Magazine

Published bi-monthly, Tracks, 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, technical director, general counsel and executive director, briefing members on the current affairs of the association and industry. Regular features also include member profiles, product profiles, Government Affairs update, and news releases about NATM members. 

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 acceptable, 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.

Guidelines Compliance Program

The goal of NATM is to promote safety in the trailer manufacturing industry. NATM compliance consultants visit members that volunteer for this program to review the NATM Compliance Checklist and ensure that trailers are manufactured in accordance with the Guidelines. This service is provided free of charge as a benefit to members. Members must undergo a consultation every 24 months to remain in compliance. Follow-up consultations are free of charge to those members purchasing compliance decals.

Compliance Decals

Members that have been determined through the compliance consultation procedure to have in place the appropriate processes to manufacture trailers in compliance with the Guidelines are eligible to purchase Compliance Decals. The distinctive red, white, blue and gold serialized decal states, “MANUFACTURED IN COMPLIANCE WITH NATM GUIDELINES.” NATM is working to educate consumers and trailer dealers to look for the compliance decal when purchasing a trailer.

Affinity/Endorsement Program

NATM associate members (suppliers) requesting NATM to endorse and help promote their products and services to NATM manufacturing members will be asked to apply for NATM endorsement and sign the new affinity agreement. The formal arrangement will require board approval, will be for an initial three-year term, and will provide NATM members with discounts and the association with non-taxable revenue in the form of negotiated royalty payments in return for endorsement and promotion.

Liaison to Government Regulators

Over the years, NATM has developed reliable contacts throughout the U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada. These relationships help NATM obtain answers to member’s regulatory questions. The NATM government affairs firm monitors the Federal Register for federal agency announcements of rule changes that could potentially impact the trailer manufacturing industry. The firm assists NATM in preparing and presenting appropriate written comments and evidence to the federal agencies to ensure that federal regulators hear and understand the unique position of the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturer before final rules are issued. When necessary, NATM meets with agency officials and staff to argue your point of view and to assist the agency in learning more about our industry.

Technical Director

NATM’s Technical Director is available to assist members with their technical and compliance questions. In addition, his regular articles in Tracks cover important issues and answers to frequently asked questions.

NATM offers an in-depth program on manufacturing concerns, featuring knowledgeable and nationally-known experts. A valued feature of the annual meeting is the trade show, where manufacturers can find new products and services and locate new or backup suppliers and vendors. The business meetings and social events held during the annual convention give members the opportunity to network with both manufacturers and suppliers.

Marketing

NATM is working to educate consumers to look for the compliance decal when purchasing a trailer. Posters and countertop displays are provided to compliant members to distribute to their dealers. These attractive, colorful marketing materials can be displayed at trade shows and at the trailer dealership to inform consumers about the significance of the compliance decal and to urge them to look for the decal when buying a trailer.

Model User’s Manual

The proper use of a trailer is a complex undertaking and trailer users need guidance. A user's manual is a critical ingredient in helping new trailer owners understand how to safely use their trailers. The Model User’s Manual is a solid and convenient starting point for trailer manufacturers to begin the construction of a Trailer User’s Manual. It includes a template to guide the manufacturer through the creative process to customize his own manual. The Model User’s Manual is provided free of charge as another member benefit.