of the more than 2 million full-size pickups made in the U.S. in 2019, Ford UAW members assembled nearly half or twice as many as any other automaker.
“The electric F-150, which is undergoing tens of thousands of hours of torture testing and targeting millions of simulated, laboratory and real world test miles, will be more powerful than any F-150 available today,” Ford said in a news release. While competitors are staking out the electric truck market, Ford is confident. “This is the truck that’s going to lead Ford and the entire industry into a new era,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer and incoming CEO. He pointed out that he has been with the company for 13 years, while his family has been with Ford since 1913, when his grandfather first clocked in at the Highland Park Plant. “Simply put, this isn’t a gimmick. It’s a workhorse, not a show horse destined for a shiny garage filled with four other luxury cars,” Farley said in a statement released prior to the event. “It’s not for ‘never nevers’—never tow, never haul—it’s for serious truck owners.” He thanked the union workers who produce an F-150 “every 52seconds at the Rouge” for the “people who build America ... the backbone of our economy.”
Ford reveals plans for new complex to build first all-electric F-150. www.NATM.com
November/December 2020
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Ford Reveals Plan for $700M Plant, Jobs at Rouge Plus All-Electric Ford F-150 Secrets
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‘Most powerful’
Kumar Galhotra, president, Americas & International Markets Group, talked with reporters before the event and said of the allelectric Ford F-150: “It will be the fastest F-150 ever” in terms of 0 to 60 mph. • •
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“It will be the most powerful. “With the battery and the electric motors, it will have the most torque of any F-150 we›ve ever built, and the torque will be instantaneous. ...It totally changes the driving dynamics. “It will have a giant frunk...or a trunk in the front.” “Bidirectional power transfer, so you can obviously charge it or you can use the power for powering your home or the work site.”
New technology on the electric F-150 will allow mobile power generation so people may use trucks as a power source for camping, too. Battery use will be transformational, and performance will be enhanced, Galhotra said. The look and feel of the all-electric F-150 will be different but “stay true to the Built Ford Tough DNA,” he said. Ford determined the “work customer” will play a key role, based on research involving current and potential F-150 owners. They want the ability to “seriously power a work site for their tools,” Galhotra said. And “when you remove the engine from a vehicle” the size of the F-150, it creates a substantial storage space in the front of the truck to store work equipment.
“If we produce in Mexico, we can ship to Europe duty free,” Galhotra said. “That certainly enters the picture. ...For the Bronco Sport and Mach-E, we had plants that had open capacity. It’s better to fill that rather than build brand new facilities. We’re committed to manufacturing, but we do take other things into account when we build outside the United States. Committed to America Bill Ford, who hosted a visit from President Donald Trump in May, said the issue of jobs and manufacturing is core to the national interest and urged political unity. “We can’t have a strong economy or a strong democracy without a strong manufacturing base,” he said Thursday. “I’ve sat with presidents of both parties who understand this. This is not and should not be a political issue.” In mid-September 2018, Ford hinted that something might be in the works during a time of reflection about the 100th anniversary of the Rouge. “I describe it as the heartbeat of the company,” he said at the time. “We make the F-150 there. It’s our flagship, built by the best workers in the country. Whatever we do in the future, we’ll do it at the Rouge. Reprinted with permission from the Detroit Free Press. To access to original article, visit https://www.freep.com/story/ money/cars/ford/2020/09/17/ford-invests-rouge-electric-f-150uaw/5819541002/.
The hybrid will be available with an onboard generator, and the electric F-150 has far more power than consumers can imagine. Ford is also launching a new “Built for America” ad campaign in September, running commercials during news, scripted programming, and sporting events, Matt VanDyke, director of U.S. marketing, told reporters. As part of the ad campaign, Ford is spotlighting its commitment to American jobs as the automaker that builds and sells more than 75 percent of its vehicles in the U.S., more than any other automaker, and employs the most hourly automotive workers here. Meanwhile, two of its high-profile launches this season, the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and Bronco Sport, are being built in Mexico. Ford had built the discontinued Fiesta in Mexico and had untapped capacity, the company said.
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Bill Ford Jr., executive chairman of Ford Motor Co., points to a collection of Ford GT vehicles while talking with President Trump during his visit to the Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti on May 21, 2020. Mark Meadows, White House chief of staff, is standing in the middle. Special to the Free Press www.NATM.com
Five Quick Tire Tips to Share with New Buyers
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Five Quick Tire Tips to Share with New Buyers
Submitted by Kenda/Americana Tire & Wheel As demand skyrockets, buyers will rely on industry professionals for best practices.
As Americans continue to look for safe ways to enjoy nature, there has been an increase in sales across various outdoor industries, meaning many new buyers are in need of a quick lesson on their tire care. Here are a few best practices from Kenda Americana Tire and Wheel you can share with your customers that they can use before every trip: Review the vehicle’s towing capacity per the manufacturer’s guidelines—Ensure the buyer understands the trailer’s dry (curb) weight, and tongue weight plus their vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and how adding supplies inside the trailer can affect it.
As millions of trailers—many with new owners—hit the roads this year, it is more important than ever to remind customers how to stay safe on the roadways. Source: Martin Engelhardt, Manager of Materials Dept., Kenda American Technology Center. A chemist and polymer scientist, he is a published author in prestigious journals including Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Journal of Biological Chemistry and Rubber and Plastics News, among others.
Check tire air pressure—Convey to your first-timer that it’s always a good idea to check and adjust air pressure to the appropriate PSI per the placard on the trailer or the owner’s manual and to be sure not exceed the tire manufacturer’s max PSI. Tighten wheel lug nuts—New owners should be made aware that there are standards for proper torque level by wheel size. Remind them to check and tighten wheel lug nuts, if necessary, prior to every trip using a tire lug nut tool, preferably a torque wrench. Know what to look for when visually inspecting tires—They should always look for abnormalities in tire appearances such as bulges, cracks, cuts, penetrations, and irregular tire wear and remove any debris lodged in the treads. They can check tread depth using the common “penny” test or they can use a tire pattern gauge and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement levels. Be aware of increased stopping distance—On trailer models with brakes installed, new owners likely don’t realize that the combination will require a greater stopping distance with a trailer in tow than the tow vehicle requires while operating by itself. For following distances, relay that a general rule of thumb is at least a 325-foot gap (about 5 seconds) between the vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
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November/December 2020
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Tire Recordkeeping Requirements Simplified
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Tire Recordkeeping Requirements Simplified
By Terry Jones, NATM Technical Director
Readers may have noticed articles on tire recordkeeping in the past but such a complicated, far reaching regulation with consequences for non-compliance warrants regular coverage. This article intends to provide a simple overview of requirements for compliance as supplement to more in-depth content. In addition, NATM Compliance Verification Program consultations have revealed continued misunderstandings of this regulation. To help rectify these compliance failures and better ensure compliance, NATM consultants will begin “testing” members’ tracking methods by asking for a list of tires installed on a specific trailer per its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The following acronyms will be used: NHTSA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration TIN: Tire Identification Number VIN: Vehicle Identification Number
A trailer manufacturer has two obligations under the tire recordkeeping requirements. These requirements are intended to provide a two-pronged approach to contacting potentially impacted customers in the event of a tire recall. Trailer manufacturer must provide tire warranty cards with each trailer. These cards must be partially filled out with the TINs and the tire distributor’s name and address (or email/website in lieu of street address) for the purchaser to complete and return. NHTSA requires these cards to be made available by the tire manufacturer (or importer of record) to the trailer manufacturer. However, whether or not the tire manufacturer provides the cards, the obligation of the trailer manufacturer to provide cards still exists. Thus, while the cards should be made available by the tire manufacturer, the trailer manufacturer can create their
Tire record keeping is vital in the event of a tire recall.
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Tire Recordkeeping Requirements Simplified
Tracks own if needed. Tire warranty cards are to include spaces for recording information specified in 49 C.F.R. § 574.7(a)(2)(iii), including TINs on one side and the tire manufacturer’s name and address on the other. In an NATM Compliance Verification Program consultation, each member will be required to provide evidence that these cards are partially filled out and provided with each trailer. Trailer manufacturers must record the TIN for each tire and tie it to the VIN of the trailer. This requirement can be met in many ways, the best of which will depend on the trailer manufacturers processes and preferences. In general, the best method is inputting each trailer’s TINs into the trailer manufacturer’s VIN software, custom spreadsheet, or other electronic tracking method that has the ability to tie the TIN to the VIN and, subsequently, the purchaser of the relevant trailer. In the event of a tire recall, the trailer manufacturer will be able to quickly search and identify which trailers are impacted by the recall. A trailer manufacturer may also simply write down the TIN number on a build or check sheet as long as that sheet is retained and traceable to the VIN and customer of that trailer. This method is not recommended because in the event of a tire recall, each sheet must be reviewed individually in order to determine if the tire recall impacts any trailers and which ones specifically. This could be a time-consuming process, but it would still be compliant. Note: recording of TINs is a best practice only. A trailer manufacturer is also able to “use different methods that enable them to identify the size, brand, and batch or lot of tires installed on the particular group of vehicles” (NHTSA, in an official letter of interpretation from its Office of Chief counsel, dated September 19, 2005). It is important to remember that the intention of this requirement is to provide an avenue to contact possibly affected customers. If a process has the ability to find any possibly affected tires and its subsequent purchaser, the process is most likely compliant. As a reminder, in all future NATM Compliance Verification Program consultations, each member will be required to provide the relevant TINs (or size, brand, and batch or lot number) for a randomly selected VIN to ensure they have a process that meets the needs of this requirement. www.NATM.com
NATM Compliance Decal
Other tire recordkeeping considerations: • • •
•
Tire manufacturers must retain the above explained tire records for a period of not less than five years. Trailer dealers must forward tire warranty cards from the trailer manufacturer on to the final customer. If tires are not attached to the trailers when leaving the trailer manufacturing facility, only the tire warranty cards are required to be provided as the manufacturer in this case is filling the role of a distributor and the dealer takes on the responsibility of completing the card. VIN software has the potential to make tire recordkeeping easier on the trailer manufacturer. A list of NATM Associate Members that provide VIN software can be found at: https://web.natm.com/Suppliers/ComputerSoftware
The above supplied information is intended to assist trailer manufacturers in meeting the NATM Compliance Verification Program requirements only. For further assistance, contact Terry Jones, NATM Technical Director, at Terry.Jones@natm. com or one’s own legal counsel.
November/December 2020
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Insurance Market Update: Mid Year Report
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Insurance Market Update: Mid-Year Report
Submitted by Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency
Commercial insurance rates are on the rise, and Q2 2020 saw the most significant quarterly increase in what has been an eleven-quarter run of higher rates. Even before COVID-19, all indicators pointed to 2020 being a tough year for Property, Auto, and Umbrella rates. The uncertainty associated with the pandemic has only made matters worse, and insurers are more aggressively seeking rate increases in anticipation of COVID-19 related claims. At the start of 2020, the typical insurance carrier was operating at about a 95 percent Combined Loss Ratio (CLR) through Q1. The Combined Loss Ratio compares premiums collected to claims and costs. A CLR of .95 means insurance companies were paying out .95 cents in claims and expenses for every dollar they collected in premium. Q2 saw the CLR skyrocket to 118 percent. That ratio is simply not sustainable, and it means that a well-planned renewal strategy is needed to avoid higher premiums for less coverage.
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Property rates started increasing modestly in late 2017, and a recent Q2 2020 rate review by Marsh show property rates increased by an average of 17.1 percent. At the same time, insurers have been taking steps to limit their exposure through coverage limitations. Higher deductibles, Wind & Hail deductibles, eliminating blankets, cosmetic exclusions, exclusions for strikes, riots, civil unrest, and communicable diseases are just a few of the ways insurers are pushing exposure back to the insured. While these coverage limitations help temper rate hikes, property losses for 2020 are adding up. Losses from hurricanes Laura, Marco, and Sally, wildfires in the west, COVID-19 related claims and litigation, and riots and civil unrest throughout our country continue to push 2020 property losses and the CLR higher. Current projections have 2020 shaping up to be one of the costliest property loss years on record. The remainder of the hurricane season will ultimately determine significance of the losses and impact 2021 rates.
www.NATM.com
Insurance Market Update: Mid Year Report Commercial Automobile rates were the first line leading the way towards a hardening market. For the last four years, the insurance industry has aggressively increased auto rates and, unfortunately, that trend has continued into 2020. According to NCCI’s State of the Line, in 2016, the Combined Loss Ratio (CLR) for commercial Auto insurance was 111 percent. The loss trend continued in 2017 with another 111 percent CLR, improved slightly in 2018 to 108 percent, and 2019 saw a slight rise with a 109 percent CLR. What is most concerning with this trend is that the increased premiums collected through rate increases have not resulted in a corresponding reduction in the CLR. According to National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), insurance companies collected $28.2 billion in commercial auto premiums in 2016. That number had grown to $38.7 billion last year and represents a 37 percent increase in total premiums collected. Unfortunately, claims and costs are keeping pace with the increase in rates and premiums. Why have four years of rate hikes not had a more positive impact on the CLR for Auto coverage? Most point to social inflation. Social Inflation refers to the cost that an increasingly litigious society has on claim settlements. There are numerous factors contributing to social inflation, but one that is often cited is well-financed attorneys and plaintiffs. In fact, legal financing is a growing marketplace, and it allows investors to invest money in legal outcomes. Forbes Magazine discussed this back in 2016 in an article entitled “The Next Great Investment Idea? Somebody Else’s Lawsuit.” The influx of money into the legal process may very well allow plaintiffs to hold out and push for larger settlements. Social inflation also contributes to General Liability and Umbrella rates. While rate increases for liability coverage have remained relatively low since 2016, the Excess and Umbrella markets are moving aggressively to take rate in 2020. Q1 2020 saw insurers successfully taking rate on Umbrellas and that was prior to COVID-19 exerting much influence. There is no doubt that the pandemic is providing increased motivation and justification for insurers to push rates higher. Umbrellas with limits of less than $5 million are experiencing the least impact while larger Umbrellas, with limits of $10 million or more, are seeing significant rate increases and limitations in carrier capacity.
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Tracks
While typically smaller contributors to your overall commercial insurance spend, Employment Practices Liability, Cyber and Directors’ & Officers coverages are also negatively impacted by COVID-19. Rate increases and coverage limitations are a concern, and it is very important that coverage terms are understood as insurers are moving quickly to insert coverage limitations that reduce their exposure and increase yours. Despite the doom and gloom, there is some good news for business owners. Workers’ Compensation (WC), which is almost always the most significant commercial insurance spend, has been bucking the poor CLR trend, and rates have been on the decline. Since 2016, the CLR for Workers’ Compensation has averaged 87.25 percent. Again, this means that for every dollar collected in WC premiums the insurance industry has averaged paying out .87 cents in claims and expenses. It also means that the windfall created can help offset the poor CLR on other lines of coverage. If your company loss history helped contribute to the WC windfall then your renewal strategy needs to capitalize on it. Without doubt, the challenges you will face with the upcoming renewal are real and considered as some of the toughest in the last twenty years. Understand that insurance carriers will typically only take rate when their competitors are not able to offer more competitive rates. As a result, a renewal strategy that relies on your broker to “shop for other quotes” will not cut it this time around. You need a different approach and how you plan and prepare for your upcoming renewal will matter now more than ever. Start with your membership in NATM and capitalize on your commitment to building NATM Compliant trailers. Flat renewals are still an option for those who know how to take advantage of it. John Kerr is the Executive Producer of Marsh and McLennan Agency. He can be reached at John.Kerr@MarshMMA.com. This document is not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency LLC (MMA) and its affiliates shall have no obligation to update this publication and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting or legal matters are based solely on our experience as consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax or legal advice, for which you should consult professional advisors. Any modeling analytics or projections are subject to inherent uncertainty and the analysis could be materially affecting if any underlying assumptions, conditions, information or factors are inaccurate or incomplete or should change. Securities offered through MMA Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, and a federally registered investment advisor, Main office: 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York NY 10036. Phone (212) 345-500. Variable insurance products distributed by MMA Securities LLC, CA November/December 2020
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How MIT Built its Own COVID-19 Testing Trailer
Tracks
How MIT Built its Own COVID-19 Testing Trailer
By Jennifer Chu, MIT News Office Designed and assembled by experts from across the Institute, the facility should enable testing of up to 1,500 people a day.
In mid-March, in response to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic, MIT Medical quickly set up testing tents where essential workers and others who remained on campus could be safely screened for the novel coronavirus. In the tents, nurses and physicians administered nasal swabs while dressed in full personal protective equipment, or PPE. It soon became clear that to safely test on a daily basis, medical workers needed to regularly replenish their PPE—a resource in short, desperate supply. There was also the possibility that, in doffing all that PPE at the end of an eight-hour shift, a nurse could risk inhaling any infectious particles that might cling to gowns, surgical masks, and face shields. “One of the biggest challenges in COVID testing is [that] you place the one doing the testing at a not-insignificant risk,” says Brian Schuetz, MIT Medical’s chief of staff.
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Weather conditions were also a challenge, as a late-March nor’easter threatened to upend the tents. Looking to the hot summer months, Schuetz and his medical team knew that major adjustments would have to be made to improve the safety and comfort of both patients and staff. “We made a decision early on that we had to think differently about how we did things,” Schuetz says. Over two months, he and experts from across campus worked tirelessly to design and build MIT’s newest testing facility—a 60-foot trailer that is now operating as the main test site for asymptomatic members of the MIT community who need to return to campus. Inside, the renovated trailer accommodates a check-in station and six testing bays. Floor-to-ceiling plastic partitions run the length of the trailer, keeping medical staff on one side, and those getting tested on the other. In each testing bay, a tester
A team of engineers, architects, medical workers, and facilities experts has built a 60-foot trailer that is now operating as the main test site for asymptomatic members of the MIT community who need to return to campus. “It’s really an example of MIT at its best—innovation from the ground up,” says MIT Medical chief of staff Brian Schuetz. In this photo, a person visits the MIT Medical Trailer. Image: Melanie Gonick, MIT November/December 2020
www.NATM.com
How MIT Built its Own Covid-19 Testing Trailer
Tracks on one side of the partition can fit her arms into large rubber gloves that extend out to the other side, so that she can perform a nasal swab without either party coming in physical contact. The trailer is also equipped with an upgraded HVAC system, calibrated so that the air on either side of the partitions will not mix. The two separate spaces within the trailer make it possible for medical staff to safely test people while wearing a simple surgical mask, rather than full PPE. “The result is: the folks behind that plastic are very safe,” Schuetz says. “If we can make our team comfortable and patients comfortable, we can help everyone be safer.” The trailer began operating in early July, with the capacity to test up to 1,500 people per day. MIT’s Information Systems and Technology group wired the trailer to MIT’s Covid Pass system, which allows an MIT member to access campus facilities if they have tested negative for the coronavirus. The trailer is designated as a testing site for asymptomatic members with access to the Covid Pass app. The entire experience takes about two minutes. The nasal swabs are analyzed at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and results are entered into the Covid Pass system; those who have been tested can check their results via the app. “One of the biggest challenges in this whole effort was figuring out how to get all these disparate pieces put together, and I think we’ve created a solution that works together to help the campus be safe,” Schuetz says. “It’s really an example of MIT at its best—innovation from the ground up.” A race against time That ground-up effort took off quickly, when Schuetz first approached Elazer Edelman, director of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, looking for additional sources of PPE for the medical tents that were used initially. “And Elazer said, ‘Wait a minute—MIT is the best place in the world to find people that can make exactly what we want,” recalls Martin Culpepper, professor of mechanical engineering and a member of MIT’s governance team on manufacturing opportunities for COVID-19. So the medical team refocused their vision to test the MIT community, not in tents with medical staff in full PPE, but in a well-ventilated, weather-protected space. www.NATM.com
Edelman connected with Culpepper, who reached out to campus workshops for material resources and expertise. Meanwhile, Schuetz worked with the Department of Facilities to acquire two trailers. “We order trailers for construction projects all the time, and it’s nothing out of the norm, except now we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and there are not a lot of trailers out there,” recalls Paul Murphy, director of special projects in the Facilities Campus Construction team. “But everyone stepped up and knew how important this was, and within four days, we had two trailers, which normally could take months with this type of fit-out.” Culpepper met with Tasker Smith, technical instructor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Jennifer O’Brien, technical instructor in the Department of Architecture, who together drew up a testing space designed for the larger, 60-foot trailer, based on initial conversations with medical staff. “The early stages were all about napkin sketches, cardboard, duct tape, and bubblegum—whatever it takes to help you wrap your mind around this thing quickly,” Smith says. O’Brien built a rough model of a testing bay and invited several nurses and physicians to test it out. “Having experience building custom furniture, I thought there might be needs they will find that they have, that they weren’t going to think of ahead of time,” O’Brien recalls. “I realized that, for example, based on the wide range of height and shoulder width of testers, that existing designs found online at the time might not be comfortable for everyone.” So she made a crucial adjustment to the final design, building the gloves into an extra panel in each bay’s window that can be adjusted up and down to accommodate a tester’s height. The team then worked with Culpepper to acquire materials for the actual build. “At that time, the whole world was realizing they needed to source clear-sheet plastic to shield people interacting with one another, like cashiers and students, so there was a big scramble,” O’Brien says. “We were racing against time, and had to get this thing up and running as fast as possible, to manage a larger MIT population as soon as they started returning to campus.”
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How MIT built its own Covid-19 testing trailer
Tracks While she and Smith started building out the trailer’s physical layout with the help of campus construction crews, Culpepper worked with Facilities engineers to optimize the trailer’s HVAC system. “We ran all sorts of calculations on how much air had to be turned over at a certain time, with the number of individuals who would occupy both sides of the trailer,” Murphy says. The team designed a positive pressure HVAC system that pumps 700 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air through one side of the trailer’s plastic partition, in a way that keeps one side at positive pressure, and the other at negative pressure—a balance that prevents air on either side from mixing. A large, custom-built exhaust stack blows the air out about 12 feet above the trailer. So far, about 4,000 people have been tested in the trailer. The eventual goal is to have all members of the community working
and living on campus be tested up to twice a week, with the trailer as a key component of that strategy. Schuetz notes, however, that the evolution of testing technologies, medical guidance, and prevalence of Covid-19 in the broader Massachusetts community will likely result in changes to the testing strategy over the coming months. Looking to a hopeful future, Schuetz suggests the trailer can be configured for other purposes, such as testing people for antibodies, or even, administering a vaccine. “It’s not over now that it’s built,” adds O’Brien, who with Smith, is assembling a packet of sharable specs for anyone interested in building similar facilities. “It continues to be a versatile design, and we are still here on campus if needed, to update it.” Reprinted with permission of MIT News: http://news.mit.edu/
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Membership Benefits Expanded in 2020
Membership Benefits Expanded in 2020
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
Membership renewal forms were mailed and emailed to NATM members in November. The Association understands its members are largely comprised of small businesses and all members are methodical decision-makers when making an investment of resources. Further, recognizing that many companies have had a tumultuous year, NATM has decided to leave dues rates unchanged again in 2021. Despite this, the Association continues to grow its value-add proposition for members year-over-year, carefully allocating member resources to benefits and services the industry needs.
COVID-19: NATM is Here for You For many NATM members, this has been a difficult and uncertain time. NATM knows that members are getting creative about how to approach the myriad of new challenges that exist. NATM is working to help members navigate this time by providing resources and information promptly. In response to COVID-19, NATM has: •
Created the Guidance on Workplace Safety for COVID-19, which includes information from the CDC and OSHA. The document includes examples from similar industries to help members identify implementable safety protocols for the trailer manufacturing industry.
•
Created a COVID-19 Resource Center on natm.com, which is updated regularly so that members have access to the latest information and guidance when they need it most.
•
Partnered with Marsh and McLennan Agency (MMA) and brought members and dealer affiliates a weekly COVID-19 webinar series intended to help the trailer manufacturing industry move forward.
•
Surveyed members on the impact of COVID-19 to be used in advocacy efforts, as data points for participants, and for the Association to evaluate its benefits moving forward.
•
Adapted the NATM Compliance Verification Program 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 regulation and industry standards.
NATM Benefits Added in 2020 This year, NATM has maintained the many benefits members know and utilize, while also adding the following: •
Association Health Plan (AHP) for most NATM member companies.
•
Continuing the Association’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan focusing on industry growth, increasing brand awareness, and continuously improving the NATM Compliance Verification Program.
•
Hosting additional virtual educational resources online such as webinars and presentations.
•
Growing the reach of Trailer Safety Week, including the introduction of strategic partnerships and access to additional resources.
•
Devoting resources to marketing the NATM Compliance Verification Program and benefits of the Association to the industry as well as to end-users to grow value of the NATM Compliance Decal.
•
Establishing the NATM 401(k) Association Retirement Plan for member companies to offer their employees.
•
Released the Dealer Compendium, a 300-page resource guide for trailer dealers that includes state laws, trailer safety information, end-user materials, and certain applicable federal regulations to help close the gap of information that exists between manufacturer, dealer, and end-user.
www.NATM.com
Tracks
NATM greatly values your membership, and 2021 promises to be another fantastic year to be an NATM member. For questions regarding your company’s membership or the renewal process, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or (785) 272-4433.
November/December 2020
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2021 Membership Award Nominations
Tracks
2021 Membership Award Nominations
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
NATM is soliciting nominations for the 2021 member awards. The awards will be virtually presented on NATM’s Facebook page and published in Tracks magazine. Please consider and nominate individuals who may be eligible candidates for the following awards. Outstanding Member Award The Outstanding Member Award is presented each year to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the trailer manufacturing industry. The nominee must be an employee of an NATM Regular (trailer manufacturer) member. The nomination must include the name and address of the nominee and nominator along with a brief narrative about the contributions the nominee has made to the trailer manufacturing industry.
NATM Past President Pat Jennissen (left) with 2019 Outstanding Member of the Year Award Recipient Chris Steinman.
Pam O’Toole Trusdale Woman in Manufacturing Award The Pam O’Toole Trusdale Woman in Manufacturing Award is given to a woman from the manufacturing floor to the C-Suite in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry who has demonstrated excellence in their role. The award recognizes the contribution of the recipient to the success of their organization and/or industry. The nominee must be an employee of an NATM member company. The nomination must include the name and address of the nominee and nominator along with a brief narrative about the accomplishments of the nominee. Young Professional Award The purpose of the Young Professional Award is to recognize the accomplishments of young individuals in the trailer manufacturing industry. Nominees should be individuals under the age of 40, who have been innovative and successful in the trailer manufacturing industry. Both Associate and Regular member company employees are eligible for this award. The nomination must include the name and address of the nominee and nominator along with a brief narrative about the accomplishments of the nominee.
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Green Award The purpose of the Green Award is to recognize an NATM Regular (trailer manufacturer) member company that has made significant contributions to improving the environmental impact within the trailer industry. The nomination should include a written description of the company’s contributions which have positively impacted the environment. The document should provide qualitative and quantitative evidence of environmental improvements. Nominees will be judged on case studies where the companies have been able to demonstrate improved performance in environmental manufacturing. This may include maximizing energy efficiency levels, compliance with environmental regulations, or minimizing waste from the production process. Manufacturers should be able to illustrate success in reducing their environmental impact, as well as converting green manufacturing into a business opportunity. The awards will be virtually presented on NATM’s Facebook page and published in Tracks magazine. To request the award nomination form, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or (785) 272-4433. Nominations are due by Nov. 30, 2020.
www.NATM.com
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Member News
Tracks
Buyers Products Breaks Ground on Massive, State-of-the-Art Warehouse Expansion Cleveland, Ohio—Buyers Products, a leading manufacturer in the work truck equipment industry, is doubling the size of its distribution center and corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio to accommodate the company’s growing business needs. The expansion includes 280,000 square feet of 67-foot-high, brand new, state-of-the-art warehouse space with 20 additional docks. Simultaneously Buyers will add another 17,500 square feet of office space and expand its employee parking. “As customer demands continue to grow, it’s imperative that we keep up,” said Gary Kadow, Warehouse Operations Manager. “Our customers know to come to us for excellent service and rapid delivery. They expect to get what they need delivered when they need it. This expansion ensures we continue to exceed those expectations.” Buyers current warehouse stands at 250,000 square feet. It was built in 2002 and expanded to its current size in 2007. On August 18, 2020 a small groundbreaking ceremony was held in accordance with current social distancing guidelines to kick-off construction of the new expansion. The ceremony included brief statements from company leadership and a “Golden Shovel” ceremony to honor outstanding members of the Buyers team for their contributions toward the company’s ongoing success.
divisions include Equalizer Systems and Days Distribution & Logistics (Days Export Packing).
Buyers Products President/CEO Mark Saltzman addresses gathering at groundbreaking event on August 18, 2020.
For the latest news on the expansion visit BuyersProducts.com. About Buyers Products Established in 1946, Buyers Products Company has grown to become a leader in manufacturing all types of equipment for the work truck industry. Buyers Products specializes in durable truck boxes, heavy duty towing equipment, hydraulics, controls, and all-season trailer accessories. The Buyers line of snow and ice equipment includes: SnowDogg® snow plows, SaltDogg® spreaders, and ScoopDogg snow pushers. For more information, visit www.buyersproducts.com. Days Corporation Sells Machinery Moving Division to Barnhart Elkhart, Ind.— Days Corporation and Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co., of Memphis, Tennessee have entered into an agreement under which Barnhart will purchase Days Machinery Movers, including all associated personnel and equipment of that business unit. Days Corporation, with business roots in the Elkhart community since 1913, will retain and continue to operate its core services. Days Corporations
Rendering of Buyers Products Expansion
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“Days Corporation has a stellar reputation in this region. Its employees and its services are all first class. We are blessed to make the Days Machinery Movers operations a part of our team. We think the current Days Machinery Movers customers will be pleased with the expansion of services and equipment this acquisition will bring,” said Jim Chapman, Barnhart Regional Director. Days Distribution & Logistics will integrate Days Export Packing into their division to continue to offer new and existing customers the level of service they know and expect. This transition means that Days Distribution & Logistics will offer warehousing, local and regional trucking, wood cutting services as well as domestic and export packing and crating services. “We intend to make this transition as seamless as possible. You should take comfort in knowing that the staff, with over 80 years of combined experience, is committed to you and your business. Our plan is to strengthen our position in the Export and Domestic packing industry while providing our customers with the same exemplary service you have come to know and expect. All of Days Corporation values you as a customer. Your success is also Days’ success,” said Ben Reinoehl, Days Distribution & Logistics Division Director. For more information, contact Days Corporation Marketing Manager, Rachel Little at 800-706-0884 or rlittle@dayscorp.com. Days Corporation is comprised of two divisions offering professional products, services, and solutions to the RV industry and beyond. From automatic leveling systems and slide room solutions, to export packing of motorhomes and boats, to warehousing and transportation of components to complete 3PL offerings—we are there when you need us. To learn more about Days Corporation and how we can assist you please visit www.Dayscorp.com www.NATM.com
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Member News
Tracks About Tracey Road Equipment
A Frieghtliner 122SD Felling Trailer
Equipment Procurement for NY Municipality, Simplified with Package Deal Sauk Center, Minn.—The Town of Irondequoit’s Department of Public Works was looking to replace some antiquated fleet assets. To assist with the new assets’ procurement, they looked to Nick Padulo, Commercial & Municipal Account Manager, with Tracey Road Equipment in Rochester, NY. The town would be replacing their 1998 Talbert 35-ton lowboy and 1998 Mack Tractor that was nearing the end of its service life. The new tractor-trailer pair would be used to haul various equipment ranging from large excavators, dozers, to mini loaders and skid-steers. At times it would potentially be used to move double drum rollers. Along with the transporting of equipment, the tractor-trailer pair would also transport pallets full of sandbags. The Town of Irondequoit borders three major waterways; over the last few years, it has utilized the sandbags to combat the rising lake water levels. The Town of Irondequoit worked with Nick to procure the new tractor-trailer pair, a 2021 Freightliner 122SD, and a 2020 Felling 35 ton XF-70 HDG (hydraulic detachable gooseneck), which they took delivery of this past spring. “I sold both units, Irondequoit’s DPW bought the truck from me because we (Tracey Road Equipment), could offer the full package,” said Nick. The Town of Irondequoit was familiar with the Felling brand having purchase a Felling FT-16 IT-I, drop deck tilt bed trailer a few years earlier thru Tracey Road in 2018. “They have enjoyed the quality product and like the fact it is offered on Sourcewell (Formally
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November/December 2020
NJPA) and NYS OGS contracts which makes purchasing easy for muni’s,” said Padulo. Sourcewell is a government agency that holds hundreds of competitively solicited cooperative contracts ready for use, with Felling Trailers being one of them. For over 10 years, Felling Trailers has held a contract as an approved vendor with Sourcewell. Sourcewell members have the ability to purchase any of Felling’s 240 trailer models at an exceptional value through Sourcewell’s competitively solicited contract. “They (Town of Irondequoit’s DPW), also like the fact that Felling is able to customize based on the customer’s needs. They are loving the trailer!!” Nick worked with Irondequoit’s Dept. of Public Works to ensure that the 35-ton hydraulic detach would accommodate the load angle needs for their various equipment. This was done with a few custom specifications: custom 36 inch front fold over ramps in lieu of the standard 26 inch, 35 degree approximate, full-height trunnion approach with grousers, full-length modular wheel covers, and center decking. Keeping operator safety and ease of use in mind, they also added extra D-ring tie-downs, amber strobe lights in the tailboard, and an adjustable aluminum folding oversized load sign. “The special front ramps, rear signage, and lights all make the application easier for the operator,” said Padulo. About the Town of Irondequoit The Town of Irondequoit is one of the largest suburbs in Monroe County, with a population of over 51,000. Three major waterways border the town; Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, and the Genesee River, and the City of Rochester, NY, located just northeast of the city limits.
Tracey Road Equipment is a premier heavy-duty truck and construction equipment company that serves the New York State region from 7 locations. Serving municipalities and highway & construction professionals in the Central & Western New York, Capital District, as well as the Catskill, Hudson Valley, Adirondack, and Fingerlakes regions. They represent a full range of trucks, trailers, machines, and attachments from some of the leading manufacturers in the industry. At Tracey Road Equipment, they are dedicated to offering the best purchasing options for their customers, and remaining up to date and competitive with Municipal OGS Contracts. 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 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certified company, WBENCCertified WBE company, and an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, contact 1.800.245.2809, 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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Tracks Felling Trailers’ Custom FT-40-2 Triple Reel, Right on Spec Need: The customer needed to replace an older antiquated fleet asset. The replacement trailer would be used to transport, payout, and install underground conductor without damaging the material. When installing an underground conductor, precautions must be taken to ensure the integrity of the material being paid out. The application the trailer would be used for would require the ability to transport three reels, each equipped with a tensioning brake system that could be operated by one person from a centralized location. The trailer would also need to have a fifth-wheel style hitch with air brakes. Solution: Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service, an authorized Felling Trailers, Inc. dealer, worked with Felling Trailers’ Utility & Telecom Product Manager, Mark Rapp, to build a custom FT-40-2 Triple Reel trailer to meet the customer’s specifications. Result: Through this collaboration, Felling Trailers’ team designed and built the FT-40-2 Triple Reel trailer, a custom unit equipped with a one-piece reel rack assembly. The assembly consisted of (3) 86-inch diameter x 52 inches wide x 7,000 lbs reel bars equipped with hydraulic tensioning brakes. Reels equipped with hydraulic tensioning brakes allow the conductor to be paid out in a controlled manner. It also eliminates over spin of the reels if the pull is stopped abruptly. One operator can control hydraulic tensioning brakes, unlike mechanical tensioning brakes from a single location. Felling Trailers’ hydraulic tensioning brakes are equipped with hydraulic accumulators. These assure smooth operation of the tensioning brakes by absorbing pressure changes that develop due to rotor intolerance and heat buildup. A single, double-acting hand pump can provide hydraulic pressure to all the calipers at the same time. Each brake circuit can be isolated and controlled individually if the need arises. Felling Trailers accomplished this by incorporating a control bank on the rear roadside of the trailer. From this control bank, a single operator can manage the hydraulic www.NATM.com
tensioning brakes of all three reels and access the double-acting hand pump. To ensure the integrity of the material, the trailer was equipped with two booms: an adjustable overhead boom, with 126 inch raised height from deck floor and a retractable rear boom that would extend 36 inches beyond the rear of the trailer when deployed. The overhead boom has two positions: a lower position to keep the overall height legal during transport and the raised position, when on-site, the boom is raised and paying out material. The underground conductor is routed through stringing blocks hanging from the boom. This assures the cable can be paid out without coming in to contact with anything that may damage the insulation. From the overhead boom, the conductor then travels to the rear boom. The rear-telescoping boom extends out the back of the trailer. It too is equipped with stringing blocks. This system allows the conductor to travel unobstructed from the reels to the final point of entry into an underground duct, vault, or trench. To meet the hitch specification, Rapp worked with Felling Trailers’ weld team to design and build a custom H-frame gooseneck hitch with kingpin. The custom set up delivered a 50 inch fifth wheel height, 16 inch set back, and 62 inch swing clearance from the kingpin back to the gooseneck, providing the customer with ample height and clearance for their application. Felling Trailers’ vast experience in trailer manufacturing allows flexibility to meet customer’s precise specifications and requirements. 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
Pictured is the Felling FT-40-2 Triple Reel Trailer before being shipped and put into service. 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 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certified company, WBENCCertified WBE company, and an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, contact 1.800.245.2809, 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.
M.H. EBY Announces New Trailer Dealer in Southeastern Texas Blue Ball, Pa.—M.H. Eby is pleased to announce that Alvin Equipment Co of Alvin, TX, is now an authorized dealer of EBY equipment trailers and livestock trailers. Alvin Equipment Co will be selling, servicing, and providing parts support for the complete line of EBY aluminum equipment trailers and livestock trailers under 26,000 lbs GVW. As a 3rd generation, family-owned business, Alvin Equipment Co has been serving area farmers, construction companies, and homeowners since 1952. With a modern, 32,000 square foot facility, they represent top equipment and parts brands in farming, construction, and land management. “We chose to represent EBY because November/December 2020
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we recognized that there is a strong market in our area for very high quality aluminum equipment and livestock trailers,” said Chad Beaver, President of Alvin Equipment Co. “After extensive research, the choice to represent EBY was clear because of their unmatched quality in manufacturing and the strength of the company itself.” “We are very excited to welcome Alvin Equipment Co as our newest partner serving the Southeastern Texas market with our aluminum equipment & livestock trailers,” said Regional Dealer Manager, Doug Bryant. “Their commitment to representing quality equipment and their reputation for excellent customer service make them an ideal fit with EBY.” For more information about how Alvin Equipment Co can help you with your equipment and livestock trailer needs in the greater Houston and Southeastern Texas area contact Chad Beaver (281) 331-3177 or email to chad@alvinequipment.com. Find Alvin Equipment Co online at www. alvinequipment.com. Find out more about M.H. EBY’s trailer and truck body products at www.mheby. com or (800) 292-4752. Based in Blue Ball, Pa., M.H. EBY designs and builds high quality aluminum trailers and truck bodies for agricultural, industrial and commercial markets. In the trailer market, EBY builds livestock trailers, grain trailers, equipment trailers and horse trailers. For the truck body market, EBY builds flatbeds, service bodies, van bodies and dump bodies. Products are sold nationwide by dealer and distributor partners with strong roots in their local communities. Started in 1938, the company is led by Travis Eby, President, and Nick Eby, VP of Engineering. Menno H. Eby serves as chairman.
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Taskmaster Components Chooses November/December 2020
Triangle Tire’s Diamondback Specialty Trailer (ST) Tires Franklin, Tenn.—Taskmaster Components, a major supplier of tire/wheel assemblies for North American original equipment trailer manufacturers, will be the exclusive distributor of Diamondback specialty trailer (ST) tires as part of their ensembles. The Diamondback brand is manufactured by Triangle Tire, one of China’s largest publicly traded tire manufacturers. “Passing the stringent OEM requirements is certainly validation of Triangle Tire’s longtime commitment to developing and manufacturing highquality specialty trailer tires,” said Triangle Tire USA CEO Manny Cicero. “The fact that Triangle Tire is one of the most environmentally conscious tire manufacturers in the world was also a major selling point for Taskmaster Components.” The OEM customers of Taskmaster Components, headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Texas, include manufacturers of utility trailers, recreation vehicles, livestock trailers, and over-the-road dry van trailers. The company says it utilizes just in time (JIT) logistics to deliver cosmetically and structurally perfect tire and wheel assemblies to manufacturers. “Diamondback STR tires are highquality radials built by a well-known, well-funded, and progressive company,” said Taskmaster Components CEO Tom Walker. “The Diamondback is another exciting tire for us that passes FMVSS139, has no tire ash added as filler, and allows us to continue our mission of offering high-quality products at great prices. We have great respect for and confidence in Manny Cicero and Lin Bin. Our relationship with Lin Bin goes all the way back to 2001.”Sid Parr, who heads up the Diamondback brand division for Triangle Tire USA, said the Diamondback STR line-up for Taskmaster Components will feature a total of nine sizes in two tread patterns, including an all-steel ST tire for heavier trailers.
About Taskmaster Components Trans Texas Tire was formed in Texas in 1985 and began doing business as Taskmaster Components in 2003. Taskmaster Components was an early adopter of sourcing tires and wheels independently on a global scale. Taskmaster has company-owned warehouses in Texas, Missouri, Iowa and Georgia, as well as a free trade zone in El Paso, TX. Taskmaster has also formed a real estate search committee and is actively seeking to add two additional assembly warehouse sites in the USA. With its strategically placed warehouses, the company effectively services trailer manufacturers and independent retail tire chains across North America. The company is committed to exceeding the service and supply chain expectations in the OEM towable industry worldwide. In December 2018, Amanda Walker was named COO. She manages daily business in Asia, Europe and North and South America. About Triangle Tire USATriangle Tire USA is the wholly owned subsidiary of Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd., marketing and selling a complete product portfolio. On the commercial side, the company offers a full range of off-the-road (OTR) radial and bias products, including giant radials for the construction, mining and aggregates industries, as well as a broad range of medium radial truck tires for the trucking industry. In addition to ST tires, Triangle Tire USA also sells passenger, light truck and winter tires on the consumer side. Triangle Tyre Group established its U.S. headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., located just south of Nashville in Williamson County, in 2016. For more information about Triangle Tire USA, please call 1-888-TIRE-745 (888-847-3745) or 615-610-5050. Send email to: customerservice@triangletireus.com. EBY Logo
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Statement of Ownership
Tracks Publication Title: Tracks
Publicaton Number: 1552-2415
Issue Frequency: Bimonthly
Number of Issues Printed Annually: 6
Complete Mailing Address of Known Office: 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604
Contact Person: Elizabeth Moore
Filing Date: 9/04/2020 Annual Subscription: $50 Member $100 nonmember Telephone: 785-2724433
Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604 Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: National Associaton of Trailer Manufacturers Editor: Elizabeth Moore 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604 Publication Title: Tracks
Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September/October 2020
Extent and Nature of Circulation
Avg. No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months
No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date
2,150
5,000
2,028
4,688
0
0
0
0
42
29
2,070
4,717
0
0
0
0
0
0
42
29
42 2,112 43 2,155 98.01% 0 2,070 2,112 98.01%
29 4,746 80 4,826 99.39% 0 4,717 4,746 99.39%
A. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions
1
B. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)
Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Paid Distribution Outside the Mails
2 3
Paid Distribution by Other Classses of the Mail Through the USPS
4 C. Total Paid Distrubtion
Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Free or Nominal Rate In-County
1 2 D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution
3
4 E. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribtuion F. Total Distribution G. Copies Not Distributed H. Total Percent Paid a. Paid Electronic Copies B. Total Paid Print Copies + Paid Electronic Copies C. Total Print Distribution + Paid Electronic Copies D. Percent Paid (Electronic & Print Copies)
Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through USPS Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail
Publication Statement of Ownership: This statement will be published in the Nov./Dec. 2020 Issue of Tracks Magazine Editor Signature: Elizabeth Moore 9/04/2020 www.NATM.com
November/December 2020
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New Member Update
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Regular Buckshot Mfg 1325 W 6 Mile Rd Garden City, KS 67846 • Agricultural/Farm • Dump • Utility/Flatbed Empresas y Equipos Industriales S.A. de C.V. Av. Libertad No. 150, Zona Industrial San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. 78395, Mexico www.seaman-gunnison.com • Equipment • Specialty Fabrineering 8955 W NC Hwy 152 Mooresville, NC 28117 www.fabrineering.com • Aluminum ReadyFab LLC 230 Convict Camp Rd Guntersville, AL 35976 • RV/Towable VORSHEER LLC 221 W 900 N Springville, UT 84663 www.vorsheershop.com • Equipment • Living Quarters Wilderwise Inc. 1257 Catalina St Laguna Beach, CA 92651 www.wilderwise.com • Aluminum • Custom Design • Living Quarters • RV/Towable
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Associate ALG Labels + Graphics 3005 4th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35233 www.alggraphics.com • Adhesives/Tapes • Labels/Decals/Nameplates • Reflectivity
Dealer Affiliate Coolhorse 6951 S Bell St Amarillo, TX 79109 www.coolhorse.com Crim’s Trailer Sales, Inc. 214 S Commerce Ave Front Royal, VA 22630 Green Mountain Trailers 106-A Stafford Ave Morrisville, VT 5661 iAutomotive of Wilmington LLC DBA East Coast Autos and Trailers 2529 Castle Hayne Rd Wilmington, NC 28401 www.eastcoastautosandtrailers.com KASHM TRUCK AND TRAILER 722 Middletown Rd Fairmont, WV 26554S www.kashmwv.com Lazy B Trailer Sales, Inc P.O. Box 237 Bristolville, OH 44481 www.LazyBTrailers.com Weller’s Utility Trailers 16889 N Main St Bridgeville, DE 19933 www.wellers.com
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