Secretary Heather Gonzales • Down 2 Earth Trailers
Associate Member Representative
Dustin Smith • Optronics International
Past President
Marco Garcia • U-Haul International, Inc.
DIRECTORS FEB. 2023 - FEB. 2026
Bill O’Hara • Dexter
Jon Devitt • Midwest Industries, Inc.
Jeff Jones • Red Oak Inventory Finance
Johnathan Bradley • Liberty Trailers
Michael Etheridge • Wylie & Son, Inc.
DIRECTORS FEB. 2024 - FEB. 2027
Andy Derr • M.H. Eby, Inc.
Rick Huddleston • White River Marine Group
Deborah Edwards • SteelPoint
Logan Mesenbrink • Lane Trailers
Dustin Smith • Optronics International
Steven Aiuto • GM
Chris Lago • All American Trailer Connection
DIRECTORS FEB. 2025 - FEB. 2028
Andy Gehman • MGS Incorporated
Daniel Luby • BoatMate Trailers, Inc.
Nathan Uphus • Felling Trailers
Heather Gonzales • Down to Earth Trailers
Eric Kazmierzak • Laclede Chain MFG. Co.
manuscripts sent to NATM.
USPS Number: 022438 ISSN Number: 1552-2415
Advertising Index
• Innovative design allows fast, hassle-free trailer coupling with just one pin
• No jamming or complicated hinging components prone to wear
• Easier to use than traditional couplers
• Fastens securely with included hitch pin and clip
• Self-centering locking plate for easier hookup
• Adjustable length with 8" of adjustment (29-1/3" retracted height)
• Easy-access lock handle for secure connection
• Compatible with most round-tube trailer tongues
The Difference is D urability. The Quality is Hut chens.
The Differenc e is Durabi lity. The Quality is Hutchens.
President’s Report
By Andy Derr, M.H. Eby, Inc.
The new year is almost here. Before we know it, the industry will gather again in Fort Worth, Texas, for the NATM Convention & Trade Show.
Fort Worth is a record-setting location for Convention, and we are looking to replicate that success in 2026. While members know what to expect from this tried-and-true show, NATM is always working to bring the best experience. New this year is the Bacon & Brilliance: Association Update and Awards Brunch. This event will be a great opportunity to come together, fuel up for the day, and get the latest updates from the Association.
Booth sales and attendance registrations are currently open. Don’t wait to reserve your spot to join NATM Feb. 23-26 in Fort Worth.
I would be remiss if we ended 2025 without celebrating an
Association first. The inaugural NATM Trailer Expo was held in September. Dealers converged on Oklahoma City to a show uniquely tailored to their networking and educational needs.
From the energizing Opening Session, numerous educational formats, the live PerformanceBased Brake Tester demonstration, the sold-out show floor, to the Executive Board Vice President Nathan Uphus jumping on a forklift to unstack trailers during set up, it was a truly memorable event.
To those who attended, exhibited, and sponsored, thank you. This show wouldn’t have been possible without your enthusiastic involvement and support.
This past year was a historic one, and I can’t wait to see what we will do in 2026. ■
Andy Derr
DEX-TREME™ D160
GENUINE 16,000 LBS. SOLUTIONS
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
DEX-Treme D160 is a game-changing trailer running gear bundle with all components genuinely rated at 16,000 lbs. Axle, brakes and suspension designed and manufactured by Dexter mean you can have confidence your trailer’s American-made running gear will get your customers where they want to go. Haul More & Stop Shorter with DEX-Treme D160.
A GENUINE 16,000 LBS. SOLUTION
Get the most out of Class 7 towing vehicles. All DEX-Treme D160 components are rated at a bona fide 16,000 lbs., increasing service life and towing capacity.
INCREASED STOPPING POWER
Testing has shown that Dexter’s 16,000 lbs. capacity brakes stop shorter and have a longer service life than our competition’s similar products.
DEPENDABLE OPTIONS
DEX-Treme D160 provides options to build the bundle that best fits the application.
Options include:
• Hydraulic disc, hydraulic drum, air drum, or electric drum brakes
• DexAir, HDSS, or slipper spring suspension
• Aluminum Fortress cap standard
• Single, tandem, or triple-axle configurations
Headquarters REPORT
By Alex Stowe, NATM Executive Director
The end of the year is upon us, and for the final HQ Report of the year, I’d like to take the time to reflect on some of the major accomplishments for NATM before the enthusiasm of the new year kicks in. From expanding programming to provide more membership benefits, to launching an entirely new industry event in the Trailer Expo, and the continued carrying out of many programs, 2025 was an enormous success for the Association.
This HQ Report will be slightly shorter as I want to call out some major wins for NATM, for more information on programming growth in 2025, please see the next page for NATM’s year in review.
NATM’s mission is to promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy. Looking back at 2025, I am so proud of the work accomplished by the Association. NATM hosted our inaugural Trailer Expo in Oklahoma City in September. This new event brought together trailer dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers to provide new educational opportunities, trade show floor, and networking events to help bolster our growing
Dealer Affiliate Program. NATM Staff and Members worked incredibly hard on making the Trailer Expo a success, and I am very happy with the impact of our first Trailer Expo.
NATM’s eighth annual Trailer Safety Week was celebrated June 1-7, as the Association continues bringing safety to the forefront. Boasting more than 740 TSW Allies including members, non-members, law enforcement agencies, and State Departments of Transportation among other interested parties, the awareness campaign continues to grow and work with new groups to promote trailer safety. Trailer safety is important 365 days a year, and it’s the perfect time to join the movement. Learn more about how your company can get involved at TrailerSafetyWeek.com/Interest.
I encourage all members to consider getting involved with a committee. You can fill out a committee interest indicator form at NATM.com. It has been another year of adapting to meet member needs and the Association is excited to continue this positive momentum into 2026! ■
NATM Year in Review
By Alex Stowe, NATM Executive Director
2025 has been a year of amazing growth for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). As the Association continues to find ways to help meet the needs of our members, I wanted to take the time to highlight some of the amazing work done by staff, with the help of our Board, Committees, and members at large over the past year.
First, after years of hard work and coordination, NATM launched the NATM Academy this year. A free benefit offered to all members of NATM. The Academy represents a huge step forward for NATM, as many courses offered in the Academy were created in coordination with NATM Committees and NATM Programming Director Ginger Baker-Sanhueza. The NATM Academy also is utilizing a partnership with U-Haul and their U-Haul University to both host the Academy and offer courses created by U-Haul that are used to help train their new hires. The NATM Academy represents some of the best facets of our Association. It represents a coordinated effort to help educate all members of the industry while also being a free service for our members to utilize. I look forward to seeing the Academy grow over the coming years and encourage all members to utilize the platform to help train employees.
NATM also hosted our inaugural Trailer Expo in Oklahoma
City this past September. This has been a focus for NATM’s Board of Directors for years, as NATM looks to unify the industry and offer the ability for trailer dealers to receive the education and networking opportunities NATM has been providing to members for nearly 40 years. The work of NATM Staffers Meghan Ryan and Aaron Langer helped make the process of exhibiting as easy as possible, while the NATM Dealer Committee and Baker-Sanhueza oversaw creating the educational course offerings. I also would like to thank NATM Board Vice President Nathan Uphus, who was integral on site in helping move trailers in and out of the showroom floor. Having leadership willing to step in and offer expertise is an incredibly special benefit of working for a member-based not-for-profit association, and NATM is lucky to have such extraordinary people on our leadership team.
NATM Staff learned a lot during the Trailer Expo, and I am so excited to see how this program continues to grow under the staff, Board, and Dealer Committee’s oversight. Thank you to all sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for making the first NATM Trailer Expo so memorable.
Continued on Page 8
NATM Programming Director Ginger Baker-Sanhueza mediates the Lunch & Learn panel at the 2025 NATM Trailer Expo. Photo by NATM Staff.
Continued from Page 7
Not to be outdone, the NATM Convention & Trade Show was another great show that took place in Nashville this past February. The Gaylord Opryland provided an incredible venue for attendees and exhibitors to meet and network to bolster current relationships and help find new ones for many members. Convention is such an integral part of NATM’s programming, and I am so impressed with staff’s ability to adapt, grow educational offerings, and ensure we are providing an excellent trade show to all our members. From education on current government affairs topics of interest and a forum on how to help build a stronger sales team, NATM took feedback from our committees to help draft a robust and valuable educational slate for our attendees. As with the Trailer Expo, thank you to all sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees of the 2025 Convention & Trade Show. We will see you all in Fort Worth in February for Convention and again in October for the Trailer Expo in 2026!
The NATM Compliance Team also was busy in 2025 visiting with manufacturer members and completing their Compliance Verification Program (CVP) Consultations. At the end of this year, the Compliance Team will have completed nearly 300 CVP
Consultations with members, which would be the most in the history of NATM’s CVP. The Compliance Team works incredibly hard to make sure new NATM Members are being visited for their consults in a timely manner, while also ensuring travel costs remain low by grouping members together based on geographic location. NATM conducts a CVP with all manufacturer members every two years, and this group of member companies has seen their initial pass rate on the CVP rise to 51%, an 8% increase for this group compared to when they were last visited in 2023. This increase speaks to NATM Members’ ability to make updates as they are identified, and to the Compliance Team’s ability to help convey necessary information to our members.
The NATM Marketing Team also has been hard at work in 2025. In addition to promoting a brand-new trade show, the Trailer Expo, staff remained dialed in on building out content and programming that have become mainstays of NATM’s overall mission of promoting trailer safety. 2025’s Trailer Safety Week again saw unprecedented growth in ally participation and served as an amazing outlet for NATM and our members to share important educational content with end users who are using light- and medium-duty trailers on our nation’s roadways every day. The Marketing Team also has done a great job highlighting the work you all do throughout
NATM Trailer Expo attendees grab lunch and talk shop in the Dealer Roundtables. Photo by NATM Staff.
your communities and honoring members with different initiatives, between Woman Crush Wednesday, the Call to Service campaign, member benefit spotlights, and member focused articles in Tracks, the Marketing Team works incredibly hard to make sure our members are aware of all the amazing benefits of NATM membership, while also focusing on the stories of how many member companies got to where they are today and the work you all do in your local communities.
NATM’s government affairs work continued to develop and grow this past year. With so many new faces in Congress and work done to help grow programming, staff and the Government Affairs Committee were very busy in 2025 in an effort to stay informed in the ever-changing current landscape. NATM had a huge regulatory win in 2025, as National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) invited some Board Members and myself to Washington, D.C., to discuss how we could better collaborate and make sure NATM has the resources needed to continue to grow our advocacy efforts. I am excited to see where this collaboration will go as we continue to find ways to coordinate and am so thankful for the advocacy work done during our annual Regulatory Roundup for helping make these efforts possible.
NATM’s total membership has again surpassed 1,200 members in 2025, despite uncertainty in the market. I am so thankful to lead such an engaged and involved association. NATM Staff are doing incredible work to make sure our members are aware of all the benefits that are available to them and am grateful for such a strong year to build off of heading into 2026. 2026 will mark another big step for NATM, as the Association will undergo our next strategic plan and help set the course for the association for the years to come.
I would encourage all members to get involved with committee work or provide feedback on how NATM can better help you. Please reach out to Alex.Stowe@natm. com with any questions or concerns. Thank you all for a memorable 2025, and here is to a great 2026! ■
TOP: NATM Convention & Trade Show attendees make their way onto the 2025 Trade Show floor in Nashville. BOTTOM: The NATM Board of Directors gathers together at the 2025 NATM Convention & Trade Show. Photos by NATM Staff.
Pending Rulemakings Pose Potential Impacts to Trailer Industry
By Brody Garland, K&L Gates
Since 1978, federal agencies have been required by Executive Orders to publish agendas of regulatory and deregulatory activities. The Trump Administration’s Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions reports on the actions administrative agencies plan to issue in the near and long term. Released by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) twice a year, the Agenda provides important public notice and transparency about proposed regulatory and deregulatory actions within the Executive Branch.
As many of you will already know, the federal agencies with primary jurisdiction over the regulation of light- and medium-trailers on our nation’s roadways are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Staying current on what has been proposed, what is being considered, and what can affect your business’ operations is a critical part of any government relations strategy. With that in mind, here are a few pending NHTSA and FMCSA rulemakings from the latest federal Unified Agenda that pose potential impacts to the industry.
Side Underride Guards on Trailers and Semitrailers
Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Rulemaking Stage: Analyzing Comments Through January 2026
This rulemaking would consider requirements for side underride guards on trailers and semitrailers to mitigate
underride crashes into the side of these vehicles, and the agency sought public comment in an April 2023 Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM). This rulemaking would respond, in part, to a Sept. 12, 2013, petition for rulemaking from the Truck Safety Coalition to start studies and rulemakings on side guards and front override guards on trucks. This rulemaking would also respond to a provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to conduct research on side underride guards to assess their effectiveness, feasibility, costs and benefits, and report the findings of the research in a Federal Register notice to seek public comment.
Retroreflective Tape and Underride Guards for Single Unit Trucks
Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Rulemaking Stage: Notice of Withdrawal for September 2025
The original July 2015 ANPRM requested comment on NHTSA’s analysis of the costs and benefits of amending the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for single unit trucks (SUTs) either to be equipped with improved rear underride guards or with retroreflective tape to improve visibility to other drivers. NHTSA withdrew this rulemaking effective September 2025.
Heavy Vehicle Automatic Emergency Braking
Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Rulemaking Stage: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Expected December 2025)
Pursuant to a statutory mandate in the IIJA, this notice will seek comments on a revised proposal to require and/or standardize equipment performance for automatic emergency braking on heavy trucks and motor carrier maintenance requirements for vehicles equipped with such technology. For several years, NHTSA has researched forward collision avoidance and mitigation technology on heavy vehicles, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems. This rulemaking proposes test procedures for measuring the performance of these systems. This is a joint rulemaking between NHTSA and the FMCSA.
Operation of Automated Driving Systems (ADS)-Equipped Commercial Motor Vehicles
Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rulemaking Stage: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Expected May 2026)
FMCSA proposes to amend certain Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to ensure the safe introduction of automated driving systems (ADS)-equipped commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) onto the nation’s roadways. The proposed changes to the CMV operations, inspection, repair, and maintenance regulations prioritize safety and security, promote innovation, foster a consistent regulatory approach to ADS-equipped CMVs, and recognize the difference between human operators and ADS.
Alternative Options for Rearview Mirrors
Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Rulemaking Stage: Analyzing Comments
NHTSA is conducting research as part of a multi-year effort to gather information to aid in determining whether camera-based rear visibility systems can provide the same level of safety as the rearview mirrors currently required under FMVSS No. 111, Rear Visibility. NHTSA published an ANPRM responding to two petitions received from vehicle manufacturers seeking permission to install camerabased rear visibility systems (sometimes referred to as camera monitor systems, CMS), instead of outside rearview mirrors, on both light vehicles and heavy trucks. ■
New Stockyard Area Adds Fort Worth Flair to Convention Atmosphere
By Aileen Valido, NATM Events Director
This year’s National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention & Trade Show at the Fort Worth Convention Center is adding a fresh twist with The Stockyard, the event’s new expanded area just off the exhibit hall. Based on attendee feedback, The Stockyard will host not only exhibitors but also a cash bar and unique vendors to make your visit even more exciting.
Grab a drink, mingle with industry peers, and explore experiences beyond the traditional show
floor. It is the perfect spot to take a break, soak up the energy, and enjoy a little extra Fort Worth flair.
Fort Worth Bound: NATM Hauls
Trailer Industry Back to Texas
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is thrilled to announce that its 2026 Convention & Trade Show will be held in the vibrant city of Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 23-26, 2026. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and booming industry network, Fort Worth has long been a favorite for NATM Members. The last NATM Convention there set attendance records, bringing together the industry’s top minds and innovators. In 2026, NATM is expecting even more excitement — and this year, booth sales opened up earlier than ever to make it easier for exhibitors to secure their spots.
Booth Selection: Reserve Your Space Early
For NATM’s 2026 event, NATM Members can secure
a 10’ x 10’ booth for $2,100, while non-members can book the same space for $4,200. Reach out to NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm. com for more information and to secure your booth!
Sponsorship Opportunities: Make a Lasting Impact
Sponsors are the backbone of the NATM Convention & Trade Show, helping make this event bigger and better each year. Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $50,000, allowing every budget size to find a way to
Continued on Page 16
Photo by Austin James.
Continued from Page 15
shine. Sponsors get a jumpstart on booth selection before other exhibitors and receive valuable visibility both at the event and through NATM’s digital platforms, including the website and mobile app. Sponsorship helps you stand out and drive traffic to your booth, so consider this opportunity to elevate your brand’s presence.
New Trailer Manufacturer Promotion: Special Perks for First-Timers
Are you new to the NATM Convention & Trade Show? Has it been more than five years since you last attended? You may qualify for NATM’s exclusive New Attendee Promotion! Eligible manufacturer companies will enjoy two complimentary full registrations, two spouse/partner registrations, and a complimentary hotel night at the host hotel. With limited rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis, this is a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to get the full Convention experience. For more details and to secure your spot, contact Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie. Rutkowski@natm.com and be sure to join the Convention email list by visiting NATM.com for the latest updates.
Photos by Austin James.
Hotel Information: Stay Close to the Action
NATM has arranged a comfortable and convenient stay at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, directly across from the Fort Worth Convention Center. With a negotiated room block rate of $269 per night, the Omni provides an ideal blend of convenience and modern comfort. There is an additional room block at Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown, available for $229 per night. Both options keep you close to the convention center and all the excitement of the 2026 show.
Questions? Contact Us!
For more information on booth selection, sponsorship opportunities, or general inquiries about the 2026 NATM Convention & Trade Show, reach out to NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm. com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event in Fort Worth! Visit NATM.com/Convention to stay updated on all things convention related.
Mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready to make 2026 a year to remember at NATM’s Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth! NATM can’t wait to welcome you back to Texas. ■
Last Chance to Debut Your New Product at Record-Breaking Convention Location
By Aileen Valido, NATM Events Director
Get ready for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) 2026 Convention & Trade Show, where innovation takes center stage in the Trailer Trends & Tech Showcase (formerly the New Product Display). This program gives exhibitors the chance to go beyond their booth and spotlight the products, services, and technologies that are driving the trailer industry forward.
Do you have a new product that advances safety, streamlines production, or offers cost-saving solutions? For just $750 per product, the Trailer Trends & Tech Showcase is your opportunity to debut it in front of key decision-makers at the 2026 Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. Applications are due by Dec. 5, 2025 — no on-site submissions will be accepted. Contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@ natm.com for the application link and requirements.
Recognition & Awards
Showcase participants gain more than visibility — they gain recognition. Attendees and exhibitors will be able to vote for their favorite products directly in the Convention Mobile App, with winners announced during the Trailer Trends & Tech Showcase Awards on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 10:00 a.m. Award recipients will be recognized on the Trade Show floor, featured in Tracks Magazine, and considered for a special product spotlight article.
Display Criteria
The Trailer Trends & Tech Showcase is open exclusively to exhibitors at the 2026 Convention & Trade Show. Submissions must be physical products (not digitalonly) that can be displayed during the event and released to the market after Jan. 1, 2022.
Products should be delivered to the show floor on Tuesday, Feb. 24, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., or shipped in advance to the warehouse addressed to “NATM Show Management.”
Don’t wait! Applications must be submitted by Dec. 5, 2025.
Raffle Engagement
NATM will once again host the Trailer Trends & Tech Showcase Raffle at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26. Participating exhibitors may opt in to have their showcased products included in the drawing, giving manufacturer and dealer attendees a chance to take home cutting-edge innovations.
Why Participate?
Your participation fee not only boosts your visibility but also supports NATM’s mission. As the only 501(c)(6) not-forprofit trade association dedicated to the light- and mediumduty trailer industry, NATM invests these funds back into education, advocacy, and safety initiatives that directly benefit manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and the industry as a whole.
From promoting safe towing practices to building resources for manufacturers, every exhibitor, sponsor, and advertiser helps strengthen trailer safety nationwide.
For the full schedule, see Page 27.
Questions? Reach out to NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm.com or (785) 272-4433. ■
Kick Off the 2026 Convention with Energy, Engagement, and a New Way to Think About Business
By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention & Trade Show is known for delivering powerful education—and 2026 will be no exception. The event’s first workshop sets the tone with a high-energy, keynote-style session that will get attendees thinking differently about what drives business growth.
Workshop 1: Humanize Before You Monetize – T.I.E. Relationships to Revenue isn’t just another motivational talk. It’s an interactive, 90-minute experience where NATM Members will explore how Time, Intention, and Experience (T.I.E.) can transform everyday interactions into business-building opportunities.
This session was voted on by NATM’s Education and Convention Committees as one of the most impactful topics for 2026, reflecting member demand for programming that goes beyond technical skills and speaks to the heart of business success.
Meet Your Guide: Dustin E. James
Bringing this topic to life is Dustin E. James, known nationwide as America’s Top Corporate Energizer. James has presented to more than 500,000 people across industries, inspiring them to elevate their workplace culture and performance. He’s a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a designation earned by fewer than 20% of speakers worldwide—and a top sales performer in four different industries.
What makes James unique is that he isn’t just talking about building business—he’s doing it. He still runs his own ventures, constantly testing and refining the very strategies he shares on stage. His businesses have been featured on FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS, and he brings fresh, real-world insights every time he steps in front of an audience.
Known for his massive crowd engagement, creativity, and professional storytelling, James doesn’t just deliver a talk—he creates an experience. You can expect laughter, energy, and maybe even a few goosebumps as he takes you on a journey of discovering how a little more time, intention, and experience can completely change the way you approach your business.
What You’ll Take Away
Starting your Convention experience with James’ workshop means starting with connection. You’ll walk
away not only motivated but equipped with fresh ideas to strengthen customer loyalty, boost sales performance, and create lasting partnerships. More importantly, you’ll be reminded that business isn’t just about trailers—it’s about the people who buy them, sell them, and build them.
When you sit down in that room on Tuesday morning, get ready to lean in, participate, and maybe see your own relationships in a new light. James will have you laughing, thinking, and planning your next steps before you even leave your seat.
Session Details
› Workshop 1: Humanize Before You Monetize – T.I.E. Relationships to Revenue
› Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
› Time: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
› Location: Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas
Start your Convention experience with a session that will entertain, inspire, and energize your business mindset. James will help you see how a little more Time, Intention, and Experience can take your customer relationships—and your bottom line—to the next level.
To view the complete agenda and register for the 2026 Convention & Trade Show, visit NATM.com/Convention. ■
Dustin E. James
Are You Ready for Automation? This Forum Has the Answers
By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director
Picture this: your production floor is running full tilt, orders are piling up, and your team is stretched thin. Someone says, “Maybe it’s time to automate.” But then the questions start swirling. “How do we know if we’re really ready? Will automation put people out of work? Isn’t this going to cost a fortune?”
These are the doubts and debates that echo across shop floors and boardrooms in the industry. Trailer manufacturers want to work smarter, not just harder, but the leap into automation can feel overwhelming.
That’s why the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Technical, Compliance, and Technology Committees zeroed in on automation as one of the most critical conversations for the 2026 Convention & Trade Show.
At Technical Forum 1: Driving Efficiency in Trailer Manufacturing – The Case for Automation, you’ll get straight answers, backed by data and real-world examples. This 90-minute session will show how automation can solve bottlenecks, boost safety, and deliver measurable ROI, while empowering your workforce instead of replacing it.
Breaking Down the Automation Myth
Automation isn’t just for massive manufacturing plants. It’s a powerful, scalable tool for companies of all sizes. This session is designed to show how automation can help reclaim lost time, eliminate bottlenecks, and raise quality standards, even in custom-shop environments. Through data-driven insights and peer-proven examples, you’ll learn exactly how to spot when your shop is ready for transformation (floor assembly, riveting, welding, or bending tasks, etc.).
Why Acieta Is Leading the Conversation
Acieta isn’t just an expert in automation, they’re part of the NATM community. As an NATM Member, Acieta understands the unique challenges trailer manufacturers face. With more than four decades of experience and over 10,000 robotic systems successfully deployed across North America, their team has seen first-hand how automation
Continued on Page 22
can transform operations of every size. Their deep expertise makes them the ideal presenters for Technical Forum 1.
What You’ll Walk Away With
This session goes beyond theory, offering practical, actionable insights into how automation can transform your production floor. Attendees will explore:
› Recognizing When It’s Time to Automate
Learn to spot the production bottlenecks and quality issues that signal it’s time to introduce automation.
› Innovative Assembly Solutions
Discover automation technologies for floor assembly, riveting, welding, and bending that improve efficiency while preserving the flexibility needed for custom trailer design.
› Making the ROI Case
Gain strategies for justifying automation investments and communicating value to company stakeholders.
› Safety & Compliance Benefits
Understand how automation not only boosts productivity but also enhances workplace safety and ensures compliance with industry standards.
› Training for Success
Explore training approaches that prepare your team to confidently adopt and leverage new technologies.
Why This Matters Now
NATM’s Technical Forums are designed to address the issues that matter most to manufacturers, and this one is
no exception. The goal is to send you home with actionable ideas so you can start conversations in your facility about where automation can deliver the biggest impact.
Whether you’re just beginning to consider automation or you’ve already dipped your toes in and want to expand your efforts, this session will give you a clearer picture of what’s next.
Bring Your Team, Bring Your Vision
If you’re serious about driving efficiency in 2026 and beyond, don’t come alone. Bring your operations managers, engineers, and production leads with you to Fort Worth. Together, you’ll leave this session with a roadmap to guide your company’s automation journey and a vision for a more productive, competitive future.
Snapshot: Technical Forum 1
Topic: Driving Efficiency in Trailer Manufacturing –The Case for Automation
Speaker: Tim Hildebrandt - Director of Sales and Chris Poole - Regional Automation Manager
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, 9:30–11:00 a.m.
Where: Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas
Whether you’re still wondering “Are we ready for automation?” or already planning an advanced automated system, this is the session for you. Let Acieta’s proven expertise show you a path forward; one where efficiency, quality, and innovation drive your competitive edge.
To view the complete agenda and register for the 2026 Convention & Trade Show, visit NATM.com/Convention. ■
MADE
Fasteners 101 & Beyond: Why These ‘Small Parts’ Can Make or Break Your Trailer
By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director
Imagine this: a $1 fastener fails on a $20,000 trailer. Suddenly, you’re dealing with warranty claims, production downtime, customer complaints — and maybe even a recall. It’s a reminder that in trailer manufacturing, the smallest parts often carry the biggest responsibility.
That’s why the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is excited to announce that FDL Components, a trusted NATM Member and global leader in trailer components, will present Technical Forum 2: Fasteners 101 & Beyond at the 2026 NATM Convention & Trade Show on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
This 90-minute session will begin with a foundational look at fastener basics — the perfect refresher for those who touch these parts every day — before advancing into more complex but critical issues like fastener markings, traceability, legislation and compliance requirements, and understanding the liability chain.
Why This Session Matters
This topic was voted a high priority by NATM’s Technical, Technology, and Compliance Committees, reflecting how vital it is for manufacturers today. Fasteners aren’t just pieces of hardware — they hold together your product, your reputation, and in many cases, the safety of everyone towing your trailers.
Choosing the wrong fastener, missing traceability data, or overlooking compliance requirements can open the door to costly failures and legal exposure. This session is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to
make the right decisions from design to installation.
Meet the Experts
FDL Components is uniquely qualified to lead this conversation. Since its founding in 2005, FDL has grown from a fastener importer to a comprehensive supplier of nearly every component needed to build a trailer. Their team has decades of experience in global sourcing, engineering, quality, and manufacturing — selling over a billion parts each year. Their expertise spans every stage of the supply chain, giving them a deep understanding of where things can go wrong — and how to get them right the first time.
Who Should Be in the Room
Bring your engineers, quality and compliance teams, purchasing managers, and production staff to this session. When everyone understands the critical role fasteners play — from design to final assembly — your company is better equipped to reduce rework, protect customers, and strengthen compliance efforts.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
Fasteners may be small, but their impact is huge. This forum is your chance to gain expert insight, ask questions, and walk away with practical tools to protect your business, your customers, and the integrity of every trailer you build.
To view the complete agenda and register for the 2026 Convention & Trade Show, visit NATM.com/Convention. ■
Spotlight on Innovation: AI in Action—Make Your First Company Video While We Talk
By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention & Trade Show has always been the place where trailer manufacturers and suppliers gather to sharpen their skills, strengthen their businesses, and embrace the future of the industry. In 2026, that future is getting a high-tech upgrade with a brand-new kind of workshop: AI in Action: Make Your First Company Video While We Talk.
This interactive, 90-minute session will empower attendees to create a fully usable company marketing video—live, in real time—during the workshop. Whether you want to boost your website, sharpen your sales messaging, train employees, showcase products, or energize your social media presence, this hands-on program will show you how.
And here’s the best part: you won’t just be watching. You’ll be making. Bring a laptop, roll up your sleeves, and walk away with a ready-to-use promotional video crafted alongside two world-class presenters.
Meet the Presenters
Lucien Harriot – Futurist, VFX Supervisor & President of Mechanism Digital
Lucien Harriot has been at the forefront of animation, CGI, and emerging media for nearly three decades. As the
founder of Mechanism Digital in New York City, he has led award-winning projects across film, TV, healthcare, and corporate communications. A recognized thought leader in Generative AI, Harriot authored the AI chapter of the upcoming VES Handbook and created the GenAI2.0 webinar series. He has a gift for helping businesses harness the power of advanced workflows and storytelling to make production more efficient, more creative, and more competitive.
Steve Lance – Emmy Award® Winner, Author & Branding Expert
With three Emmy Awards® and multiple best-selling books to his name, Steve Lance has built a career on helping businesses “get with the times” and stay ahead of trends. He has trained marketing departments at more than 200 Fortune 500 companies, teaching them to write smarter, brand stronger, and use AI tools to move faster. Lance also co-authored The Little Blue Book of Advertising and The Little Blue Book of Marketing and continues to guide companies across industries on how to connect with modern audiences.
Together, Harriot and Lance will bring their unique blend of cutting-edge technology and
Continued on Page 26
Lucien Harriot
Steve Lance
Continued from Page 25
proven marketing strategy to NATM’s first ever marketing-focused Convention Workshop.
Why This Matters for Trailer Manufacturers
Marketing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about building trailers—but in today’s competitive environment, it’s just as important as welding a strong frame or sourcing quality components. Harriot and Lance’s biggest message? Even small “mom and pop” shops can compete effectively by embracing today’s tools.
Mark Your Calendars
Workshop 2: AI in Action: Make Your First Company Video While We Talk
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas
Don’t Come Alone—Bring Your Marketing Team!
This is not just a session for owners and executives—it’s a workshop designed for entire marketing teams. If your company has a marketing manager, sales lead, or social media specialist, make sure they’re at the 2026 NATM Convention & Trade Show
Workshop Session 1: Humanize Before You Monetize – T.I.E. Relationships to Revenue
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Technical Forum Session 1: Driving Efficiency in Trailer Manufacturing – The Case for Automation
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Lunch and Legislation: Government Affairs Lunch & Learn
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Exhibitor Move In Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Workshop Session 2: AI in Action: Make Your First Company Video While We Talk
2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Technical Forum Session 2: Fasteners 101 & Beyond
2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
NATM PAC Reception**
3:50 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Newcomer Orientation & Reception
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
**The PAC Reception may only be attended by NATM's "Restricted Class," which includes certain NATM employees, individual and other noncorporate NATM Members, and certain employees of corporate members with pre-approval.
President’s Reception 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 25th
Registration 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Move-In 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Bacon & Brilliance: Association Update and Awards Brunch
CVP Failures and Trailer Technology Workshop 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Exhibitor Move Out Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Convention Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
By Aileen Valido, NATM Events Director
Sponsoring the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention & Trade Show is a powerful way to showcase your brand, connect with industry decisionmakers, and demonstrate your commitment to the trailer manufacturing community. This is the event where your company can make a lasting impression and generate meaningful engagement with key industry professionals.
Sponsorships are still available for the 2026 NATM Convention & Trade Show. The success of the NATM Convention is directly tied to the support of its generous sponsors. There are marketing and general sponsorship opportunities available from $500 to $50,000 to fit any budget and strategy, including networking receptions, the Educational Workshops and Technical Forums, Trade Show lounges, and more!
Being a sponsor allows your company early access to booth selection for the 2027 Convention and provides a wide range of exposure, both electronically on NATM’s website and mobile app, and in print in several issues of Tracks Magazine. This name recognition will help drive customers to your booth and provide unique opportunities for your team to make meaningful connections with attendees.
NATM will work with you to find the sponsorship opportunity that best fits your company’s goals. Several key sponsorships are still available and expected to sell out fast.
Available Sponsorship Opportunities:
› Aisle Signs – $3,000 (12 Available) – Promote your brand and get noticed as soon as attendees step foot on the show floor with these hanging signs.
› Virtual Swag Bag Emails – $1,000 – Reach attendees ahead of the event with your coupons, special event offers, and booth information by advertising in the 2026 NATM Convention Virtual Swag Bag emails featuring exhibitor highlights and special offers. Sponsors will provide an 8.5 x 11 inch PDF – the Virtual Swag Bag is digital, so companies are encouraged to make their artwork interactive. The Virtual Swag Bag will be distributed to attendees twice ahead of the event.
Continued on Page 30
Continued from Page 28
› #NATMShow Welcome Event Drink Sponsor –$8,000 – You’ll be the life of the party by becoming the hero who fuels everyone’s favorite part of the welcome bash – the bar! Keep the good times pouring by stepping up as the official Welcome Event Drink Sponsor. Your logo will be placed on signage and attendee drink tickets.
› #NATMShow Welcome Event Food Sponsor –$8,000 – Keep the #NATMShow crowd energized by sponsoring the food at the Welcome Event, where they’ll be mingling all night. Your logo will shine bright on our signage for all to see!
› Technical Forum Sessions – $8,000 – By sponsoring the Technical Forums, your company will get the opportunity to briefly speak before each session begins and branded table signs placed on tables each day. Branded materials may also be set out by the sponsor - pens and a notepad are always a good option!
› Educational Workshop Sessions – $8,000 – By sponsoring the Educational Workshops your company will get the opportunity to briefly speak before each session begins and branded table signs placed on tables each day. Branded materials may also be set out by the sponsor – pens and a notepad are always a good option!
› Main Lounge – $10,000 – This lounge is sure to be
an attendee favorite. Entertainment will be created for this lounge such as singers, impersonators, or activities. Work with NATM to find the ideal fit for your company (pricing may vary)!
› Charging Lounge – $6,000 – This lounge will feature seating for attendees to take a moment to relax or network and charge their equipment.
› Overall Sponsor App – $9,000 – Our newly redesigned app is an attendee favorite that saw a record-breaking number of users last year! Your company’s logo will be proudly displayed for all app users to see every time they open it.
› New Trailer Manufacturer Promotion – $2,500 (Co-Sponsorship Available) – Spice up the trailer party at the Trade Show by backing the New Trailer Manufacturer Promotion! Your booth details will be featured in every new member registration pack, your logo will be added to the official New Trailer Manufacturer Promotion Submission form, and you’ll be featured in social media posts featuring the promo.
You can find the full 2026 Sponsorship Brochure at NATM.com/Sponsor.
For all Trade Show or sponsorship questions, please contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at (785) 272-4433 or Aileen.Valido@natm.com. NATM looks forward to seeing you all in Fort Worth! ■
Tough tape with embossed PVC surface prevents stone chips and scratches from damaging your paintwork. Available in colors or transparent.
Reserve Your 2026 Convention Booth Today
By Aileen Valido, NATM Events Director
Booth sales for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) 2026 Convention & Trade Show at the Fort Worth Convention Center, Feb. 23-26, are still underway — NATM has already gone through all the phased selections! With 77% of the space already reserved, it’s a great time to jump in and choose your spot using Map Your Show’s easy online booth selection tool.
This event is the perfect opportunity for lightand medium-duty trailer manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to connect, showcase their latest products, and explore new innovations. Booths are $2,100 for NATM Members and $4,200 for non-members and
include two complimentary booth worker registrations.
Reserve your hotel rooms at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel now by visiting NATM.com/Hotel-Information. The NATM room block rates are $269 a night. The Fort Worth Convention Center is the host site for the trade show exhibit hall, workshops, networking events.
Experience the excitement— reserve your booth today!
Please reach out to NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@ natm.com or (785) 272-4433. ■
Big changes are sizzling for the 2026 National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, and it all starts with brunch. These changes were developed collaboratively with the NATM Convention Committee, incorporating valuable feedback from the 2025 Convention Survey and insights from NATM Staff.
NATM is unveiling a bold new Wednesday morning event: Bacon & Brilliance: Association Update and Awards Brunch, proudly sponsored by Optronics. This dynamic opening session replaces the traditional early workshops with an NATM-focused experience that brings the community together over great food and meaningful updates on the Association’s success.
On the Menu:
› State of the Association Address
› Annual Membership Awards
› Exciting Video Updates on Programming such as the NATM Academy, National Safe Trailering
Council (NSTC), and Trailer Safety Week
› And, yes—bacon and other brunch favorites galore!
This Wednesday brunch will replace the “Lunch with Exhibitors” boxed lunches on the Trade Show floor, but concession stands will be available. After brunch, the momentum continues as attendees head straight into the exhibit hall for the Trade Show, ensuring strong foot traffic from the moment the doors open.
New: Tuesday’s Government Affairs Lunch & Learn
Also new for 2026: Tuesday’s Awards Lunch and Keynote Speaker will instead evolve into a Government Affairs Lunch & Learn with NATM’s government affairs representatives K&L Gates offering valuable insight into legislative and regulatory developments shaping our industry, alongside food and networking.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates to come at NATM.com/Convention. ■
By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
Dueling Pianos Return for Convention Welcome Event
By Aileen Valido, NATM Events Director
Kick off the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention & Trade Show in February with an evening of music, fun, and connection at the Dueling Pianos Welcome Event Reception! NATM is thrilled to invite attendees to this lively reception, taking place on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The night promises connection, networking, and the excitement of live dueling piano performances.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center
Price: Included with Trailer Manufacturer Full Registrations, $80 for all other registrants (includes two drink tickets, dinner, and an evening full of dueling pianos fun)
The Welcome Event offers amazing networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with fellow NATM Members, build new industry relationships, and enjoy the highenergy entertainment provided by dueling pianos.
To Register:
New this year: Trailer Manufacturer Full Registrations automatically include access to the NATM Welcome Event!
For non-Trailer Manufacturer Registrations, tickets are $80 per person. To secure your spot, visit NATM.com.
Registration Questions? Contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at (785) 2724433 or Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com. ■
Experience the Thrill of Innovation: Exclusive Offer for New NATM Trailer Manufacturers at 2026 Convention
By
Elevate your industry presence as the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) extends a warm invitation to new NATM Members for the 2026 NATM Convention & Trade Show in the vibrant city of Fort Worth, Texas, from Feb. 23-26, 2026! NATM is thrilled to announce the New Trailer Manufacturer Promotion, an opportunity for NATM Trailer Manufacturer Members who have not experienced the excitement of the NATM Convention & Trade Show previously, or who have not attended in the last five years.
This promotion entitles eligible trailer manufacturing companies that have not attended the NATM Convention & Trade Show in the last five years to two complimentary full registrations, two complimentary spouse/partner registrations, and the added luxury of one free hotel room night per qualifying company! Seize the chance to immerse yourself in
industry insights and dynamic networking at this premier event.
The NATM Convention & Trade Show is the annual trade show for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. With an attendance of over 1,500 trailer manufacturers and suppliers each year, this “must attend” event promises a wealth of education, networking opportunities, and industry insights. The 2025 Trade Show witnessed the participation of more than 230 exhibiting companies, offering attendees a diverse array of cutting-edge products and services.
To see if you qualify for the New Attendee Promotion, reach out to NATM Membership & Events Coordinator, Catie Rutkowski, at Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com or call (785) 2724433. Elevate your industry engagement and be part of the excitement that defines the NATM Convention & Trade Show! ■
• 16K Capacity for use with 5" round Disc or Drum Brake Axles
• Integrated height control valve
• Compact design for increased up travel
• Maintenance free "Shear bolt" attaching hanger to the beam
• Bolt-on Lift Kit and Turn Key Air Compressor Kits available
NATM Dealer AffiliatesKnow Your Association Benefits
By NATM Dealer Team
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has been hard at work over recent years adding to its NATM Dealer Affiliate benefits. With recent additions to the lineup, it can be tricky to keep track of all that’s available to you.
Whether you are a longtime Dealer Affiliate or just getting started, NATM wants you to use your benefits to the fullest. There are five primary categories for which dealer affiliate benefits fall under.
Education and Resources
This category of the Dealer Affiliate Program aims to provide dealers with access to professional development opportunities, industry knowledge sharing, and resources for consumer education and awareness of safe trailering.
Online Education through NATM Academy
Full courses, micro-courses, and professional development training are accessible online and ondemand through the NATM Academy. Dealers and their staff are able to complete education on their own time through the NATM’s online education platform.
All course content has been created with industry subject matter experts to guarantee relevance to dealers, with content organized under the following focus areas:
› Technician Training
› Leadership Development
› Human Resources
› Operations Management
› Sales Department Management
The NATM Academy launched in February 2025 and is available to all membership types within NATM for free. To access the NATM Academy, go to NATM.com/Academy.
Education and Resources for Dealers’ Customers
In addition to education and resources for dealer owners and their staff, the Dealer Affiliate Program will be offering additional resources for dealers to pass on to their customers. With its focus on safe trailering, NATM can serve as a bridge between dealers and their customers. NATM is stepping up its efforts to improve the safety of the nation’s roadways through increased awareness of safe trailering. And as an NATM Dealer Affiliate, dealers show to customers that same commitment to safety.
Dealer Affiliates have access right away to NATM’s existing trailer safety education resources such as brochures on safe towing, pre-departure checklists, and fact sheets on state towing laws, regulations and requirements. On top of that, NATM is working on creating an even more robust catalog of customer resources on safe trailering, including a suite of online interactive tools like a glossary of trailering terms,
guides on how to understand trailer labels and weight ratings, as well as infographics on how to properly load a trailer.
Network and Community
The NATM Dealer Affiliate Program provides many opportunities for dealers and their staff to engage with each other and industry partners — the program itself is built by the community of trailer dealers.
NATM Connect — A Private Online Community Forum
NATM Connect at Forum.NATM.com is an online community forum where Dealer Affiliates can engage in discussion and receive feedback and resources from other professional peers around the trailer industry. The community forum is private and provides a space for authentic discussion that doesn’t include pushy sales pitches or outsiders with unclear motives.
NATM Dealer Affiliates are encouraged to share successes and challenges, bring questions, give constructive feedback, and provide perspective in all manners related to operating and working at a trailer dealership.
The community forum is structured like any other discussion board. Users can post topics and pose questions under industry specific and relevant categories. This includes categories that align with other dealer program benefits, such as sales, parts, and service department operations, leadership development, financial management, office management, and talent and HR management. In addition, users can create categories to really make the forum their own.
Opportunities for Volunteering through the NATM Dealer Affiliate Committee
NATM is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the success of the trailer industry. It exists to serve the industry and can only operate with participation from Dealer Affiliates. With that in mind, there are opportunities for dealers to volunteer with the Association to help build programs like the Dealer Affiliate Program.
The purpose of the trailer Dealer Affiliate Committee is to help ensure that NATM continues to deliver value that aligns with dealer needs. This committee will guide continued program development and serves as an opportunity to unify the industry and improve trailer safety. Dealer Affiliates serve on the committee for a year at a time and are given the opportunity to work on projects with other dealers as well as NATM Staff, providing a meaningful volunteer experience.
NATM Trailer Expo
The NATM Trailer Expo brings together dealers from across the nation to network and learn how other dealerships are addressing challenges and adapting. It features Dealer Roundtables to network peer-to-peer with leaders; dealer-led workshops on best practices; connecting with trailer manufacturers and suppliers; and learn from experts on economics and management practices.
This not-for-profit educational event is centered on helping trailer dealers meet with their peers and expand their knowledge and grow and improve their businesses.
Services and Solutions
When professionals in an industry come together with their association, there are huge benefits. One of the benefits is a market curated specifically for dealers’ business needs. This third benefit category — services and solutions — will take form in two major ways.
Affinity and Discount Programs
In addition to the existing services available to Dealer Affiliates, NATM will be building out its affinity program to offer beneficial services and solutions to dealers. The NATM affinity programs are thoroughly vetted by dealers to ensure the program is beneficial and provides true cost savings.
Continued on Page 40
exciting company happenings, the NATM Member News section is the perfect place to feature them.
News and Publications
Tracks Magazine
NATM Dealer Program Affiliates continue to receive a subscription to Tracks Magazine. Printed bimonthly, the magazine includes technical articles, industry updates, Association news as well as other relevant topics for the trailer industry.
What do you want to read about? NATM is always taking requests on what dealers find relevant and want to read about. Tracks also regularly hosts articles featuring dealers and their businesses at no cost! If you have a topic suggestion or are interested in a feature article, contact Advertising@natm.com.
NATM Member News Blog
Have news you want to share with the entire trailer industry? This online platform serves as an avenue for members and affiliates to share their company news with the rest of the trailer industry. Whether it’s the latest press release, a product announcement, or other
Dealer Monthly eNewsletter
In the coming months, NATM will be developing a monthly eNewsletter specifically for trailer dealers with curated topics just for them.
Industry Data and Surveys
NATM will be providing valuable industry data and surveys so dealers can forecast trends and measure their business operations against the broader industry.
This category will focus on three major areas including economic outlook webinars and resources, trailer dealer industry surveys, and workforce surveys. More details will be coming in the future.
As NATM Staff and the Dealer Affiliate Committee continue to expand the NATM Dealer Affiliate Program, NATM would love to hear from you. If you’d like to become an NATM Dealer Affiliate and have access to all of these benefits, contact Membership Specialist Kevin Sander at Kevin.Sander@natm.com. ■
Continue Your Expo Connections on NATM Connect
By Izabella Chesney, NATM Marketing Specialist
With the highs of the first ever National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Trailer Expo still fresh on everyone’s minds, the Association couldn’t be happier with all the genuine connection and memories made. From a fully sold-out expo hall to 10+ hours of education carefully curated with dealers in mind, it was a success! Many of you took advantage of the networking opportunities, with fun events like the Trailer Tunes: Welcome Bash, Happy Hour with Down2Earth/Triple Crown, and the Dealer Reception.
Deep conversations were had, connections were made and just because the 2025 Trailer Expo is now over, doesn’t mean those relationships need to be. Dealer attendees can continue their conversations on NATM Connect! NATM Connect is an online community forum where Dealer Affiliates can engage in discussion and receive feedback and resources from other professional peers around the trailer industry. The community forum is private and provides a space for authentic discussion that doesn’t include pushy sales pitches or outsiders with unclear motives.
NATM Dealer Affiliates are encouraged to share successes and challenges, bring questions, give constructive feedback, and provide perspective in all manners related to operating and working at a trailer dealership. It’s a way for you and your staff to connect with likeminded individuals and grow in the trailer industry.
Why should you and your dealership staff use NATM Connect?
Support and Collaboration
If you operate with a small team, NATM Connect allows staff to gain support and opportunities to collaborate that potentially they are unable to do with just their coworkers, which could aid in improving their job functions and help them succeed. This is a great chance to talk to others because they may have had similar experiences and be able to assist
in providing different solutions and points of views.
Access to Knowledge and Expertise
NATM Dealer Affiliates represent the core knowledge base of the industry and decades of crucial experience. NATM Connect allows you to instantly tap into that expertise. Whether you keep running into supply shortages or just want to try a new product or company for your business, you can get expert advice from your fellow dealers.
Opportunities for Networking
NATM Connect allows you to build your network, forming bonds and relationships for both professional and personal growth and development. The trailer industry is a tight knit community, and it can be hard to connect with all dealers. This is a great chance to expand your network and resources.
Increased Staff Motivation and Engagement
Sharing experiences and common interests can lead to greater staff motivation and engagement as it helps your staff learn and grow in their jobs. This means your staff gets the chance to connect with others in similar situations in the industry and can be inspired by others to try new and innovative practices. When you and your team have a consistent support system to look to when in need, you are guaranteed to look at problems in a different light as well as find solutions with more ease.
Don’t let the connections you made at the 2025 Trailer Expo end. Connect through NATM Connect and watch your network grow! Whether you have follow-up questions or want to continue roundtable discussions, NATM Connect is the perfect way to nourish your connections and grow your network and knowledge. Access NATM Connect at Forum.NATM.com. ■
Is Your Service Team Ready to Stand Out?
By Izabella Chesney, NATM Marketing Specialist
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) loves highlighting its Members and Dealer Affiliates! Call to Service (CTS) is a marketing campaign to highlight and acknowledge service departments for their vital contribution to the success of trailer dealerships. Highlighting this part of the industry is important so you can humanize and personalize your customer experiences. Being able to show off the talents and skills you have readily available creates a sense of pride for you, your team, and the company as a whole. Your service technicians work incredibly hard to ensure customers leave the shop with safety at the forefront and memories of incredible customer service, recognizing that is a great way to encourage that behavior and results for the future.
In fact, recognizing your teams and departments individually is also a great way to expand your marketing content and increase engagement. Your customers who follow you get to see what makes you, you behind the scenes. Every staff member has an impact and using that as a marketing tool to not only show a sense of pride in your team, but also share it with your community is an important branding tool.
Over the last year, it has been a privilege to highlight service teams across the country. The industry loves hearing how your service technicians are making a difference in your communities, so why not show them off all over again? Here’s a recap of the 2025 CTS features!
Maine Trailer, Inc.
NATM got the opportunity to speak with Maine Trailer’s Marketing Manager Chris Brady and Operations Manager Rick Hathaway and dove deep into what makes their Service Department so unique!
Maine Trailer has five pillars to its business: sales, leasing, parts, services, and registration. If it has to do with trailers or containers, they do it, and they have you covered in all aspects of it. They wanted to make it an easy one-stop shop for their community. Their service department began as a need to keep their trailers going, but it grew to become something that their customers could depend on.
The Maine Trailer service team installs a University of Maine Bears logo to a cargo container. Photo provided by Maine Trailer.
Their service department is a powerhouse, but their skill set and ability to adapt to their community’s needs is really what makes them shine. From turning a 24-foot enclosed trailer to a smokehouse trailer for their local fire training institutes to working with their local power company to create a 53-foot step deck with an entire substation on it; their skills have been put to the test time and time again. Maine Trailer is all about rising to the occasion and supporting their community, which made them a perfect nominee for the Call to Service Campaign!
Happy Trailers
NATM spoke with Director of Business Development Derek Canady and Director of Operations Poncho Froese about the company and what makes them shine out against the rest. Happy Trailers has 63 employees across 11 locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma.
The service department has been an integral part of Happy Trailers since the beginning of the business.
In addition to their skilled technicians and passion for amazing customer service, Happy Trailers’ service department is committed to standardization across the company. With 11 locations scattered across two different states, they pride themselves on offering quality services and a standard to go along with them. One of the most rewarding things for the Happy Trailers service team is the flexibility they can offer their customers. Happy Trailers’ passion for their customers and their dedication to going above and beyond to ensure their customers are safe on the road are what made them a perfect Call to Service nominee to shine a light on!
The Trailer Guy
NATM got the opportunity to speak with husband and wife duo, Brandon and Denise Scholle, about what makes their service department so special and why they stand out in the crowd. While The Trailer Guy can help you with all things trailer related, they specialize in trailer repair and parts for horse, boat, and landscape trailers and campers. The Trailer Guy pushes out between 600700 trailers a year as a small shop, which is an exciting accomplishment that shows their passion for growing and sharing knowledge of the trailer industry with others.
The Scholles are passionate about educating others on trailer needs and safety. Not only do they pay special attention to solving any trailer problems and concerns, they also educate their customers. Along with getting to work together every day on their shared passions, the Scholles also find it rewarding to be a part of their community. They are heavily active in community events and make sure to interact with others around them while they are out and about. Their unique service-focused business, passion for trailer safety, and their love and dedication to their community are what made them a perfect nominee for the Call to Service campaign!
Are You and Your Service Team NATM’s Next CTS Nominee?
Do you and your service team have what it takes to stand out and shine? Are you dedicated to excelling at your craft and showcasing the hard work you and your team put in? Are you looking to be recognized alongside the current nominees? This is your chance to become NATM’s next Call to Service nominee!
A simple and quick form will get you in contact with NATM Marketing Specialist Izabella Chesney, where you will be able to share your service team’s skills and talents in the trailer industry. Have questions? You can contact Izabella at Izabella.Chesney@natm.com for more details. ■
TOP: Brandon Scholle of The Trailer Guy, LLC, works on repairs in the shop. Photo provided by The Trailer Guy. BOTTOM: A Happy Trailer crew member works on a customer’s braking system. Photo provided by Happy Trailers.
Get Ready, Texas: NATM Trailer Expo Returns for Second Annual Event!
By NATM Staff
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is thrilled to announce that the second annual NATM Trailer Expo will take place Oct. 6-8, 2026, in none other than Fort Worth, Texas — a city perfectly positioned in the heart of one of the largest trailer manufacturing and sales hubs in the country. If there’s one place made for drive-in attendance and next-level industry connection, it’s Texas.
This iconic city blends Western heritage with modern flair — and just so happens to be home to a vibrant trailer manufacturing scene. With countless trailer dealers and manufacturers located within a day’s drive, Fort Worth is the ideal location to bring the industry together. Beyond its business appeal, Fort Worth offers attendees a taste of true Texas hospitality: amazing BBQ, world-class entertainment, and an authentic cowboy culture that makes every visit unforgettable. So, whether you’re coming for the connections, the education, or the brisket — you’re covered.
The NATM Dealer Committee and Team have been hard at work designing an event that’s packed with meaningful education, relevant networking, and dealer-driven experiences. The second annual NATM Trailer Expo promises something for everyone in the industry — and then some.
Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Top-Tier Education
From energizing keynote speakers to industry-led workshops, the Trailer Expo is loaded with insights designed to help trailer dealers sharpen their competitive edge. Whether you’re focused on dealership finances, economic trends, or operational know-how, NATM is confident this lineup will empower you to elevate your business.
Education Types & Formats
› Workshops
These 60-90 minute classroom-style sessions allow for deeper exploration of today’s most relevant topics, all delivered by respected leaders in the field.
› Dealer Roundtables
A brand-new format! This 60-minute peer-to-peer session groups dealers with their peers for open, moderated discussions on operations and leadership. It’s where real-world experience meets shared success.
See You in Texas!
Mark your calendars, prep your trucks, and get ready to roll into Fort Worth next October. Stay tuned for more updates, workshop descriptions, and registration details coming soon at TrailerExpo.com. ■
Photo by Austin James.
Protection for the long (or short) haul.
Carlisle polyurea is a spray-on protective coating developed for high contact surfaces and corrosion susceptible areas for trailer applications.
There’s nothing it can’t handle; our coatings are your best, most durable defense against rust, weather, puncture, corrosion and more.
To learn about
call
High tensile strength material provides a superior, permanent layer of protection
Protects from impacts, abrasions and corrosion
Won’t flake, bubble or crack, no matter wha t
Trouble and maintenance free
Strengthening Your Supply Chain: Lessons from NATM’s Supplier Selection Webinar
By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director
Partnering with the right supplier is one of the most important decisions a trailer manufacturer can make. The suppliers you choose influence everything from product quality and delivery schedules to long-term cost management and overall business stability. On Aug. 14, 2025, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) hosted the webinar Supplier Selection & Cost Management: What Trailer Manufacturers Need to Know to help members navigate these critical choices.
Presented by Dan Long of FDL Components, the session reflected NATM’s mission to educate and equip members with tools that strengthen operations and improve safety across the trailer industry. Offered as a free member benefit, the webinar provided practical insights into supplier
evaluation, cost management strategies, and risk mitigation. Long drew on decades of global sourcing experience to give attendees a framework for making smarter, more resilient supplier decisions—knowledge that is especially valuable in today’s volatile trade and tariff environment.
Understanding Your Suppliers
Long stressed that manufacturers should take a step back and really understand the strengths and limitations of their current supplier partners. To help, he provided
Continued on Page 48
from Page
a detailed checklist that attendees can use to evaluate critical areas such as quality, delivery reliability, responsiveness, and overall business stability. This structured approach empowers companies to determine whether a supplier is capable of supporting long-term growth, or if it might be time to consider alternatives.
Single vs. Multiple Sourcing
The webinar explored the benefits and risks of different partnering strategies. Single sourcing can strengthen relationships and deliver cost savings through economies of scale, but it exposes businesses to greater risk if disruptions occur. On the other hand, multiple sourcing diversifies risk and encourages competitive pricing, though it introduces complexity in management and potential inconsistencies in quality. Many companies adopt a hybrid approach, tailoring their sourcing strategies based on the criticality of each component.
The Role of Country of Origin
Country of origin plays a major role in cost, logistics, tariffs, and even brand reputation. Manufacturers must weigh labor costs, shipping times, political stability, and ethical considerations such as labor and environmental practices. Recent tariff changes—such as those affecting imports from China, India, and Vietnam—underscore how quickly sourcing costs can shift due to policy decisions.
Keys to Negotiation
Long encouraged manufacturers to approach supplier negotiations with preparation and collaboration. Effective strategies include focusing on total cost of ownership rather than unit price, exploring creative agreements like vendor-managed inventory, and identifying indirect savings through packaging or freight. By approaching discussions as a partnership rather than a confrontation, manufacturers can often uncover solutions that benefit both sides.
Evaluating the Value Proposition
The webinar concluded with a reminder that the lowest price does not always mean the best deal. A supplier’s true value lies in their ability to consistently deliver
quality, support innovation, provide reliable logistics, and align with your company’s long-term direction.
This session underscored that supplier selection is not simply a purchasing decision, but a strategic choice that directly impacts quality, cost stability, and long-term business resilience. By equipping members with practical tools and real-world considerations, NATM’s educational programming ensures that manufacturers are better prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s global supply chain.
Members who were unable to attend this session may view the full recording by logging into their NATM Member Compass. Copies of the presentation and handouts are also available upon request by contacting Dan Long at dlong@fdlcomponents.com.
NATM welcomes member input on future educational offerings; if there is a webinar topic you would like to see addressed, please contact NATM Programming Director Ginger Baker-Sanhueza at Ginger.BakerSanhueza@natm.com. ■
Dan Long, FDL Components
De-Rating Trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings
By NATM General Counsel
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) regularly receives questions from trailer manufacturers regarding whether and under what conditions they should re-rate – usually de-rate – the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWRs) of their trailers once assigned and those assigned numbers are embedded into the trailers’ VIN tags. This rerating quandary typically arises in the context of responding to competitive pressures – a manufacturer’s dealer or that dealer’s customer requests, as a condition of purchase, that the trailer’s pre-assigned GVWR be de-rated for one or more reasons.
Before addressing de-rating in this article, it must be stated that NATM has no established policy on de-rating or rerating trailers. NATM takes the position that whether a manufacturer should engage in this practice and offer rerating as a service is a matter of individual choice. Below are some of the considerations a trailer manufacturer may want to weigh when deciding whether to de-rate in any instance.
As a general proposition, de-rating is not per se illegal, but it may pose certain liability risks for the manufacturer and dealer, depending upon the circumstances. In assessing those risks, the manufacturer will want to weigh the obvious “pros” against the foreseeable “cons.” Obvious benefits of de-rating include gaining a competitive edge: satisfying customer and/or dealer demand and meeting the “competition” that offers de-rating.
In analyzing those pros and cons, it is important to break down the act of re-rating into two distinct categories, dependent upon when the act occurs, before or after first retail sale, a timing-based distinction. Before the first retail sale, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has jurisdiction over trailer safety and GVWR assignments. It defines GVWR as the “value specified by the [vehicle] manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.” In essence, NHTSA leaves it up to the manufacturer to rate its trailers. Under NHTSA’s regulations, only a trailer’s original manufacturer, final-stage manufacturer and alterer* may assign or modify (i.e., re-rate) a trailer’s GVWR (*NHTSA defines an “alterer” as a person who, prior to first retail sale, “alters by addition, substitution, or removal of components of a certified vehicle (other than readily attachable components)”). That re-rating must occur prior to the first retail sale. NHTSA, in official letters of interpretation, takes the position that the GVWR of a trailer, as assigned at the time of first retail sale, is that trailer’s GVWR “for life” unless assigned in error (a miscalculation or typo) in which case it may be corrected.
After first retail sale, NHTSA’s jurisdiction ceases and those now “used” trailers come under the jurisdiction of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA has no regulations on its books dealing with GVWRs or their re-ratings. It has, however, unofficially indicated it is not concerned, as a safety regulator, about re-rating or de-rating.
Other government entities with regulatory authority could impact a trailer manufacturer’s plan to de-rate GVWRs. State departments of motor vehicles (or whatever they may be called in your state) may have adopted rules, regulations, or laws warranting your careful review before re-rating “used” trailers. States possess substantial powers to regulate used motor vehicles and several individual states have laws on the books addressing GVWRs as well as VINs and manufacturer statements of origin (MSOs). The applicable state laws must be examined carefully and not just those of the states where the trailer is manufactured or where the de-rating occurs, but also the states where the trailer’s owner will be based and where the trailer will be registered and primarily operated. Those laws will vary from state to state.
In addition, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (through IRS’s enforcement of the Federal Excise Tax) publishes rules potentially affecting trailer de-rating practices. The IRS imposes a 12% federal excise tax (FET) on the sale of new “heavy” trailers, those with GVWRs in excess of 26,000 lbs. The IRS accepts the GVWR listed on the trailer’s MSO (or MCO) as its GVWR for purposes of FET assessment, subject to certain IRS “rules.” Those IRS “rules” require the GVWR be the maximum total weight of the loaded trailer, taking into account, among other factors, (1) its chassis frame strength, axle capacity and placement and (2) the GVWR the manufacturer specified at the time the trailer required no additional manufacturing. While the IRS has no regulations governing re-rating, it will disallow a de-rating that sets the new GVWR below 26,000 lbs if the IRS concludes that this lower GVWR violates the IRS “rule” on setting GVWRs.
The principal “con” to de-rating is the potential liability exposure facing the trailer manufacturer and perhaps the dealer. It is tied to the primary purpose driving the specific request for de-rating, often intended to circumvent legal requirements. Here is a non-inclusive list of typical reasons, some to benefit the trailer owner, some the manufacturer:
› to avoid federal heavy-vehicle excise tax (reduce below 26,000 lbs)
› to avoid keeping drivers’ logs (reduce below 10,000 lbs)
› to justify not attaching rear underride guards (reduce below 10,000 lbs)
› to avoid state laws requiring brakes
› to correct VIN/certification tag error (in computation or a typo)
The potential liability, arising in some instances when derating occurs, is more acute when the de-rating follows the initial retail sale. Below is a list of just some areas of liability exposure for the trailer manufacturer or whoever approves and/or carries out the de-rating:
› violation of state laws on re-rating GVWRs
› conflict with original GVWR listed on MSO/MCOs
› conflict with original GVWR listed on VIN tags
› conflict with IRS rules governing FET GVWR computation
› product liability under common law from excessive de-rating (e.g. 45,000 lbs to 25,500 lbs) when the intent is to circumvent CDL, FMVSS 224, drivers’ logs, or state brake requirements
To minimize those risks, the prudent manufacturer would be well advised to furnish the trailer owner requesting derating a disclaimer and require (or at least request) the owner to enter into a hold-harmless agreement as a condition to de-rating. The greater the risk of liability, the greater the need for a disclaimer and hold-harmless agreement.
Your analysis of whether to de-rate becomes easier if you start by differentiating between two distinct categories of de-rating, one based upon timing (pre-sale vs. post-sale) and one based upon size thresholds (26,000 lbs vs. 10,000 lbs). Here, for example, is one analytical approach to de-rating that factors in purpose and risk:
Pre-sale:
› NHTSA has jurisdiction
› only manufacturer (original or finalstage) and alterer may de-rate
› arguably may delegate de-rating to dealer (but have to issue new MSO)
› unlimited freedom (from regulatory constraints) to de-rate
› ensure GVWR on VIN lines up with new de-rated GVWR
Post-sale:
› FMCSA and states have jurisdiction, but FMCSA is silent
› some states regulate changes in GVWR, VINs and MSOs
› state law where trailer is registered governs
› must take into account product liability exposure of manufacturer/dealer
Medium-duty trailers (26,000 lbs GVWR or less)
› when de-rating, manufacturer/dealer should assist owner to correct VIN, MSO and registration documents (if any) in accordance with state law
› GVWR, as de-rated, must comply with IRS guidelines (no issue if FET already paid on original GVWR)
› liability exposure (of manufacturer/dealer) increases as magnitude of de-rating below 26,000 lbs increases, especially when driver lacks a CDL
Light-duty trailers (10,000 lbs GVWR or less)
› when de-rating, manufacturer/dealer should assist owner to correct VIN, MSO and registration documents (if any) in accordance with state law
› significant liability exposure for manufacturer/dealer if trailer lacks brakes otherwise required under state law or lacks (or has had removed) rear underride impact guards
While the focus of this article is on de-rating, substantially increasing the trailer’s assigned GVWR is a form of re-rating which also poses a significant liability risk. For example, re-rating an 8,000 lbs GVWR trailer to 10,000 lbs could spell trouble when the trailer’s axles, tires, coupler, safety chains and frame or structure have ratings suitable for transporting 8,000 lbs, but not 10,000 lbs. It artificially inflates the cargo carrying capacity of the trailer, stressing the running gear and frame/structure of the trailer when loaded to capacity, especially if the owner does not load the trailer properly. Additionally, unless corrected, the original MSO may misstate the trailer’s tire rating or weight capacity. For more information, contact NATM Technical Director Scott Crimmins at Scott.Crimmins@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■
NATM Academy Course Highlight: How to Attract and Retain Top Talent
By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director
Abusiness is only as strong as the people who work within it. For trailer manufacturers, attracting and keeping skilled employees has become one of the most pressing challenges in today’s industry. Retention is a constant conversation across the sector, and companies without dedicated HR departments often struggle to access the tools and training needed to address it effectively.
That’s where the NATM Academy comes in.
About the NATM Academy
The NATM Academy is a dedicated learning platform built exclusively for NATM Members. It provides ondemand training and resources designed to strengthen member businesses and improve the trailer manufacturing industry as a whole. With a wide range of course series—covering everything from technical skills and safety standards to leadership, marketing, and HR— the Academy ensures that learners can access education tailored to their roles and business needs.
and provides practical strategies to ensure businesses are not only finding the right people but also keeping them engaged and committed for the long term.
Participants will explore:
› The Importance of Talent Management –Why it is crucial for organizational success and the building blocks of an effective strategy.
For many Members, the HR series fills an important gap. Not every NATM Member has an HR department, but every business needs HR knowledge to recruit, retain, and develop top talent. The Academy provides members with the resources to tackle these challenges head-on.
HR 1002 – How to Attract and Retain Top Talent
One of the most timely and valuable offerings in the HR series is NATM HR 1002: How to Attract and Retain Top Talent. This course walks learners through the entire employee lifecycle, from recruiting to transition,
› Attracting and Sourcing Talent
– Proven methods for identifying qualified candidates and creating a compelling employer brand.
› Retention Strategies – Best practices to reduce turnover by focusing on employee engagement, recognition, and career development.
› Developing Internal Talent
– How to build impactful training programs and create a pipeline of skilled employees from within.
This course reinforces the idea that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a business. By equipping manufacturers with tools to attract, engage, and grow top talent, NATM Academy is helping members address one of the industry’s most pressing concerns.
Accessing the Course
The NATM Academy is offered as a member benefit at no additional cost, making it an accessible and powerful resource to develop both technical knowledge and essential business skills. To enroll in HR 1002: How to Attract and Retain Top Talent—or to explore the full catalog of courses—visit NATM.com/Academy. ■
The Sustainability Corner
The Recycling Basics
By Bo Howard, Shapiro
In modern-day manufacturing, byproducts are an inevitable part of the process. While you can improve your processes and reduce waste, it’s unavoidable. The question becomes: Is all waste created equal? If not, why?
Why is it that your metal is going to be recycled without considering the process, and other streams, some of which could also be recycled, are landfilled without any consideration? How have we as manufacturers learned to improve so many facets of business, but waste is dropped in the alley with minimal thought to where it goes?
Perhaps it’s time to rethink your recycling and waste streams if it hasn’t been done in a while. Each company will have its own journey towards waste reduction and recycling goals, so don’t worry if this doesn’t sound like the direction your company is heading in. Progress is progress, and it won’t always look the same.
If it’s metal, it’s money. This has been what has propelled the recycling industry for generations. Today, we think about what the environmental costs, or improvements
are, but the truth is, most people get paid for their metal, making it an easy program that most companies are probably doing now. However, even within that segment of manufacturing byproducts, there are still opportunities for optimization. Are you sorting your materials as best as possible? If not, you’re giving up value because you’ll have to pay your recycling company to do that for you. You also should consider “right-sizing” your equipment to ensure you’re optimizing your program.
Beyond that, cardboard is something that is widely recycled, has value, and is often discarded by manufacturers. So far this year, cardboard has had an average price of over $70 per net ton delivered into mills. Several variables influence the value of your cardboard. Still, if you’re paying to throw it away, you’re paying a charge instead of potentially generating revenue, and you’re missing the chance to save a lot of trees. It takes 17 on average to make one ton of cardboard.
Continued on Page 54
Wood can be tricky, but there are more options available beyond simply discarding it. There are opportunities to reuse them or find a company that buys, repairs, and sells used pallets back into the market. There are cities and municipalities across the country that have mulching programs. Instead of sending valuable board feet of lumber to waste, they can be converted to mulch for flower beds, playgrounds, and walking trails.
Plastics can be complex due to the various grades and levels of contamination. Still, how much of a particular kind of plastic are you throwing away? Maybe you can’t go to zero plastic in your waste stream immediately, but those plastic bottles are easy to recycle, and all the plastic film that protects the final product surface finish can be baled and remade into everything from a protective film for the next part, stretch wrap for your food, or even broken down into base components to be remade into anything.
One of the primary challenges to getting started is sometimes the idea that you have to put some level of effort into recycling, but you won’t always see a big benefit from it. Like we said earlier, if it’s metal, it’s money. Your business will benefit from that program, making it easy to do. For some, it’s not as obvious. One way to shift your perception of the challenge is to refocus on what it actually costs to landfill something.
Landfilling has the more obvious costs that you can find (you may have to do some digging to see it, but it’s there). To throw something away is to pay tipping fees, operational costs to the landfill, and tonnage costs that include everything from profit for the waste management company to a percentage that’s set aside for the eventual closing and management of the site when your community reaches the maximum amount of tonnage your dump was approved for.
Beyond those charges, you will often find that your tax dollars are at work to offset some of the costs, so you are
paying for this service both directly and indirectly. Subsidies for site management, infrastructure costs (those trucks aren’t free, and those employees aren’t either), and builtin taxes are used as an offset, making the cost of disposal seem less than it really is. The taxes you pay aren’t a plan to disguise expenses as much as they are to cover the basic programs your community has available to the public, but those numbers have grown considerably as we’ve all become trained to the take-make-waste model of consumption.
The last component to consider is the hidden cost to society. Your waste’s journey to the dump is filled with greenhouse gas emissions to get there, and even more once it’s there, as it breaks down. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions in the US, behind the agriculture and energy sectors. If you’re lucky, you don’t have to live or work near your local landfill. There are approximately two million people in the U.S. who live within one mile of a landfill, and this number grows exponentially as the radius increases. As we have all discovered in our travels, being close to a landfill isn’t the best experience. All that methane creates quite the odor.
Beyond that is the cost of resource depletion and land. Remember those 17 trees for each ton of cardboard? Imagine seeing (or smelling) those trees instead of the waste they will break down into. We can save land and significant amounts of energy by being better about recycling various items. Aluminum cans are a great example. In 2023, only 43% of those cans were recycled in the U.S.
Based on the price increases of aluminum, who needs a gold mine in your backyard if you’ve got a dump! There is an estimated $6.5 billion worth of recyclable materials lost to landfills annually, according to the 50 States of Recycling Report.
The simple truth is that we have to be better. To apply a little twist to a great quote from Dr. Seuss, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain (of waste) is waiting. So … get on your way!” ■
How Embedded Technology is Creating New Revenue Streams for Trailer Manufacturers
Submitted by LandAirSea
The trailer industry is evolving. As buyers demand smarter, safer, and more connected equipment, manufacturers are exploring ways to integrate technology into their products. One of the most impactful developments is the rise of embedded connectivity solutions— systems built directly into the trailer during production, rather than added later as aftermarket accessories.
For manufacturers, these solutions don’t just add value for the end user—they also create entirely new business models that can generate revenue long after the initial sale.
Why Embedded Technology Matters
Traditionally, manufacturers made money from the one-time sale of a trailer. Once the product left the lot, the financial relationship with the customer was largely over. But in many industries—from automobiles to consumer electronics— companies are now extending that relationship through connected services, apps, and recurring subscriptions.
For trailer manufacturers, embedded technology offers the same opportunity. Instead of simply selling equipment, they can deliver a platform: one that protects assets, provides data, and connects customers to ongoing services.
Benefits for Manufacturers
Adopting embedded technology brings several business advantages:
› Differentiation in a Crowded Market: Trailers equipped with built-in intelligence stand out from competitors’ models, giving manufacturers a compelling sales story.
› Dealer Demand: Dealers increasingly want connected solutions that help them move inventory faster. There is strong interest in technology that can be marketed as a built-in feature rather than an add-on.
› Asset Protection and Compliance: Embedded trackers provide manufacturers with visibility into trailers throughout production, storage, and distribution—reducing loss and improving reporting accuracy.
› Reputation and Trust: Offering trailers that include advanced features like geofencing and real-time location reporting helps build credibility and strengthens brand positioning.
Continued on Page 56
Most importantly, manufacturers can tap into a recurring revenue stream by participating in a subscription-based model.
The Revenue-Share Opportunity
One of the most promising aspects of embedded trailer technology is the ability to monetize data-driven services.
Here’s how the model works in practice:
1. End-User Subscriptions: Trailer buyers subscribe to a connectivity platform that provides real-time location, theft prevention tools, and app-based alerts.
2. Revenue Share with Manufacturers: A portion of each subscription fee is returned to the manufacturer, creating steady monthly or annual income.
3. Upsell Potential: Manufacturers can offer premium packages (extended warranties, enhanced analytics, or tailored fleet solutions) through the same platform.
4. Customer Lifetime Value: By staying connected to each trailer, manufacturers maintain ongoing touchpoints with their buyers, increasing loyalty and paving the way for future sales.
This shift—from one-time transactions to recurring service revenue—represents a significant change in how manufacturers can think about profitability. In some cases, the additional income can offset integration costs and even surpass traditional margins.
Benefits for End Users
While the business case for manufacturers is strong, the real driver of adoption is the value to the customer. Buyers gain:
› Lower Overall Costs: No need to purchase aftermarket devices or worry about lost/damaged trackers.
› Stronger Theft Prevention: Built-in systems are harder to locate and disable, improving recovery chances.
› Convenience: Customers can download an app and start monitoring their trailer immediately—no setup delays.
› Better Information: A branded app can even provide warranty details, usage reports, and maintenance
reminders, improving the ownership experience.
Because these benefits are clear and practical, end users are often willing to pay for them—fueling the revenue-share model that benefits manufacturers.
The Bigger Picture: Connected Trailers as the New Standard
The shift toward connectivity is part of a broader industry trend. Across sectors, products are evolving into platforms for ongoing services. Cars, appliances, and even agricultural equipment are increasingly sold with built-in intelligence and subscription-based features.
It’s reasonable to expect trailers will follow the same path. In the near future, buyers may assume connectivity is standard—just as they now assume every car includes navigation or Bluetooth. Early adopters among trailer manufacturers will be positioned to lead this shift and capture the greatest share of long-term value.
What Manufacturers Should Consider
For those exploring this opportunity, several key questions can help guide the process:
› How can embedded technology align with your current dealer strategy?
› What revenue-share models make sense for your scale and customer base?
› How will you communicate the value of connectivity to end users?
› What kind of support infrastructure is needed to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction?
By thinking strategically about these questions, manufacturers can begin transforming their trailers from one-time products into recurring revenue platforms.
Final Takeaway
Embedded technology isn’t just about theft prevention or asset tracking—it’s about changing the economics of trailer manufacturing. By building intelligence into trailers at the point of production, manufacturers can unlock new revenue streams, meet dealer and customer demand, and position themselves as leaders in a connected future.
The result is more than a smarter trailer. It’s a smarter business model. ■
Renewing NATM Membership for 2026: A Symbol of Dedication to Trailer Safety
By Catie Rutkowski, NATM Membership & Events Coordinator
As the only not-for-profit 501(c)(6) association serving the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) stands firmly in its commitment to advancing and unifying the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. For nearly 40 years, NATM has improved the safety of the roadways through its Compliance Verification Program and has facilitated invaluable connections among its members. As the new year approaches, NATM invites you to renew your membership and continue this journey. Renewing your NATM membership is a symbol of your ongoing dedication to the betterment of the industry and the improvement of trailer safety and performance.
NATM has evolved into an association that unites trailer manufacturers, trailer dealers, suppliers, service providers, OEM automotive manufacturers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the nation and abroad. Annual membership dues directly contribute to NATM’s robust portfolio of programming and initiatives to improve trailer safety at multiple levels. This includes the NATM Compliance Verification Program, the NATM Academy, Trailer Safety Week, publications, and educational programming for members.
The 2026 membership renewals are sent to main contacts in mid-November, which makes this the perfect time for the Association to reflect on how membership dues are critical in supporting the actions, services, and educational programming that NATM provides for its members and the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. NATM is constantly evaluating costs and benefits to ensure your annual
membership investment is met with valuable returns.
In 2025, Membership Dues Allowed NATM to:
› Host the inaugural NATM Trailer Expo in Oklahoma City that boasted a sold-out show floor and unprecedented educational opportunities for NATM Dealer Affiliates
› Launch the NATM Academy, a top tier, on-demand education and safety training for the trailer industry
› Host the highly successful 2025 NATM Convention & Trade Show in Nashville that featured more than 1,500 attendees and a record number of new exhibitors
› Launch NATM Connect, an online forum where NATM Dealer Affiliates can connect and talk shop with one another
› Continue the Association’s Strategic Plan focusing on industry growth, increasing brand awareness, and continuously improving the NATM Compliance Verification Program
› Grow the reach of the annual Trailer Safety Week, including the expansion of strategic partnerships and access to additional resources
› Devote resources to marketing the NATM Compliance Verification Program and benefits of the Association to the industry as well as end-users to grow the value of the NATM Compliance Decal.
› Educate members of Congress during the annual Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits
› Update the 2025 Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- andMedium Duty Trailers, also known as Guidelines
› Host educational webinar series to grow members education opportunities
› Continue offering the NATM Association Retirement Plan for member companies to offer their employees
NATM’s commitment is to its members and ultimately to trailer safety. Supporting NATM Members’ ability to grow and prosper, while also contributing to the safety of the nation’s roadways, is what drives the Association’s work. Your support of this mission and your integral feedback along the way are vital to NATM’s success. NATM looks forward to continuing this important work in the coming year!
2026 NATM Membership Dues
Your 2026 NATM membership renewal notice was emailed to the attention of your main contact in November.
For 2026, Membership Dues are:
› Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers): $1,195
› Branch Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers): $325
› Tow Vehicle OEM Membership (Automotive Manufacturers): $150
You have the option to renew your membership online at NATM.com. Log into the NATM Member Compass to view and pay the invoice. Should you decide to pay online, please advise accounts payable to disregard the notice.
Membership dues must be paid no later than Jan. 31, 2026. Any dues not received by Jan. 31, 2026, will be considered delinquent, and all membership benefits will be terminated until paid per the NATM Bylaws.
NATM greatly values your membership, and 2026 promises to be another fantastic year to be a NATM Member. You can pay by check, over the phone, or online at NATM.com using the NATM Member Compass section at any time.
If you have questions, contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at (785) 2724433 or Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com. ■
Learning on the Road: NATM Compliance Team Trains with Dexter in Elkhart
By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director
When it comes to trailer safety, knowledge is just as important as the components themselves.
On July 31, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Compliance Team—Scott Crimmins, Technical Director; Sean Sloan, Compliance Manager; Aaron Langer, Senior Compliance Consultant; and Todd Stallbaumer, Compliance Consultant—hit the road to Dexter Headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana, for a full day of professional development and hands-on product training. They were joined by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Programming Director, for a visit that blended team growth, technical education, and industry connection.
Each year, the Compliance Team selects a member
company to visit as part of its annual professional development initiative. These visits serve a dual purpose: the team completes Compliance Verification Program (CVP) Consultations nearby while also taking time to learn directly from industry leaders. This approach helps ensure consistency across the team, fosters professional growth, and deepens NATM’s understanding of member operations.
This year’s host, Dexter, is a longtime NATM Member and well known in the trailer industry. The training day was carefully coordinated by Scott Wentzel, Dexter’s Director of Training, and Ashleigh Funkhouser, Training Coordinator & Instructional Designer, with the session led by Bill Snider, Dexter’s legendary trainer and educator.
(From left) Scott Crimmins, Aaron Langer, Sean Sloan, and Todd Stallbaumer attend a training day at Dexter. Photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza.
From the moment the team entered the classroom, it was clear this wasn’t just another product orientation. Snider’s approach combined technical expertise, hands-on engagement, and real-world application.
“Bill would explain a component, break down how it
functions, and then pass it around for us to see and feel up close,” Stallbaumer said. “It made the learning experience tangible. You’re not just hearing about it—you’re holding the part in your hands and understanding why it matters.”
The session didn’t stop at the classroom door. Snider led the team outside for a Trailering 101 walkaround of his own truck and trailer. He pointed out components, explained their role in safe towing, and even discussed state braking laws and compliance considerations, weaving together technical insight with practical application.
“Being able to see the components in action on a trailer brings everything full circle,” said Sloan. “When we perform CVP Consultations, we’re checking for compliance, but understanding exactly how and why these parts work the way they do helps us guide manufacturers more effectively.”
Langer added that training like this strengthens the team’s impact in the field:
“When we can explain the ‘why’ behind compliance requirements, manufacturers gain more than a checklist—they gain a deeper understanding of how to build safer trailers. Experiences like this directly elevate the support we can offer our members.”
For Crimmins, the visit reaffirmed the value of connecting with member companies:
“Our goal is always to help manufacturers succeed in
Continued on Page 62
TOP: Dexter provided hands on training with a spread of parts and products. BOTTOM: Dexter trainer and educator Bill Snider lead the training day. Photos by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza.
Continued from Page 61
building safe, compliant trailers,” he said. “Seeing Dexter’s components up close, learning their engineering, and understanding their real-world applications adds another layer to the knowledge we bring to every CVP consultation.”
For Baker-Sanhueza, the visit also offered a moment to connect on the educational side:
“I’ve collaborated with Dexter on webinars and Convention Workshops, but meeting Scott and Ashleigh in person and discussing instructional design was a highlight for me,” she said. “Getting together with like-minded professionals, sharing insights, and learning from our member companies is one of the things I love most about my job.”
These annual member visits are an important part of the Compliance Team’s professional development. By pairing CVP Consultations with in-depth product education, the team ensures they remain consistent, knowledgeable, and effective—benefiting every NATM Member they serve.
If your company would like to host the NATM Compliance Team for a future training visit, reach out to Technical Director Scott Crimmins at Scott.Crimmins@natm.com. Hosting the NATM Team is a unique opportunity to showcase your products, contribute to industry safety, and support the ongoing development of the professionals dedicated to compliance.
As the team packed up from Elkhart, they left Dexter with more than just technical knowledge—they carried with them a renewed sense of connection to the industry they serve, ready to bring that expertise to members across the country. ■
TOP: Dexter’s Bill Snider leads the group through a full walkthrough. BOTTOM: Dexter’s Bill Snider points out helpful information on the trailer’s decals. Photos by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza.
NATM Advertising Packages Designed with You in Mind
By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
The new year is right around the corner and it’s the perfect time to revamp your marketing strategy. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has been listening to what you want and has the marketing options to make it happen.
There has been unprecedented interest in social media marketing, and NATM is poised to help you get your name out in front of thousands of clients with the backing of its growing social media reach.
Hit the ground running with the Light-Duty Package and you’ll get the tried-and-true Tracks Magazine advertising for a year, a banner ad in the category of your choice in the NATM Online Membership Directory, and a static post on an NATM social media platform for $3,500.
To go a step further, take a look at the Medium-Duty Package. This package includes a full-page ad in Tracks for the calendar year. Your ad will be hyperlinked to a URL of your choosing in the Tracks digital version on NATM. com. This package also includes your choice of NATM eNewsletter or NATM.com banner ad in addition to a multiple-photo post on the NATM social media platform of your choosing for $7,500. Wanting to expand your LinkedIn presence or grow your Instagram following for 2026? This package will help make that happen!
For those looking to make a heavy-duty impact, NATM has the Heavy-Duty Package. This package includes a full-page ad in Tracks for the calendar year with the digital version hyperlinked to your website, NATM eNewsletter banner, NATM.com banner on the page of your choice, and featured social media posts on all NATM social media platforms! The NATM Marketing Team will work with you to schedule your posts when and where you want them! This package, at $12,000, offers the most extensive social media reach as well as allowing you the most input over your posts.
NATM couldn’t be more thrilled to provide these great multi-media marketing strategies to its members. Contact Advertising@natm.com or call NATM Tracks Editor Samantha Darling LaCount at (785) 272-4433 for any questions or to get started today. You also can find more advertising information at NATM.com/Advertising. ■
NATM Creative Services Brings Your Brand to Life
By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Marketing Team is here and waiting to design your advertising whether it’s for Tracks Magazine or one of the Association’s many digital options.
Have dreams of seeing your name in print or online for everyone to see? NATM believes you shouldn’t have to have a design team to make it happen. With NATM Creative Services, the Association’s Marketing Team of talented designers know exactly what will look best for any of NATM’s ad options and advertisements are guaranteed to meet all NATM design requirements.
Your ad will be fully custom-designed with consideration given to your company’s colors, fonts, logo, etc. The photos and information included can be fully provided by you or you can tap into the staff’s design expertise if you don’t know where to start. You give final approval of the ad design with a round of edits with every ad. NATM Creative Services are competitively priced at $100 an hour.
You can request NATM Creative Services or get more information on this exciting service by emailing Advertising@natm.com. ■
Boards, Boars, and Business: Minutes from the Wildest Board Meeting Yet
By Heather Gonzales of Triple Crown/Down2Earth Trailers, NATM Board Secretary and Alex Stowe, NATM Executive Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Board of Directors recently gathered in the town of Patterson, Georgia, for a productive and memorable meeting hosted by Board Member Heather Gonzales of Triple Crown/Down2Earth Trailers. The event took place at Mossy Pond Lodge, where Board Members combined important industry discussions with a variety of outdoor activities and team-building experiences. As a new Tracks feature, NATM wanted to offer a closer look at what a Board meeting for the Association entails.
Against the backdrop of southern pines and rustic charm, members had the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor adventures along with some important discussions
on NATM programming. A group of Board members even participated in an exhilarating hog hunt, adding a uniquely Southern twist to this quarter’s meeting.
The primary focus of the Board meeting was preparing for the NATM Trailer Expo, as the inaugural Expo was only a month away from the August meeting. The Board spent the majority of the daylong meeting discussing the Expo and planning for how to continue to solicit feedback from attendees, exhibitors, and the industry at large to continue improving this programming in future years. The Board has been highly involved in all
Continued on Page 66
The NATM Board of Directors gathers in Patterson, Georgia, for a meeting and team building experience.
Continued from Page 65
aspects of the Trailer Expo, and this meeting provided an opportunity to determine how best to make the inaugural show a success, while also looking ahead to future years for how NATM can continue to provide all members with value.
Regulatory Roundup and government affairs work were also top of mind for the Board as discussions carried over to tariffs, regulatory oversight of the industry, and how best to approach the upcoming Roundup. The Board was able to review preliminary talking points for Roundup and offer feedback on how best to approach NATM’s upcoming visit to Washington, D.C. With tariffs being a high priority for many manufacturers and suppliers, the Board assessed ways to monitor the ongoing situation and provide updates as information becomes available to our membership.
With the current strategic plan running until February of 2027, the Board also discussed plans for the Association’s 2026 strategic planning session and overall goals. The strategic plan will serve as the compass for NATM’s programming and priorities over the coming years. The Board discussed ways to ensure the newest strategic plan will provide a path forward for the Association and our programming. The NATM Compliance Verification Program was discussed, along with goals and thoughts about the future of the program and how NATM can continue to help grow the CVP and continue to provide value to manufacturer members through the program.
Finally, the Board reviewed the most recent bylaw amendment proposal and discussed the upcoming Board nominations and elections process. As a not-for-profit, governance of the Association plays a pivotal role in Board duties, and discussions were held on how best to continue to serve members and increase representation on the Board.
The following day, members were provided with an exclusive tour of the Down2Earth Trailers manufacturing facilities, where they had the opportunity to explore the company’s new state-of-the-art plant. The facility represents a major step forward for Triple Crown and Down2Earth, and also offered Board Members the unique opportunity to visit another member’s facility and get a behind the scenes look at how Down2Earth runs their manufacturing operations.
As the meeting concluded, members reflected on what many called one of the most impactful Board meetings to date. The combination of industry dialogue, networking opportunities, and unique recreational activities fostered stronger relationships and a renewed sense of purpose for the assisting and overseeing the Association.
Following the momentum from a great meeting in Georgia, the NATM Board moves forward excited and united, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. If you are interested in getting more involved with the work of NATM, the NATM Board would encourage all members to engage in committee work and run for the NATM Board. ■
NATM Board of Directors members participate in a hog hunt after their most recent board meeting.
EnhancEd cargo Floor & Wall panEl
paKtite® is a moisture-resistant, performance engineered oriented strand board floor and ramp panel with greatly enhanced physical properties.
TExTurEd hdpE cargo Floor
T r E d -e x treme ® is an engineered and structurally rated floor and ramp panel with a high-density polyethylene overlay laminated to one or both sides.
aqua SEal TrEaTEd plyWood cargo Floor
aqua ply pluS® is a specialty plywood floor and ramp panel that is pressure-treated with aqua SE al ® preservatives and kiln-dried after treatment.
hardWood plyWood cargo Wall panEl
d yna c ore ® is an appearance grade hardwood plywood wall and ceiling panel comprised of multiple layers of straight-grained Meranti veneer.
Vinyl-FacEd plyWood cargo Wall panEl
d yna c ore ® lV is a hardwood plywood wall and ceiling panel with a polyvinyl chloride protective film face.
Engineering Lift-Off: How Santhosh Kumar Loganathan Brings Aerospace Science to Trailers
By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
When Santhosh “Sam” Kumar Loganathan left his job working for a company building drones for a gig engineering trailers, he thought it would be a short-term solution. He didn’t get his master’s in aerospace engineering thinking he’d end up in trailers after all, he says with a laugh.
But since 2017, he’s done just that. Loganathan is the Engineering Director for Triple Crown Trailers, Down to Earth Trailers, and Black Iron Products. He says he hasn’t met anyone else with his background in the industry. It’s a challenge blazing the trail and bringing aerospace ideas to a new field, but Loganathan says the challenge is part of the draw.
“One of the core challenges is that everybody makes trailers, but we want our trailers to be different. I just took the challenge and
started falling in love with this job,” Loganathan said. “I’ve gotten multiple job offers in the aerospace field, but my heart never let me change from this. In aerospace, I can only do aerospace. In the trailer industry, I can bring the principle of aerospace and implement it here. That’s quite a challenge for me, and I love the challenge. Every trailer is a challenge.”
Over his almost nine years at Triple Crown, he’s introduced new techniques and designs. He says it took some convincing, but he’s fortunate enough to work somewhere that was ready to take off into unknown territory.
“We designed everything from the ground up. That’s where I use my core strengths. In aerospace, everything is about weight saving,” Loganathan said. “Anything that you do, the first concept is you have to save weight. And then the second thing
Students practice safe setup and programming on a welding training jig with mentor Santhosh Kumar Loganathan (right). Photo provided Santhosh Kumar Loganathan.
Santhosh “Sam” Kumar Loganathan
is aerodynamics — make sure it does not affect the airflow.”
Loganathan says a large part of his job is about finding the right material. He’s testing materials and continuously doing analysis to ensure the frames are as light as possible without sacrificing durability and strength.
“Everybody thinks that with a trailer the more steel they use, the more iron you see, the stronger a trailer is. That’s not necessarily true,” Loganathan said. “It has to withstand the payload and get the job done, but how can you limit the weight of the weight frame, so that the customer can load more?”
a dump trailer. They don’t have a portable weigh scale. They just fill it,” Loganathan said. “Everybody’s going to overload, so we design with a higher safety factor.”
Loganathan has carried the term over from aerospace engineering. If an airplane is designed to carry 100 people, but the frame can handle 200 people, that’s a safety factor of two – twice the strength, Loganathan explains.
“We always go for higher safety factor,” Loganathan said. “The goal is for the frame to not break, even if it’s overweight, so our customers are never stranded.”
Loganathan designs with safety, quality, and ethical manufacturing at the forefront. By embedding engineering science into daily production and sharing what works across sites, he’s working toward an even brighter future in manufacturing.
“We want our products to be safe anywhere in America. That’s bigger than one plant,” Loganathan said.
Beyond his work on the factory floor, he is also an advocate for knowledge sharing. Whether it’s speaking with peers about robotic weld prep, collaborating on standardized work instructions, or mentoring early career engineers, Loganathan sees collective improvement as a competitive advantage, not a trade secret.
It is this philosophy that drove Loganathan to become involved with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Technical Committee. Loganathan comes to the Committee ready to share and doesn’t shy away from new ideas, says NATM Technical Director Scott Crimmins.
“It’s not easy to change career fields or build an education program from the ground up, and he’s done both,” Crimmins said.
Another part of being innovative for Loganathan is engaging the next generation of engineers. He mentors high school students in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and leads the Design-to-Arc: Trailer Safety & Welding Robotics Lab, a 12-week hands-on program that teaches safetyfirst design, welding robotics, and principles adopted from NATM’s Compliance Verification Program.
Loganathan holds himself to a high standard in general, but especially when it comes to safety. Customers are going to overload trailers, Loganathan says, but he believes in meeting them where they’re at and working to make their products as safe as possible out in the real world.
“In a perfect world, we tell the customer what they can load and they follow that. But I can’t blame them either. If they go to a site, dig up concrete, and they load it into
By blending classroom concepts with shop-floor experience, he equips students with industryready skills and a clear understanding of how design, safety, and manufacturing intersect.
“Engineering isn’t just about machines — it’s about people,” Loganathan said. “If we can inspire students early, we’re building the next generation of innovators who will solve tomorrow’s problems.”
Santhosh Kumar Loganathan, Engineering Director for Triple Crown Trailers, Down to Earth Trailers, and Black Iron Products, operates a dual-station robotic welding arm, joining main frame rails. Photo provided Santhosh Kumar Loganathan.
Dec-O-Art and the Art of Giving Back
By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
On Sept. 5, 2025, the doors at Dec-O-Art were closed to give back to the community.
Nearly 50 employees traded their desks and workstations for gloves, shovels, and service projects during the company’s third annual Donation Day.
Team members were divided into groups and sent out to three community organizations selected by the employees themselves. This year’s organizations were Angels in the Attic, Center for the Homeless, and Mishawaka Troop Town, all located in Indiana.
Angels in the Attic
Angels in the Attic has supported more than 6,500 victims of domestic abuse by providing emergency aid, food, clothing, hygiene products, and financial relief. Their mission is to provide confidential, professional assistance to women and children leaving abusive situations.
“We went through their donations and organized all the food and clothing they’ve gotten,” said Dec-O-Art Marketing Coordinator Amanda Buchanan. “We actually got to help a family that day. They let us know how many people are in that family, the age ranges, and then we picked food, packaged it up, and then got to go out and put it in their car for them.”
“We are so grateful for Dec-O-Art’s generosity and handson support,” Angels in the Attic CEO and Founder Kristine Kuroski said in a press release. “Their team’s willingness to give their time and resources helps us continue providing hope and relief to women and children in crisis. Partnerships like this remind survivors that they are not alone.”
Center for the Homeless
Dec-O-Art’s connection to the Center for the Homeless runs deep — the company has supported the organization for over 20 years. This year, volunteers rolled up their
Dec-O-Art President and Owner Nathan Dosmann (right) presents a donation to the Care Camps Foundation. Photo provided by Dec-O-Art.
sleeves to weed the on-site garden, harvest vegetables, and tackle whatever cleanup projects were needed.
Mishawaka Troop Town
Still in its early stages, Mishawaka Troop Town is a veteranowned initiative preparing homes for homeless and in-need veterans. Dec-O-Art employees helped move more than 15 tons of rock for landscaping around newly built duplexes.
Dec-O-Art also pledged to furnish seven of the eight duplexes (the eighth was already funded). To top it off, each of the three organizations received an unexpected $25,000 donation.
“Donation Day reflects who we are as a company—committed not just to excellence in our work, but to service in our community. Supporting these incredible organizations reminds us that when businesses and people come together with purpose, we can create lasting change. We look forward to continuing this tradition of service for years to come,” DecO-Art President Nathan Dosmann said in a press release.
Charitable Foundations
Donation Day may just be one day a year, but giving back has been a part of Dec-O-Art since the start. The company’s mission statement — “Our business is God’s gift to us, our work is our
gift to God,” — continues to guide its community involvement.
“We like to give back locally to help our community, and it’s always been like that,” Buchanan said. “Our founder, Charles Dosmann, instilled it in his family, and it’s continued down through the generations to his grandson, our current president. It’s just part of the Dosmann legacy of giving back to the community however they can.”
Care Camps
Further supporting this legacy, Dec-O-Art recently joined forces with fellow National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Member Forest River to donate to the Care Camps Foundation, a national non-profit organization that funds medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada.
“For every Forest River and Care Camps co-branded label sold, Dec-O-Art will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Care Camps Foundation,” Buchanan said.
Dec-O-Art has been a member of NATM since 1988. To learn more about them, visit www.Dec-O-Art.com.
Do you have a community impact story to share? NATM wants to hear about it! Contact NATM Tracks Editor Samantha Darling LaCount at Samantha.Darling@natm.com. ■
Dec-O-Art employees volunteered at Angels in the Attic for the day before presenting them with a donation. Photo provided by Dec-O-Art.
From Coloring Books to Chassis: How Liberty Trailers is Using AI to Build Its Future
By NATM Staff
In June, when Liberty Trailers cut the ribbon on its new 150,000-square-foot factory in Sulphur Springs, Texas, the event was designed to be more than a corporate milestone. Guests toured the new state-of-the-art production lines, music and giveaways kept the atmosphere festive, and kids bounced in an inflatable red, white, and blue castle.
One of the day’s unexpected highlights came in the form of a custom Liberty Trailers coloring book—created with the help of artificial intelligence. It was a small detail that delighted children and parents alike, but more importantly, it illustrated something bigger: Liberty Trailers’ lean into AI as part of its brand relaunch and growth strategy.
Reinventing the Brand
Founded in 1998, Liberty Trailers prides itself on building reliable, American-made trailers. In recent years, the company has built on that strong foundation by adding new leadership, fresh perspectives, and
expanded capabilities to re-energize the brand.
“We’ve gone through what I like to call a soft relaunch,” said Johnathan Bradley, Liberty Trailers Chief Commercial Officer. “We’ve made key investments in our team, our new facility, and our branding strategy. A year ago, many people didn’t even know Liberty Trailers existed. Now, we’re making sure the industry knows who we are and what we stand for.”
That brand-building effort includes industry magazine ads, trade show appearances, digital campaigns, and even small touches like the AI-designed coloring books that kids took home from the grand opening. Each detail reflects the company’s commitment to honoring its roots while positioning Liberty to stand out in a crowded industry.
AI as a Company-Wide Tool
At Liberty Trailers, artificial intelligence isn’t treated as a passing trend or a novelty. It’s becoming woven into the
Liberty Trailers Chief Commercial Officer Johnathan Bradley speaks at the company’s Texas facility grand opening. Photo provided by Liberty Trailers.
factory floor. The team uses it to fine-tune manufacturing processes, identifying small but impactful ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize production schedules. For a company that just opened a massive new facility, those incremental improvements add up quickly.
Marketing has perhaps seen the most visible transformation. Bradley and his team use AI to brainstorm campaign ideas, polish copy, and even write HTML code to update the company website—all without the need for specialized technical training.
“I use AI pretty much every single day,” Bradley said. “It’s not about replacing people’s jobs, but about making us faster, more creative, and more effective.”
Taken together, these examples show how Liberty is using AI not as a siloed experiment, but as a set of practical tools that complement the skills of its people and strengthen every part of the business.
Lessons From the Coloring Book
The idea for the coloring book started with a simple question: how do you make a grand opening event engaging for families? Bradley knew that while adults might be interested in touring the new facility or hearing about the company’s milestones, kids would need something of their own.
“I thought about it from the perspective of a seven-year-old,” Bradley said. “Listening to speeches about growth trajectories isn’t going to hold their attention. We wanted something fun that kept them occupied but also tied back to our brand.”
That thinking led to the decision to create a Liberty Trailersthemed coloring book. Using AI, Bradley fed photos of trailers into ChatGPT to generate illustrations, later refining them in Photoshop. The finished product was a ten-page book complete with puzzles and activities—a keepsake that both entertained the kids and reinforced Liberty’s identity.
“It wasn’t perfect,” Bradley admitted. “AI struggled with details like our logo, so I had to refine those manually. But without it, we wouldn’t have had the time to create something this custom at all. It turned into a fun, creative way to include kids in the celebration while reinforcing our brand.”
day-to-day operations of nearly every department.
In finance, the team has discovered that AI can take on some of the heavy lifting involved in building complex models. What once required days of manual calculation and spreadsheet work can now be assembled, tested, and refined in a fraction of the time. That speed allows them to focus more on strategy and long-term planning rather than just crunching numbers.
On the operations side, AI has found a home on the
Advice for Businesses Exploring AI
Liberty’s experience with AI offers a few practical takeaways for other companies:
› Think Across Departments: Don’t limit AI to
Continued on Page 74
TOP: Johnathan Bradley’s daughter takes the AI-generated Liberty Trailer coloring book for a test run. BOTTOM: The Liberty Trailer team celebrates their Texas facility grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Photos provided by Liberty Trailers.
Continued from Page 73
marketing or admin tasks; finance, operations, and even engineering and sales can all benefit from the technology.
› Stay Hands-On: AI speeds up work but still requires oversight. Every model, illustration, or piece of copy needs review.
› Use AI to Spark Ideas: Sometimes its biggest value isn’t in the output itself, but in helping humans think differently.
› Align with Your Brand: Even small AI projects should reinforce your company’s values and identity.
Bradley summed it up: “AI isn’t an employee—it’s a tool. Used well, it saves us time, sparks creativity, and lets us focus on higher-value work. But you can’t just hit a button and walk away. You still need human judgment.”
Looking Ahead
For Liberty Trailers, embracing AI is just one piece of a larger transformation. With a new facility, a revitalized team, and a sharp focus on branding, the company is positioning itself as both an innovator and a trusted manufacturer.
“This factory is about more than just capacity,” Bradley said. “It represents a new stage of growth for Liberty. And tools like AI are helping us get there faster—without losing sight of our core values.”
The bounce house and the coloring book weren’t just for fun. They were part of a bigger story: how a company with deep roots is embracing modern tools to build its future. For Liberty, the future isn’t about abandoning what’s worked for decades, but about adding new tools to ensure the next chapter is even stronger.
Liberty Trailers has been a member of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) since 2003. To learn more, visit www.LibertyTrailers.com. ■
TOP: Liberty Trailers team members lead tours of the new facility during the grand opening event . BOTTOM: Liberty Trailers takes their branding seriously. Naturally, that includes crisp logos on the trailers themselves. Photos provided by Liberty Trailers.
Hauling long materials like lumber, metal, ladders, or PVC pipes on a standard utility trailer can be less safe and more expensive, often requiring larger trailers or heavier trucks. 5A Trailers, a boutique trailer company, addresses this challenge with their U.S.-patented Safety Gate, a simple yet innovative solution that boosts safety and versatility.
The Safety Gate: A Simple, Effective Design
Inspired by a potential incident where straps loosened on a load of extended cargo, Doug Carter, Founder and CEO at 5A Trailers, saw an opportunity for improvement.
“We realized there was a safer, more cost-effective way to haul long materials,” he said.
The Safety Gate is a door integrated into the trailer’s rear gate, designed to hold extended cargo at an angle, balancing weight toward the front to reduce sway and enhance stability. When not in use, the gate closes securely with a self-locking mechanism.
“It’s just a door in a gate—simple, but it makes towing more secure and gives peace of mind to the person towing material,” Trey Carter, 5A Trailers’ Managing Partner explained.
From Idea to Patent
Doug acted swiftly to bring the concept to life by collaborating with a welder to create a prototype. The design involves cutting a door into a trailer’s rear gate, adding an inward-opening hinge and a self-locking mechanism. It was straightforward and affordable, Doug says. The patent, filed in 2021, was approved in 2024 after three years of dedication to the idea.
A Competitive Edge
“Feedback from manufacturers, dealers, and municipalities who review our product online or see it in person is overwhelmingly positive, with many recognizing its simplicity and effectiveness,” Doug said.
Their partners leverage the Safety Gate as a selling point, appealing to customers who value safety and versatility without needing larger equipment at higher cost. 5A Trailers licenses the Safety Gate to manufacturers, which requires minimal labor and material cost in production but significant value to end users like dealerships, municipalities, and the everyday do-it-yourself’er.
Versatility for All Users
The Safety Gate enables users to haul extended materials safely on a standard trailer.
“You can do so much more with a 10- or a 12-foot trailer with The Safety Gate,” Doug said. “The everyday person going into a retail store to pick up material for a home project, doesn’t have to spend extra money on a 16- or an 18-foot trailer.”
Utility trailers with the Safety Gate feature proves to make the experience of hauling material easier and safer.
Driving Safer, Smarter Hauling
5A Trailers has been a member of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) since 2024. To learn more about them, visit 5atrailers.com. ■
Abagy Robotic Systems
Acieta
American Torch Tip Company
Apex Machine Group
Apex Trailers
Badgerland Trailers LLC
Black Mesa Manufacturing LLC
Dealer Direct Financial
Denali Supply
Dugger Steel Co
DY Concrete Pumps Inc.
Eco Sources USA
Elite Cargo Trailers, LLC
Gem State Trailers
Greenwood Products
HB Products dba Valence Industrial
International Development
Services, Inc
Mastiff Trailers
MGK Group
Mid-States Bolt & Screw
Mission Critical Solutions, LLC
Native Trailers, LLC
Nordstrong Equipment Ltd.
NXG Truck Bodies, LLC
Pinnacle Machine Tools
Power Line Industries
QUALITY PRODUCT SOLUTIONS
Remote Finance Group
Soda Trailer Co
Solution Source
Standard Iron & Wire Works, LLC
Swift Built
The Mitographers
Tools-Hq Inc.
Trion Products Inc
Vintage Trailer Works Inc.
WW Seeds Inc
Welcome New Members
Trailer Manufacturer
Addax Overland, Inc.
333 E Main St, #785 Lehi, UT 84043
• RV/Towable
Allmand Bros., Inc.
1502 W 4th Ave
Holdrege, NE 68949 www.allmand.com
• Equipment
Atlas Copco (Wuxi) Compressor Co., Ltd. No.45 Ximei Rd Xinwu District Wuxi, Jiangsu 214111, China
• Portable Equipment
Blazing Technologies Inc.
4631 Morgantown Rd Mohnton, PA 19540 blazingtech.net
• Specialty
Box Canyon Trailers
7669 W Springfield Way Florence, AZ 85132
• Living Quarters
Buyers Products Company (Manufacturing) 9049 Tyler Blvd Mentor, OH 44060
Canadian Technical Solutions Inc 319 Augusta St Ayton, ON N0G 1C0, Canada
• Concession, Custom Design, Living Quarters, RV/Towable, Specialty
Cochrum Manufacturing LLC
2507 County Road 231 Wharton, TX 77488
• Livestock, Pole/Pipe/Cable Reel
Complete Concessions
1909 Cloverleaf Rd
Mount Joy, PA 17552
• Concession, Enclosed Cargo, Equipment, Horse, Mobile BBQ/Smoker
Cornell Pump Company
743 Marine Dr Rock Hill, SC 29730
• Agricultural/Farm, Utility/Flatbed
GAF TRAILER
1119 Poplar St Bonham, TX 75418
• Auto Hauler, Cargo, Dump, Equipment, Gooseneck, Utility/Flatbed
Load’em Up Trailers
6240 County Road 50 Carver, MN 55315
SMG Trailers
114 Centric Dr
West Monroe, LA 71292
www.smgtrailers.com
• Trailer Sales
TaT Trailers Inc
7454 Old Hickory Blvd Nashville, TN 37189 www.tattrailers.com
Select Trailer 3181 Highway 231 N Shelbyville, TN 37160 www.selecttrailer.com
• Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair
Supreme Trailer Sales LLC 8784 Oklahoma 54 Thomas, OK 73669
• Trailer Service/Repair, Trailer Sales
Texas Custom Trailers
2740 N Highway 287 Decatur, TX 76234
TowTally Trailers
2425 Cascade Blvd Redding, CA 96003
• Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair
Trailer Place
2507 County Road 231 Wharton, TX 77488
Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair
Press Releases
NCP Coatings Acquires
Glyptal Inc., Expanding into Electrical Insulation and Automotive Engine Coatings
NILES, Mich. — NCP Coatings LLC, a leading manufacturer of industrial and military coatings, announced it has acquired Glyptal Inc., a recognized manufacturer of high-performance insulating enamel technologies serving the electrical and automotive markets. This marks NCP’s first acquisition since becoming private equity-backed and supports the company’s long-term strategy to build a mid-market coatings leader focused on high-performance, technology-driven solutions.
Founded as a development arm of General Electric and later spun off as a private company, Glyptal has operated for decades as a specialty provider of insulating coatings used in electric motors, transformers, coils, and other industrial applications. Its products are trusted for their durability, thermal stability, and insulating performance across OEM and repair market segments.
Under the terms of the agreement, Glyptal’s brand will remain intact, and operations will be integrated into NCP Coatings’ headquarters in Niles, Michigan. Customers will continue to receive the same reliable products and trusted formulations while gaining access to the broader NCP portfolio, including a wide range of industrial and military coatings.
The acquisition closed on July 31, 2025. Glyptal’s family ownership will assist with the transition over the coming months before exiting the business.
Doug Mattscheck, Chief Executive Officer of NCP Coatings, stated:
“Acquiring Glyptal is a meaningful and strategic step forward for NCP. Glyptal’s legacy in the electrical coatings space aligns well with our vision to expand into specialty industrial segments where technical performance matters most.
This acquisition complements our portfolio, extends our reach into new applications, and signals our intent to continue scaling the business through technology-led growth. We’re excited to welcome Glyptal into the NCP family.”
Lacey Meer, Chief Commercial Officer of NCP Coatings, added:
“Our focus throughout this integration is on ensuring a seamless experience for Glyptal’s customers. They can continue to rely on the same high-performance formulations and technical support they’ve known for decades.
Now, they’ll also have access to NCP’s broader portfolio and expanded capabilities. This move reinforces our commitment to smart, strategic growth while preserving the strengths that make Glyptal a trusted name in its field.”
A representative of the Glyptal ownership group commented:
“After decades of serving our customers with products we deeply believe in, we’re proud to transition Glyptal to NCP Coatings—a company with shared values of technical excellence and customer focus. We are confident they will continue to build on Glyptal’s legacy and bring new opportunities to the brand and its customers.”
This acquisition reflects NCP Coatings’ continued momentum and commitment to identifying targeted opportunities that enhance its technical capabilities and market leadership. Backed by Century Park Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on partnering with owner-managed businesses, NCP is accelerating its mission to become a leading force in the mid-market industrial and military coatings sector.
About NCP Coatings LLC
Headquartered in Niles, Michigan, NCP Coatings LLC is a formulator and manufacturer of advanced coating technologies for the industrial, military, commercial, and forestry markets. Known for its responsiveness, technical expertise, and customer partnership approach, NCP delivers durable, highperformance coatings tailored to demanding applications. The company is focused on innovation, operational agility, and continuous improvement to support customer success. ■
Private Investors Led By George Thomas Have Acquired Darkhorse Cargo
WHITE PIGEON, Mich. — An investor group led by George Thomas, a prominent entrepreneur and owner of Viaggio Pontoons and Lakota Trailers, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Darkhorse Cargo, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-quality enclosed cargo trailers based in White Pigeon, Michigan. This acquisition strengths
Thomas’ portfolio in the recreational manufacturing industries, further solidifying his commitment to delivering innovative, durable, and customer-focused products.
Darkhorse has built a strong reputation for producing premium enclosed trailers, known for their durability, craftsmanship, and
customizable options. With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Darkhorse has become a trusted choice for customers seeking reliable solutions for transporting equipment, vehicles, and recreational gear. The company’s dedication to superior service aligns seamlessly with the values of Viaggio and Lakota.
“Acquiring Darkhorse Cargo, Inc. is a natural step in our mission to expand our presence in the manufacturing sector while continuing to provide top-tier products to our customers,” said Mr. Thomas. “Darkhorse’s commitment to quality and service complements our existing brands. Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and dealers across the United States and Canada.”
The acquisition will enable Darkhorse Cargo to benefit from the resources, expertise, and capital to continue growing both product offerings and the dealer network. Customers can expect continued excellence in product quality and customer service. Darkhorse Cargo will maintain its operations in White Pigeon, Michigan, ensuring continuity for employees, dealers, and retail customers. Mr. Thomas commented, “We look forward to working with Bryan Johnson, Joe Kiefer and the outstanding, experienced Darkhorse team to grow and expand the company. Other than further
growth, we expect very few changes going forward.”
“We are thrilled to join forces with George Thomas and his team,” said Bryan Johnson, President of Darkhorse Cargo, Inc. “We feel that this transaction will provide outstanding opportunities for our team and is a great home for our employees, dealers, and business partners.”
About Lakota Trailers
Lakota Trailers, Inc., located in Bristol, Indiana, is the leading manufacturer of living quarters horse and livestock trailers. Founded in 2005, Lakota is recognized for its innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and community involvement. For more information, visit lakotatrailers.com.
About Darkhorse Cargo, Inc.
Darkhorse Cargo, Inc., based in White Pigeon, Michigan, is a premier manufacturer of enclosed cargo trailers, known for their durability and high-quality construction. The company’s DHW, DFW, DSTT, and DWRK Series trailers offer customizable options for a wide range of hauling needs. For more information, visit darkhorsecargo.com. ■
Stellar Promotes Tim Worman to Director of Product Management and Inside Sales
GARNER, Iowa — Stellar Industries, a 100% employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality mechanic and service trucks, service cranes, service truck and van accessories, tire trucks and manipulators, hooklifts, fuel and lube trucks, trailers and more is pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Worman to Director of Product Management and Inside Sales. In this expanded role, Worman will continue to lead development strategy across product lines while also overseeing the company’s growing inside sales team.
Current Director of Inside Sales, Eric Janssen, will remain with Stellar and transition to a project management role.
Worman originally joined Stellar in 2019 as a Product Manager. Since then, his contributions have helped strengthen Stellar’s market position through strategic product development, customer-focused innovation and strong cross-functional collaboration, ultimately landing him the role of Director of Product Management in 2021. With more than 37 years of experience in the truck equipment industry, Worman brings a unique combination of engineering, sales leadership, and product development expertise to his growing role. As the Director of Inside Sales, Worman will focus on aligning sales support resources to better serve Stellar’s distributor network and end customer.
“Tim’s passion for the work truck industry and his deep knowledge of our product lines make him the ideal person to take on this expanded leadership role,” said Tim Davison, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stellar. “His ability to translate customer feedback into actionable improvements, while also supporting internal teams and sales efforts, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve.”
Reflecting on his new position, Worman shared, “I’m excited to take on the new responsibilities that come with leading the inside sales team and continue building on the momentum we’ve created on the product development side. Inside sales is a critical part of the customer experience and I am looking forward to working more closely with the team to support our partners and deliver the high-quality solutions Stellar is known for.”
In this new capacity, Worman will continue to drive innovation and operational excellence across both the product and inside sales teams. This shift aligns with Stellar’s ongoing investment in leadership that supports long-term growth and strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and solutions to its customers.
Continued on Page
Tim Worman
About Stellar
Stellar was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, and has since expanded operations to multiple U.S. locations. Stellar is a 100%
New Scissor Lift Tilt Trailer From Ironbull
BROOKSTON, Texas — Norstar/Ironbull manufacturing is excited to introduce a single axle 80” x 12’ tilt trailer, the TSB. Built for performance and convenience, this new tilt trailer takes the hassle out of loading and unloading. Featuring a smooth tilt deck for easy drive-on access, a heavy-duty frame for lasting durability, and a compact, maneuverable design. This tilt is perfect for hauling small machinery, including scissor lifts and delivers big capability in a lightweight, easy-to-handle, compact package.
“As we continue to grow, we’re constantly expanding our lineup to bring even more versatility to our trailer dealers. The TSB Scissor Tilt delivers a compact, userfriendly design without sacrificing the durability and
employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality work trucks, service cranes and accessories, in addition to trailers. Through the innovative, growing product line and an expanding distribution network, the company has gained an international presence and become the No. 1 productivity choice in many markets.
For more information, visit stellarindustries.com. ■
reliability you expect from an Iron Bull trailer,” said Trent Fendley, Business Development at Norstar.
About Norstar
Norstar launched its truck bed division in 2013 and introduced the highly sought-after Ironbull trailer brand in 2015. Norstar and Ironbull not only met but exceeded market expectations during its rapid expansion allowing them to establish a nation-wide network of independently owned and operated trailer and bed dealerships in a matter of years. Their highly valued dealer network has built them into the manufacturing powerhouse they are today. For further information, please visit www.norstarcompany.com ■
Liberty Trailers Acquires Summit Trailer Manufacturing, Expanding National Footprint and Capabilities
FILLMORE, Ind. and PORTLAND, Ore. — Liberty Trailers, a leading manufacturer of American-made, commercialgrade trailers, today announced the acquisition of Summit Trailer Manufacturing, Inc., a respected Pacific Northwest manufacturer recognized for building dependable utility, car hauler, equipment, tilt, and dump trailers.
The acquisition unites two companies that share a strong commitment to integrity, quality, and reliability. By combining strengths, Liberty and Summit will enhance service to their dealers, vendors, and customers while preserving each brand’s independence and unique identity. Liberty brings a strong presence in the Midwest and Texas, while Summit offers deep roots in the Pacific Northwest— together creating a complementary national footprint.
“This is a milestone moment for Liberty,” said Mike Teso, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Trailers. “Summit has built a reputation for straightforward, high-quality trailers and trusted partnerships. By joining forces, we’re strengthening our ability to serve hardworking people across the country with dependable trailers they can count on. Our values align perfectly, and our geographic reach now gives us a truly national platform.”
“For Summit, the transition ensures continuity while opening doors to new opportunities,” said Brad Nelson, former owner and President of Summit Trailer Manufacturing, who will continue leading the company as General Manager of the Summit brand under Liberty’s ownership. “Summit has always been about quality, reliability, and putting our partners first. Liberty shares those same values. This partnership allows Summit to continue operating under its own name and culture, while benefiting from Liberty’s resources and scale. It’s the best of both worlds for our employees, dealers, and customers.”
The Summit brand will continue to operate independently under Liberty’s ownership, while receiving support from Liberty’s team in as needed.
About Liberty Trailers
Founded with a vision to provide hardworking individuals and businesses with dependable, American-made trailers, Liberty Trailers has grown into a respected name in the trailer industry. Known for its commitment to quality, partnership, and community, Liberty serves a wide range of industries through its dealer network across the country. ■
Polar King Introduces PKM620: Industry’s Largest Standard Refrigerated, Freezer Trailer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Fort Wayne, IN – (Aug. 21, 2025) Polar King, a leading provider of refrigerated and freezer trailers, announces the launch of the PKM620, a 6’x20’ trailer – the largest mobile cold storage walk-in unit in the industry.
Built with Polar King’s signature fiberglass, seamless construction, the PKM620 offers a sanitary, durable cold storage environment capable of reaching sub-zero temperatures. Unlike other trailers in the Polar King lineup, the new unit features two full-sized doors, giving operators faster, safer and more efficient loading and unloading for high-volume operations. In addition to the backdoor, there’s also a door on the side of the unit.
“The PKM620 represents a bold step forward in mobile cold storage,” said Danny Gaviria, national sales manager for Polar King’s trailer division. “It combines the size and capability our customers have been asking for with the energy efficiency and reliability Polar King is known for. We’re proud to add this massive unit to our standard line of trailers, and we know it will help customers from day one.”
Additional PKM620 specifications include:
› all-electric power
› 220v, 17.5 MCA amps
› 9,400 lbs. capacity
Polar King unveiled the PKM620 in Nashville.
Polar King offers refrigerated and freezer trailers designed specifically for outdoor, over-the-road use. The trailers are made in America and feature a 100% seamless fiberglass exterior design that ensures a sanitary internal environment that remains independent of external temperatures.
The refrigerated and freezer trailers are certified by the NSF, as well as by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). Polar King is also
ISO compliant, ensuring the units meet stringent safety, manufacturing and regulatory standards.
Including the introduction of the PKM620, Polar King now has four trailers in its standard lineup: 8’, 12’ 16’ and 20’ units.
With four standard trailers, over-the-road cold storage solutions are ideal for any industry, including foodservice, catering, agriculture, hunting, baking, and many other temperature-sensitive applications.
In 2024, the company unveiled its Avalanche Series. The Avalanche Series is the industry’s first trailer to offer a drop deck, ground-level loading capability.
To learn more about the Polar King trailer division, call (866) 536-1266 or visit polarking. com/products/refrigerated-trailers/.
About Polar King International
The introduction of the Polar King outdoor walk-in freezer into the food service industry resulted from three generations of walk-in refrigeration technology and experience. Polar King’s fiberglass, one-piece walk-in cooler is the natural evolution of the walk-in cold storage industry from the conventional metal panel constructed unit. In early 1982, Polar King began operations by constructing and shipping walk-ins from a modest 12,000 sq. ft. facility in New Haven, Indiana. As demand grew for outdoor fiberglass commercial walk-in coolers and commercial walk-in freezers, production was moved to a 251,200 sq. ft. facility located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For 40 years, Polar King has provided thousands of walk-ins to single-unit operators, chain restaurants, schools, health care facilities, government agencies, and many other industries requiring dependable outdoor walk-in refrigeration. For more information, visit polarking.com or contact Polar King, 4424 New Haven Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 USA at (877) 224-8674. ■
Stellar Announced as Globe Gazette 2025 Employer of Choice Award Recipient
GARNER, Iowa — Stellar Industries, a 100% employeeowned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality mechanic and service trucks, service cranes, service truck and van accessories, tire trucks and manipulators, hooklifts, fuel and lube trucks, trailers and more, is honored to be announced as a 2025 Employer of Choice Award recipient, presented by the Mason City Globe Gazette
The Employer of Choice Award recognizes Northern Iowa businesses that create a work environment where employees
feel valued and supported. Stellar was nominated for this award by its employees who believed the company held the qualities necessary to hold this title. Those qualities include a strong commitment to quality of life, consistent feedback from leadership, support and flexibility for family and personal matters and recognition of employee contributions.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized with the 2025
Continued on Page 84
Employer of Choice Award,” said Dave Zrostlik, President of Stellar. “It’s an honor to know that our employee-owners felt Stellar is worthy of this recognition. This award reflects the dedication that everyone at Stellar has for creating a culture where employees are invested, engaged and happy.”
The acknowledgment highlights Stellar’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive work environment and investing in its employees and local communities. As a 100% employee-owned and -operated company, Stellar focuses on the personal and professional growth of every team member, from interns to leadership.
“The employee-owner mindset means that when Stellar succeeds, so do its people,” explains Zrostlik. “That shared success not only helps deliver quality products to Stellar customers, but also fosters an environment
where employees feel fulfilled and satisfied to stay.”
In 2025, Stellar is celebrating 35 years of continued success. Through groundbreaking product innovations, thoughtful business investments and acquisitions and a commitment to its dedicated workforce, Stellar continues to provide best-inclass products to industries and businesses around the world.
To learn more about career opportunities and open positions at Stellar, visit stellarindustries.com.
About Stellar
Stellar was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, and has since expanded operations to multiple U.S. locations. Stellar is a 100% employeeowned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality work trucks, service cranes and accessories, in addition to trailers. Through the innovative, growing product line and an expanding distribution network, the company has gained an international presence and become the No. 1 productivity choice in many markets. ■
Rooted in Love, Felling Trailers Announces 2025 Trailer for a Cause Auction Dates
SAUK CENTRE, Minn. — Felling Trailers, Inc. is hosting its thirteenth annual online auction of an FT-3 drop deck utility trailer to support a nonprofit organization. The 2025 beneficiary is Ivy’s Legacy Foundation, a Sauk Centre, MNbased nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families who have fallen on hard times. Felling Trailers’ goal is to raise awareness about the valuable work that Ivy’s Legacy Foundation does for the families and community members it serves throughout Central Minnesota and beyond.
A nine-day online auction, running October 24th through November 1st, will feature a specially manufactured FT-3 drop deck utility trailer painted in custom “Ivy Green” with black pinstriping and bearing the Ivy’s Legacy Foundation emblem. The complete winning bid will go directly to the foundation, which has quietly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families throughout Minnesota over the past decade. A collection of suppliers have joined Felling Trailers in sponsoring the 2025 trailer construction: Trans-Texas, PPG, Dexter, Sealco, Peterson, Demco, and Pacific Rim. Their contributions cover everything from lighting systems to tires to specialized decking.
Ivy’s Legacy Foundation provides various forms of assistance, including financial support for medical bills and funeral expenses, grieving baskets for parents who’ve lost a baby, chemo baskets for cancer patients, and memorial services. As a 100% volunteer-run organization, Ivy’s Legacy Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families throughout Central Minnesota and beyond. “We understand that life can bring unexpected challenges and struggles. We hope that, through donations, we can extend our roots of love and branches of hope to even more families in our area who really need it,”
stated Nicki Vogt, Founder of Ivy’s Legacy Foundation. “What sets Ivy’s Legacy Foundation apart is how they show up for families during their most vulnerable moments,” said Brenda Jennissen, President and CEO of Felling Trailers, Inc. “They’ve shown up for our own team members and their families when crisis hit, providing everything from funeral support to comfort baskets and financial support during cancer treatment. It’s rare to find an organization that combines such practical help with genuine compassion. This auction lets us multiply their impact, and frankly, it’s an honor to be part of their mission.”
The Trailer for a Cause auction launches Friday, October 24th, at noon and concludes Saturday, November 1st, at 7 p.m. during Ivy’s Legacy Foundation’s Sweet Sixteen Trivia Night fundraiser. Bidding takes place exclusively online; view the auction at www.felling.com/our-company/trailer-for-a-cause/.
Winners must arrange pickup at Felling Trailers’ manufacturing facility in Sauk Centre or coordinate delivery (freight charges additional).
About Ivy’s Legacy Foundation
Roots of Love, Branches of Hope. Supporting our community members during their times of hardship is at the heart of what we do! Ivy’s Legacy Foundation, located in Sauk Centre, MN, is a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016. However, our journey began much earlier in 2009, inspired by an angel named Ivy Rose, the beloved baby of Nicki and Aaron Vogt. We understand that life can bring unexpected challenges, such as sudden loss, cancer, tumors, fire destruction, organ transplants, birth defects, stillbirths, infectious diseases, and deficiency disorders, just to
name a few. These issues are not just statistics; they are the real struggles faced by families right here in central Minnesota. Ivy’s Legacy Foundation has been honored to extend our support to these families when they need it most. Together, we are dedicated to sprinkling love and compassion in our community, helping families find hope and healing during their difficult times.
For additional information about the Ivy’s Legacy Foundation, visit https://ivyslegacyfoundation.org/.
About Felling Trailers, Inc.
Felling Trailers is a family-owned and operated Full Line Trailer Manufacturer located in Central Minnesota. Started in 1974, Felling Trailers, Inc. has grown from
Liberty Trailers Launches Patent-Pending
Detach &
a small shop to a factory and office complex that today covers over 400,000 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 tangible products. Felling has been providing innovative trailer solutions to the transportation industry for 50 years. Felling Trailers’ current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certified company, a 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 Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.) and Instagram (Felling Trailers). ■
Defend™ Removable Tow Bar System
FILLMORE, Ind. — Liberty Trailers, a leading American manufacturer of commercial-grade trailers, is proud to announce the launch of its all-new, patent-pending Detach & Defend™ Removable Tow Bar System. This innovative feature is now available as an optional upgrade on Liberty’s I-Beam Frame Equipment Haulers, Tilt Trailers, and Dump Trailers.
The Detach & Defend™ Removable Tow Bar System is engineered to give trailer owners true peace of mind. The tow bar can be quickly detached and removed when the trailer is not in use, eliminating the connection point thieves rely on to hook up and tow it away. Once removed, operators insert the Defender Shield, a secure block-off insert that prevents anyone from attaching a coupler in the tow bar’s place. This two-step defense renders the trailer virtually immobile until the tow bar is reattached by its rightful owner. Built for durability and convenience, it reflects Liberty’s ongoing commitment to practical, real-world innovations that protect customers’ hard-earned investments.
“At Liberty, we listen to our customers and design solutions
Larson Cable Trailers’ Electric LCT-7500 E:
that make their lives easier and their equipment more secure,” said Johnathan Bradley, Chief Commercial Officer of Liberty Trailers. “The Detach & Defend™ Removable Tow Bar System gives trailer owners confidence that their trailer will stay secure, while also offering flexibility and convenience for everyday use. It’s one more way we’re raising the bar in trailer innovation.”
The Detach & Defend™ Removable Tow Bar System is available immediately as an optional feature on select Liberty trailer models.
For more information, visit www. libertytrailers.com/detach-and-defend
About Liberty Trailers
Liberty Trailers is a premier manufacturer of American-made, commercial-grade trailers built to empower hardworking individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and quality, Liberty offers a full lineup of trailers designed to meet the needs of customers nationwide. ■
A Practical Step Toward Greener Fiber Installation
Since 2000, Larson Cable Trailers has set the industry standard as the original creator of the patented fiber optic cable installation trailer. Now, the company continues its innovation legacy with the electric LCT-7500 E, the first electricpowered fiber installation trailer that delivers the efficiency, durability, and reliability crews demand while addressing the industry’s growing need for sustainable equipment solutions.
The fiber optic cable installation industry has traditionally relied on gas-powered equipment, contributing to emissions and noise at job sites across the country. Larson Cable Trailers’ electric LCT-7500 E offers a practical alternative that addresses these environmental concerns while
Continued on Page 86
maintaining and improving operational performance.
Moving Beyond Gas-Powered Operations
Gas-powered cable installation trailers have been the industry standard, but they come with environmental costs:
› Direct emissions from engine operation during cable pulling and setup
› Fuel consumption across multiple daily job sites
› Engine noise that can disrupt residential and commercial areas
Practical Environmental Benefits
The electric LCT-7500 E addresses these issues directly:
Emission Elimination: Zero on-site emissions from the trailer itself, reducing the environmental impact of fiber installation projects.
Noise Reduction: Significantly quieter operation improves working conditions for crews and reduces disruption in residential areas.
Industry Influence: As contractors adopt electric equipment, it demonstrates that sustainable alternatives are viable for heavy-duty cable installation work.
Regulatory Preparedness: Positions contractors ahead of potential emission regulations in urban areas and environmentally sensitive zones.
Market Access: Enables contractors to bid on projects in areas
Felling Trailers’ Patented Air Bi-Fold Ramps
with strict emission requirements or noise ordinances.
Broader Industry Impact
While individual trailer conversions provide localized benefits, wider adoption across the industry could meaningfully reduce the environmental footprint of fiber network expansion. The LCT-7500 E demonstrates that electric alternatives can meet the performance demands of cable installation work.
The transition to electric equipment represents a practical step forward for an industry essential to digital infrastructure development. The LCT-7500 E demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational effectiveness can be effectively aligned in the fiber installation sector.
This unit will be on display at the Utility Expo in Louisville, KY, Oct. 7th-9th, 2025, in Booth E555.
About Larson Cable Trailers
Founded in 2000, Larson Cable Trailers revolutionized the cable installation industry as the original creator of the patented cable fiber installation trailer. For over 25 years, the company has maintained its position as the industry standard for innovative reel handling solutions, designing equipment where efficiency, durability, and reliability are essential. Larson Cable Trailers transforms the simple concept of cable transport into sophisticated equipment that helps crews lay more cable in less time. Larson Cable Trailers serves the fiber optic and power industries with patented designs engineered for real-world conditions. Based in South Dakota, Larson Cable Trailers continues to lead industry innovation with cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity across cable installation operations. Larson Cable Trailers is a WBENCCertified WBE company and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information, visit www.larsoncabletrailers.com or call 605352-9336. Follow on Facebook (LarsonCableTrailers) and Instagram ■
Named 2025 Editor’s Choice Award Winner by Rental
SAUK CENTRE, Minn. — Rental, the nationally recognized brand serving rental equipment professionals, has named Felling Trailers’ patented Air Bi-Fold Ramp System (U.S. Patent 11,613,197) as one of the Rental 2025 Editor’s Choice Award winners.
The 2025 Rental Editor’s Choice Awards represent the equipment rental industry’s best products, gaining interest from end-users and rental professionals alike. The awarded products, exhibiting innovation and utility, were chosen based on submitted nominations and their potential impact on the general tool and equipment rental industry by the Rental editorial team.
Air-Powered Technology Reduces Surface Damage
Felling’s Air Bi-Fold Ramp System addresses common challenges in equipment loading through its air-powered design. The system requires no batteries or hydraulics, making it an environmentally friendly solution for the paving and low clearance equipment markets.
The patented system features 45” wide by 11’ (7.5’ + 3.5’) wood inlaid bi-fold ramps specifically designed to accommodate the load angle necessary when loading cumbersome low-clearance equipment such as paving equipment and directional drills. The
11’ length provides operators with a gentler, more gradual 9.5° load angle, ensuring ease in loading and unloading operations.
A key feature in Felling’s design is the operation of the flip ramp, which locks out fully when extending, preventing scraping or marring of the ground surface. This feature is particularly valuable for protecting newly paved surfaces. Additionally, Felling’s controlled flow air ramp technology provides soft ground contact during deployment and retraction, helping to keep new surfaces free from damage.
“The last thing that you want if you just paved a new parking lot is getting new asphalt down and scraping it with your trailer when you load up at the end of the day. This system eliminates that. It’s all air-powered, a totally green system,” said Patrick Jennissen, Felling’s VP of Sales & Marketing.
Enhanced Reliability and Functionality
The Air Bi-Fold Ramp System uses the tow vehicle’s onboard air system to power the ramps, eliminating the need for maintenance associated with onboard electric or hydraulic systems. This design is entirely air-powered, no batteries, no hydraulics.
“These ramps are available on a wide range of air brake-equipped trailers and allow the safe loading of most paving equipment with ease. Air-operated ramps are far more reliable than those powered by an electric/hydraulic pump, making it a clear choice for many paving crews,” said Nathan Uphus, Felling’s Sales Director.
The patented air bi-fold ramps system is currently available on 20, 22.5, 25, and 30-ton tag series, with plans to expand into the semi-trailer lines. Few manufacturers in the marketplace offer an Air Bi-Fold Ramp system with the comprehensive functionality that Felling’s patented design provides.
Industry Recognition for Innovation
“I will forever be astounded by the innovation and ingenious ideas the OEMs of our industry bring to the table,” says Jonathan
Kozlowski, editor-in-chief of Rental. “I’m once again excited to bring attention to these problem-solving solutions for both the equipment rental businesses as well as the customers they serve.”
The Air Bi-Fold Ramp System first debuted at CONEXPOCON/AGG 2020, generating significant interest from the construction sector. Following extensive development and testing, Felling was awarded U.S. Patent 11,613,197 in 2023, protecting the intellectual property of the innovative design for twenty years from the original filing date.
Rental provides the latest insights on equipment asset management, including better equipment selection, key economic forecasts, customer-centric insights, and business management tips surrounding personnel, digital marketing, and finance.
Additional information on award recipients can be found online at: www.forconstructionpros.com/rental.
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 400,000 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 tangible products. Felling has been providing innovative trailer solutions to the transportation industry for over 50 years. Felling Trailers’ current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certified company, a 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 Facebook (Felling Trailers, Inc.) and Instagram (Felling Trailers). ■
Shapiro Highlights Circularity at Missouri Manufacturing Conference
ST. LOUIS — Tim Ridderbos, Vice President of Circular Business Development at Shapiro, delivered a keynote address on making sustainability both strategic and profitable at the Missouri Association of Manufacturers’ Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) conference. Hosted by the Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM), the conference brought together industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates to explore how environmental responsibility can drive profitability, resilience, and brand trust.
Manufacturers face rising pressure to create closed loop systems, reduce waste, cut carbon and prove
environmental compliance. Too often, excess material is treated as cost rather than opportunity.
Ridderbos’ session showed leaders how to discover hidden waste streams across plants, build internal buy-in and craft compelling narratives that resonate with customers and regulators.
“My challenge to you is to think about how you can be proactive, so that instead of reacting to OEM demands and
Continued on Page 88
Continued from Page 87
regulatory changes, you’re positioned as a leader driving the conversation in industry recycling,” encouraged Ridderbos.
“Sustainability adds value from waste to your bottom line, so it’s encouraging to see how the industry’s perception around waste is shifting to being seen as local, revenue and opportunity,” shared Bob Alvarez, Chief Operations Officer at Shapiro
OEM sustainability initiatives are backed by Shapiro including Circular by Shapiro and Master Alloys with examples like:
The Business Case for Recycling: How reducing waste and increasing material reuse can lower costs, improve compliance, and unlock new revenue streams and track data through a proprietary Sustainability Dashboard.
Shapiro’s 5 for Five Podcast hosted by Tim Ridderbos: Highlights manufacturers and sustainability.
Waste Isn’t Just Material: Shows how “The Alley” waste isn’t a priority, rarely measured and difficult to compile several locations of data with case studies documenting successful recycling programs for copper wire, wood, trash, cardboard, textiles, plastics.
Fluid Management Systems: Discussed Shapiro’s fluid pumps that are being used by CNC machining companies to reuse fluids and save on costly cutting fluids.
To explore Shapiro’s recycling programs, visit Shapiro sustainability solutions or read their industry recycling solutions overview.
About Shapiro
Shapiro is a circular solutions company helping manufacturers transform industrial excess materials into value. Founded in1904, Shapiro serves aerospace, automotive, foundry, die casting and manufacturing sectors across North America. The company delivers compliance, transparency and measurable ROI through sustainable metal recycling strategies. ■
