Frequently Asked Questions
Compliance - Membership - TRACKS - Convention - Consumer
What is NATM? The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is the trade association for manufacturers of light- and medium-duty trailers and suppliers of products and services to the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.
Trailers manufactured by NATM member companies transport a diverse range of items – livestock, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, landscaping equipment, etc., and also serve as portable power generators, traffic control systems, and law enforcement command centers. NATM seeks to promote awareness among its members of best industry practices and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. Our goal is to promote the safety standards by which our industry is measured.
What is the NATM compliance verification program?
NATM’s compliance program, including its consultation, is based on the Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines). The Guidelines is a compilation of federal safety standards and regulations, and industry best practices that govern trailer construction. The compliance consultation is intended to verify that the manufacturer has the processes in place to build trailers in accordance with the Guidelines.
Who is eligible for the compliance verification program?
NATM Regular members (light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers) are eligible to participate in the compliance verification program. Effective January 1, 2012, participation in the program will be a requirement of membership for Regular members.
How much does it cost?
The first compliance consultation is free of charge. Members successfully completing the consultation are eligible to purchase and display compliance decals on their trailers. Subsequent consultations, conducted every 24 months, remain free of charge to all members purchasing compliance decals. Members not purchasing decals are charged $750 for re-certifications.
How do I volunteer for a compliance consultation?
Members can volunteer for a compliance consultation by contacting NATM headquarters at
(785) 272-4433, by email – Greg.Soden@natm.com, or on the NATM Web site: www.natm.com/SignUp.htm. Non-members must first apply for membership - www.natm.com/Applications.html. Information on volunteering for the compliance program will be included in your new member packet.
What happens if my company doesn’t pass the compliance consultation?
The compliance consultant will provide a report following your compliance consultation. If there are requirements you do not meet, the consultant will work with you to make corrections. Sixty days are given to rectify the issue(s), with 30-day extensions allowed if necessary.
What do I do if I disagree with the findings on a consultation?
If the manufacturer disagrees with the findings on a compliance consultation, there is a two-step appeals process. A compliance panel reviews the initial appeal. The compliance panel may grant or deny the appeal. If the compliance panel denies the appeal, the manufacturer may then appeal to the appeals panel. The decision of the appeals panel is final.
How often are compliance consultations conducted?
Compliance consultations are conducted every 24 months. As we move to mandatory compliance a regional schedule is being developed to minimize travel to the same geographic area and to ensure all manufacturers are visited in a timely manner. As this schedule is incorporated some manufacturers re-certification dates may vary by a few months until the new schedule has been established.
Who can purchase compliance decals?
Manufacturers successfully completing compliance verification may purchase NATM compliance decals to display on compliant trailers. Displaying the decals adds value to your trailers, increases your top line and shows your commitment to meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards. Compliant members may also use the compliance decal on their Web site and marketing materials. The compliance decal signifies a “Commitment to Safety.”
Who do I contact about a trailer compliance issue?
NATM Technical Director Clint Lancaster (Clint.Lancaster@natm.com) or Compliance Consultant Greg Soden (Greg.Soden@natm.com) are available to answer your compliance questions.
How do I find a compliant manufacturer?
For a list of NATM compliant members go to http://www.natm.com/CompliantMembers.htm.
What are the Guidelines?
Since its inception, NATM has worked to improve safety and reliability of the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry through the promotion of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and recognized manufacturing practices. This is accomplished through education and publication of the Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines).
This publication is a compilation of federal rules, regulations, standards and accepted industry practices that govern trailer construction. The Guidelines are available free only to members of NATM, saving manufacturers days of research time on difficult-to-locate requirements. The Guidelines are reviewed and revised annually and are also available in a CD-rom version.
Who can purchase Guidelines?
The Guidelines are available as a member benefit free of charge to NATM members. Non-members may purchase the Guidelines for $1,500.
Who is eligible for NATM membership?
Manufacturers of light- and medium-duty trailers located in North America are eligible for Regular Membership. Light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers located outside of North America can apply for International Regular membership. As of January 1, 2012, all trailer manufacturers (Regular members) applying for association membership will be required to participate in NATM’s compliance verification program. Any company that provides a product (i.e. tires, metal, adhesives) and/or a service (i.e. technical writing, insurance, consulting) is eligible for Associate Membership. Branch memberships are available also to supplement Regular, International Regular or Associate Membership.
What are the categories for membership?
Regular members are trailer manufacturers building trailers within North America.
International Regular members are light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers building trailers outside of North America
Associate members are suppliers of products and services to the industry
Branch memberships are available for additional locations or contacts and can be added to Regular, International Regular or Associate memberships.
What is the cost of membership?
Both Regular and International Regular membership dues are $770 a year. Associate membership dues are $660 a year. Branch memberships are $125 a year. Please note that a full Regular, International Regular or Associate membership must be held before Branch memberships can be approved. Membership dues are on a calendar year, January through December. Please refer to the FAQ, “What is the membership year?” for more information.
How do I apply for membership?
It is easy to join NATM! Please complete the appropriate membership application (Regular, International Regular or Associate) and submit your dues payment to Member Services Director, Allison Malmstrom. Allison can be reached at Allison.Malmstrom@natm.com or by phone, (785) 272-4433. Completed membership applications can also be faxed to her attention at (785) 272-4455. Along with the completed application, please remit your dues payment. NATM accepts checks and Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Not sure what category of membership you should apply for? Please refer to FAQ “What are the categories for membership?” or contact Allison Malmstrom.
What are the benefits of membership?
One of the biggest association benefits is access to NATM’s Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines). The Guidelines is a compilation of all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and state towing and braking laws as they apply to the manufacturing of light- and medium-duty trailers. In addition, NATM offers Regular members the opportunity to participate in a compliance verification program. This program ensures that the manufacturer is building their trailers in accordance with NATM Guidelines. As of January 1, 2012, all Regular or International Regular members must be in compliance with NATM Guidelines as a requirement of membership.
Members also receive Tracks magazine, a bi-monthly publication that provides the latest in industry news, education and government affairs initiatives. Associate members can advertise in the magazine as well as on our online Ultimate Buyers Guide. All Associate members are listed in the Buyer’s Guide and can choose to upgrade their listing with an advertisement.
Every winter NATM hosts the Annual Convention & Trade Show, an opportunity for regular and associate members to gather, share ideas and learn of the latest industry happenings. Associate members exhibit their products for regular members - this is a can’t miss event and is the only show of its kind, allowing suppliers a direct audience with trailer manufacturers.
What is the membership year?
Membership is on the calendar year – January through December. New members must pay a full year’s dues upon application. However, for new members joining after January dues are prorated monthly, with the credit being applied to the next year’s dues. All members are on the calendar year after the second year of membership, with dues being payable by January 31st of each year.
What is Tracks?
Tracks, published bi-monthly, the official publication of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, is packed with information on the association’s activities, plans and the latest regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Tracks features regular columns from the NATM president, executive director and government affairs counsel, briefing members on the current affairs of the association and the industry. Regular features also include member profiles, product profiles and news releases about NATM members.
How often is Tracks published?
Bi-Monthly – every other month (December/January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November)
Are there special editions of Tracks?
Yes, there are two Trailer Dealer issues of Tracks each year – a Spring issue and a Fall issue.
Who can advertise in Tracks?
All associate (supplier/vendor) NATM members can advertise in the six regular issues of Tracks. Trailer manufacturers and suppliers/vendor NATM members can advertise in the Trailer Dealer issues.
How can I contribute an article for publication in Tracks?
There are a couple of ways to contribute to Tracks. Member news releases run in each regular issue of Tracks as space allows.
We also try to run a member profile in each issue of Tracks. This is an article about a member company and/or their services/products. This can include a company history, new products/services and photos. There is not a minimum or maximum length for the profile and there is no cost. The content and photos are provided by the company and must meet the publication deadlines.
For both news release submission and company/product profile scheduling, contact Shannon Miller (Shannon.Miller@natm.com). Also contact Shannon, if you have a topic that you think would be beneficial to NATM members, or have an article on a topic that you would like to submit to run in Tracks.
How do I subscribe to Tracks?
Each NATM member company receives 2 complimentary issues of Tracks. If you do not think you are receiving both copies, or the contact information needs to be changed on the subscription, contact NATM Headquarters at (785) 272-4433.
When is the next NATM Convention & Trade Show?
February 8 – 10, 2012
Where is the next NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX
Who exhibits at the NATM Trade Show?
NATM Associate members that supply components or services to the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry.
Who can attend the NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Trailer manufacturers and suppliers to the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry.
What is the official hotel for the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
The host hotel is the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa, 1701 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
How can I become a sponsor for the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Associate members can increase their visibility and show their support of the industry by sponsoring an event at the Convention. To become a sponsor, visit the NATM Convention Web site at www.natmconvention.com and download the sponsorship contract. Complete the contract and e-mail to Shannon Miller at Shannon.Miller@natm.com or fax to (785) 272-4455. Shannon will contact you to match an event to your sponsorship.
How can I sign up to exhibit at the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
The 2010 Trade Show sold out and there was a waiting list. Vendors interested in exhibiting are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Visit the NATM Convention Web site at www.natmconvention.com to download an exhibitor contract. Complete the contract and e-mail to Monica Johnson at Monica.Johnson@natm.com or fax to (785) 272-4455. Monica will contact you to coordinate your booth space and registration.
How can I register to attend the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Visit the NATM Convention Web site at www.natmconvention.com to download a registration form, either supplier or trailer manufacturer. Complete the form and e-mail to Monica Johnson at Monica.Johnson@natm.com or fax to (785) 272-4455.Who from my company should attend the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
The Trade Show is ideal for decision makers, purchasing agents or anyone interested is seeing the latest in products or services for the trailer manufacturing industry. In addition, educational tracks will be geared towards purchasing, engineering/technical, and business operations.
Why should I buy a trailer manufactured by a company that participates in the NATM compliance verification program?
Trailer manufacturers displaying this decal on their trailers have passed the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) compliance consultation. NATM’s compliance program, including its consultation, is based on the Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines). The Guidelines is a compilation of federal safety standards and regulations, and industry best practices that govern trailer construction. The compliance consultation is intended to verify that the manufacturer has the processes in place to build trailers in accordance with the Guidelines.
It’s the law! Items on the compliance checklist are mandatory Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that govern the construction of all trailers. Compliant manufacturers have had a third-party expert verify their manufacturing processes are designed to produce trailers that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and recommended industry practices. It signifies their “Commitment to Safety.”
Where can I find a list of compliant trailer manufacturers?
For a list of NATM compliant members go to http://www.natm.com/CompliantMembers.htm.
What is NATM? The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is the trade association for manufacturers of light- and medium-duty trailers and suppliers of products and services to the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.
Trailers manufactured by NATM member companies transport a diverse range of items – livestock, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, landscaping equipment, etc., and also serve as portable power generators, traffic control systems, and law enforcement command centers. NATM seeks to promote awareness among its members of best industry practices and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. Our goal is to promote the safety standards by which our industry is measured.
What is the NATM compliance verification program?
NATM’s compliance program, including its consultation, is based on the Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines). The Guidelines is a compilation of federal safety standards and regulations, and industry best practices that govern trailer construction. The compliance consultation is intended to verify that the manufacturer has the processes in place to build trailers in accordance with the Guidelines.
Who is eligible for the compliance verification program?
NATM Regular members (light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers) are eligible to participate in the compliance verification program. Effective January 1, 2012, participation in the program will be a requirement of membership for Regular members.
How much does it cost?
The first compliance consultation is free of charge. Members successfully completing the consultation are eligible to purchase and display compliance decals on their trailers. Subsequent consultations, conducted every 24 months, remain free of charge to all members purchasing compliance decals. Members not purchasing decals are charged $750 for re-certifications.
How do I volunteer for a compliance consultation?
Members can volunteer for a compliance consultation by contacting NATM headquarters at
(785) 272-4433, by email – Greg.Soden@natm.com, or on the NATM Web site: www.natm.com/SignUp.htm. Non-members must first apply for membership - www.natm.com/Applications.html. Information on volunteering for the compliance program will be included in your new member packet.
What happens if my company doesn’t pass the compliance consultation?
The compliance consultant will provide a report following your compliance consultation. If there are requirements you do not meet, the consultant will work with you to make corrections. Sixty days are given to rectify the issue(s), with 30-day extensions allowed if necessary.
What do I do if I disagree with the findings on a consultation?
If the manufacturer disagrees with the findings on a compliance consultation, there is a two-step appeals process. A compliance panel reviews the initial appeal. The compliance panel may grant or deny the appeal. If the compliance panel denies the appeal, the manufacturer may then appeal to the appeals panel. The decision of the appeals panel is final.
How often are compliance consultations conducted?
Compliance consultations are conducted every 24 months. As we move to mandatory compliance a regional schedule is being developed to minimize travel to the same geographic area and to ensure all manufacturers are visited in a timely manner. As this schedule is incorporated some manufacturers re-certification dates may vary by a few months until the new schedule has been established.
Who can purchase compliance decals?
Manufacturers successfully completing compliance verification may purchase NATM compliance decals to display on compliant trailers. Displaying the decals adds value to your trailers, increases your top line and shows your commitment to meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards. Compliant members may also use the compliance decal on their Web site and marketing materials. The compliance decal signifies a “Commitment to Safety.”
Who do I contact about a trailer compliance issue?
NATM Technical Director Clint Lancaster (Clint.Lancaster@natm.com) or Compliance Consultant Greg Soden (Greg.Soden@natm.com) are available to answer your compliance questions.
How do I find a compliant manufacturer?
For a list of NATM compliant members go to http://www.natm.com/CompliantMembers.htm.
What are the Guidelines?
Since its inception, NATM has worked to improve safety and reliability of the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry through the promotion of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and recognized manufacturing practices. This is accomplished through education and publication of the Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines).
This publication is a compilation of federal rules, regulations, standards and accepted industry practices that govern trailer construction. The Guidelines are available free only to members of NATM, saving manufacturers days of research time on difficult-to-locate requirements. The Guidelines are reviewed and revised annually and are also available in a CD-rom version.
Who can purchase Guidelines?
The Guidelines are available as a member benefit free of charge to NATM members. Non-members may purchase the Guidelines for $1,500.
Who is eligible for NATM membership?
Manufacturers of light- and medium-duty trailers located in North America are eligible for Regular Membership. Light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers located outside of North America can apply for International Regular membership. As of January 1, 2012, all trailer manufacturers (Regular members) applying for association membership will be required to participate in NATM’s compliance verification program. Any company that provides a product (i.e. tires, metal, adhesives) and/or a service (i.e. technical writing, insurance, consulting) is eligible for Associate Membership. Branch memberships are available also to supplement Regular, International Regular or Associate Membership.
What are the categories for membership?
Regular members are trailer manufacturers building trailers within North America.
International Regular members are light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers building trailers outside of North America
Associate members are suppliers of products and services to the industry
Branch memberships are available for additional locations or contacts and can be added to Regular, International Regular or Associate memberships.
What is the cost of membership?
Both Regular and International Regular membership dues are $770 a year. Associate membership dues are $660 a year. Branch memberships are $125 a year. Please note that a full Regular, International Regular or Associate membership must be held before Branch memberships can be approved. Membership dues are on a calendar year, January through December. Please refer to the FAQ, “What is the membership year?” for more information.
How do I apply for membership?
It is easy to join NATM! Please complete the appropriate membership application (Regular, International Regular or Associate) and submit your dues payment to Member Services Director, Allison Malmstrom. Allison can be reached at Allison.Malmstrom@natm.com or by phone, (785) 272-4433. Completed membership applications can also be faxed to her attention at (785) 272-4455. Along with the completed application, please remit your dues payment. NATM accepts checks and Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Not sure what category of membership you should apply for? Please refer to FAQ “What are the categories for membership?” or contact Allison Malmstrom.
What are the benefits of membership?
One of the biggest association benefits is access to NATM’s Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines). The Guidelines is a compilation of all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and state towing and braking laws as they apply to the manufacturing of light- and medium-duty trailers. In addition, NATM offers Regular members the opportunity to participate in a compliance verification program. This program ensures that the manufacturer is building their trailers in accordance with NATM Guidelines. As of January 1, 2012, all Regular or International Regular members must be in compliance with NATM Guidelines as a requirement of membership.
Members also receive Tracks magazine, a bi-monthly publication that provides the latest in industry news, education and government affairs initiatives. Associate members can advertise in the magazine as well as on our online Ultimate Buyers Guide. All Associate members are listed in the Buyer’s Guide and can choose to upgrade their listing with an advertisement.
Every winter NATM hosts the Annual Convention & Trade Show, an opportunity for regular and associate members to gather, share ideas and learn of the latest industry happenings. Associate members exhibit their products for regular members - this is a can’t miss event and is the only show of its kind, allowing suppliers a direct audience with trailer manufacturers.
What is the membership year?
Membership is on the calendar year – January through December. New members must pay a full year’s dues upon application. However, for new members joining after January dues are prorated monthly, with the credit being applied to the next year’s dues. All members are on the calendar year after the second year of membership, with dues being payable by January 31st of each year.
What is Tracks?
Tracks, published bi-monthly, the official publication of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, is packed with information on the association’s activities, plans and the latest regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Tracks features regular columns from the NATM president, executive director and government affairs counsel, briefing members on the current affairs of the association and the industry. Regular features also include member profiles, product profiles and news releases about NATM members.
How often is Tracks published?
Bi-Monthly – every other month (December/January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November)
Are there special editions of Tracks?
Yes, there are two Trailer Dealer issues of Tracks each year – a Spring issue and a Fall issue.
Who can advertise in Tracks?
All associate (supplier/vendor) NATM members can advertise in the six regular issues of Tracks. Trailer manufacturers and suppliers/vendor NATM members can advertise in the Trailer Dealer issues.
How can I contribute an article for publication in Tracks?
There are a couple of ways to contribute to Tracks. Member news releases run in each regular issue of Tracks as space allows.
We also try to run a member profile in each issue of Tracks. This is an article about a member company and/or their services/products. This can include a company history, new products/services and photos. There is not a minimum or maximum length for the profile and there is no cost. The content and photos are provided by the company and must meet the publication deadlines.
For both news release submission and company/product profile scheduling, contact Shannon Miller (Shannon.Miller@natm.com). Also contact Shannon, if you have a topic that you think would be beneficial to NATM members, or have an article on a topic that you would like to submit to run in Tracks.
How do I subscribe to Tracks?
Each NATM member company receives 2 complimentary issues of Tracks. If you do not think you are receiving both copies, or the contact information needs to be changed on the subscription, contact NATM Headquarters at (785) 272-4433.
When is the next NATM Convention & Trade Show?
February 8 – 10, 2012
Where is the next NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX
Who exhibits at the NATM Trade Show?
NATM Associate members that supply components or services to the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry.
Who can attend the NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Trailer manufacturers and suppliers to the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry.
What is the official hotel for the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
The host hotel is the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa, 1701 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
How can I become a sponsor for the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Associate members can increase their visibility and show their support of the industry by sponsoring an event at the Convention. To become a sponsor, visit the NATM Convention Web site at www.natmconvention.com and download the sponsorship contract. Complete the contract and e-mail to Shannon Miller at Shannon.Miller@natm.com or fax to (785) 272-4455. Shannon will contact you to match an event to your sponsorship.
How can I sign up to exhibit at the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
The 2010 Trade Show sold out and there was a waiting list. Vendors interested in exhibiting are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Visit the NATM Convention Web site at www.natmconvention.com to download an exhibitor contract. Complete the contract and e-mail to Monica Johnson at Monica.Johnson@natm.com or fax to (785) 272-4455. Monica will contact you to coordinate your booth space and registration.
How can I register to attend the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
Visit the NATM Convention Web site at www.natmconvention.com to download a registration form, either supplier or trailer manufacturer. Complete the form and e-mail to Monica Johnson at Monica.Johnson@natm.com or fax to (785) 272-4455.Who from my company should attend the 2012 NATM Convention & Trade Show?
The Trade Show is ideal for decision makers, purchasing agents or anyone interested is seeing the latest in products or services for the trailer manufacturing industry. In addition, educational tracks will be geared towards purchasing, engineering/technical, and business operations.
Why should I buy a trailer manufactured by a company that participates in the NATM compliance verification program?
Trailer manufacturers displaying this decal on their trailers have passed the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) compliance consultation. NATM’s compliance program, including its consultation, is based on the Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers (Guidelines). The Guidelines is a compilation of federal safety standards and regulations, and industry best practices that govern trailer construction. The compliance consultation is intended to verify that the manufacturer has the processes in place to build trailers in accordance with the Guidelines.
It’s the law! Items on the compliance checklist are mandatory Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that govern the construction of all trailers. Compliant manufacturers have had a third-party expert verify their manufacturing processes are designed to produce trailers that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and recommended industry practices. It signifies their “Commitment to Safety.”
Where can I find a list of compliant trailer manufacturers?
For a list of NATM compliant members go to http://www.natm.com/CompliantMembers.htm.
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NATM Convention
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