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Manufacturers and suppliers to the industry benefit from membership in the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers in many ways.

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, Consulting Engineer, General Counsel and Executive Director, briefing members on the current affairs of the Association and industry. Regular features also include member profiles, product profiles 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. It has done this 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 standards and 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 Guidelines are the basis for the Compliance Program. That program evaluates the manufacturing processes of members that volunteer to undergo a Compliance Consultation by NATM. The consultation examines the manufacturer's process to assess whether it is designed to build trailers in accordance with applicable federal standards and regulations and accepted industry standards set forth in the Guidelines. 

Compliance Decals

Members that have been determined through the Compliance Consultation procedure to have in place the appropriate processes to manufacture 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.” 

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 manufacturing questions. The NATM General Counsel monitors the Federal Register for federal agency announcements of rule changes that could potentially impact the trailer manufacturing industry. He 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.

Consulting Engineer

NATM’s Consulting Engineer is available to assist members with their technical questions. In addition, his regular articles in TRACKS cover important issues and answers to frequently asked questions.

Annual Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide

NATM publishes an annual Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide, listing all members by company and by either the type of trailers manufactured or the goods or services provided to trailer manufacturers. 

Annual Convention & Trade Show

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 User’s Manual is provided free of charge as another member benefit.

Warning Labels

NATM invested resources to develop this important program and make it available to our members. The warning labels should enhance the risk management efforts of members through the use of proven labels that clearly convey the appropriate warnings and avoidance procedures for the basic safety concerns that are common to all trailers. NATM has licensed the production of these labels only to those label producing companies that are NATM members in order to ensure quality and consistency of the labels. 

PartnerShip

NATM recently unveiled a discount shipping program with PartnerShip. This program will help members reduce shipping costs by utilizing leading carriers in the transportation industry. Enrollment is free of charge and participating members will receive discounts on select FedEx services including FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Home. There are also discounts on freight shipments with UPS Freight and Yellow Transportation. PartnerShip will provide a free freight analysis to compare NATM pricing versus that of your current carriers. There are no obligations and no minimum shipping requirements. Further information is available at www.partnership.com/44natm or by calling (800) 599-2902. Email inquiries can be sent to sales@partnership.com.