BECAUSE IT IS THE LAW OF OUR FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS…simply put, and it is the right thing to do. We, as manufacturers in this association, are required to manufacture trailers that are safe, reliable and meet state and federal regulations because that is the law. It is also what keeps Americans safe on our roads and highways. Whether it is a utility, dump, boat and/or horse trailer, manufacturers who build trailers under 26,000 lbs. GVWR need to comply with all relevant Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

Safety has been one of the primary goals of NATM since it was established in 1997 when some of our founding members met and discussed how they could help each other grow this industry. What could be simpler and what could be more important to you, me and our association than making sure our members meet those criteria? That is why the membership voted and approved the bylaws amendment that requires all regular members to participate in the compliance verification program beginning Jan. 1, 2012, as a qualification for membership in NATM. Congratulations to all of us – this is the right thing to do.

Discussions about this issue started many years ago. I remember five or six years ago attending my first NATM convention. I was there to observe as the chairman of BTMA (Boat Trailer Manufacturers Association), a division of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which at that time voted and approved mandatory NMMA certification of compliance for all boat and trailer manufacturers. Andy Gehman was NATM president and wanted to know all about how NMMA accomplished this objective and while on stage in front of the whole audience, asked me one question, “Did BTMA lose any members when compliance became mandatory?” The fact was we lost one member and picked up many new ones in the first year alone. BTMA membership has continued to grow, since manufacturers now had an important reason for being a member. The BTMA criteria states that a trailer cannot be packaged with an NMMA certified boat unless it is with an NMMA certified trailer. Manufacturers also saw a competitive edge they would lose by not being a member. Even today, there are some trailer manufacturers that are not members but still convince boat management teams who are NMMA certified to package with their trailers. Unfortunately, the boat company does not know they could lose their certification by doing so. I witnessed that at a recent show and it is a real issue now with that boat company. There is a value and strength with the NMMA inspection and we hope to establish that value with our requirement for NATM compliance verification.

Today 85 percent of the NATM regular members are participating in the compliance verification program. The bylaws change goes into effect Jan. 1, 2012, and as of January 2013, all regular and branch regular members must be in compliance or they will no longer be eligible for NATM membership. As a member, I am glad to know that my competitors and all NATM member trailer manufacturers are striving for safety and reliability throughout the industry. Manufacturers that do not build trailers in accordance with FMVSSs and recognized industry standards hurt the image of our industry along with our creditability in Washington, D.C.

The NATM Compliance Verification Program has been voluntary since its inception in 2002. To implement the changes requiring participation in the program as a condition of membership, our policies and documentation have been reviewed and updated. The program will remain essentially the same. The first consultation is free of charge. Recertification will be every two years and will be free of charge to those members purchasing compliance decals. The appeals process has been enhanced to ensure that any issues are thoroughly addressed. Our next step is to work towards certification of our program in accordance with ISO 17020.

Implementing this type of membership program is going to increase our credibility and increase our expenses since we will have at least 15 percent more inspections to conduct across the U.S. and Canada. Hopefully, that number will grow even more as we continue to attract more members. Unfortunately, each year we lose a few members for various reasons – no longer in business, consolidations, no longer building trailers, etc. These costs along with the costs of other important programs added over the last few years required a small dues increase. Pam O’Toole, NATM executive director, has revamped the staff and given every employee new objectives and increased responsibilities. We have hired a new marketing assistant who specializes in Web site design, graphic design and social media. This has taken the cost of outside services and brought them in-house with more control and better communication at a lower cost. The new marketing effort includes social media communication on Facebook and Twitter, an overhaul of the Web site, a blog and the availability of Tracks on the Web site (including ads). NATM has a great team who works diligently for our membership and our industry. They are striving to ensure you get the best in programs and member services for your annual investment.

At the NATM Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Feb. 8-10, 2012, we will be providing you with more “take home value” than ever before. The workshops will be full of interesting information that you can use daily in your operations now and in the future. In addition to more information on the compliance verification program you will see:
An update on government affairs and what’s happening in Washington, D.C. from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and K&L Gates.

Transport Canada update: Canadian pre-certification clearance issues – FMVSS 110 and importer of record.
FMVSS 108 update: New over 80” lighting requirements and regulatory changes that will affect compliance inspections.

I encourage you to attend the entire convention and take in all of the events. Take advantage of these member benefits and bring the individuals in your organization that will benefit from this information and workshop material. Often information is picked up by the business leader attending the convention, but not to those responsible for the implementation. Fort Worth is within a five- to six-hour drive for almost 1,000 trailer manufacturers and our room rates are very reasonable. So come join all of us in Texas, bring your boots and stay for the Friday night bash at Billy Bob’s.

Thanks and I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and much success into 2012.
Gary L. Potter