It’s membership renewal time. Renewal statements were mailed in November and we are already receiving payments. After a slow month in July, new membership applications have been coming in and we are pleased to be getting new trailer manufacturing (regular) and supplier/vendor (associate) members. Regular members are joining to get into the compliance verification program, along with the Guidelines and Tracks. Associate memberships usually pick up at this time of the year from suppliers interested in exhibiting at the trade show. Payments are due by the end of January. It is important for members attending the convention to get renewals in to qualify for the member registration rate. Based on some problems we have encountered in the last couple of years, we are going to follow up with all exhibitors and attendees to ensure their dues are paid prior to the convention.

When you get your renewal you will notice a small increase in dues. An e-mail went out prior to the statements explaining the increase. In the message it noted that 25 years ago dues were $500. Some members read the $500, skipped to the current rate and were upset about the dramatic increase. The increase is minimal and covers the increase in operating costs so that we can maintain all of our programs and services and keep a balanced budget. If you compare the member benefits in 1988 (at a cost of $500) to those we now offer, you will realize the real value of membership. Below is an outline of member benefits by category:

As you can see from the list of benefits we have added numerous programs with only minimal increases in dues over the years. We are continuing to research new programs and additional educational programs to help you operate your business.

The government affairs program has become one of our most valuable programs. The board decided to begin taking a proactive (rather than reactive) approach to government affairs. In recent years we have begun to see more and more regulation of our industry. Every time there is a major issue in the automotive industry, there is a new law or a series of new regulations for motor vehicles (i.e. TREAD Act) and trailers are included as motor vehicles. In 2010, we just narrowly avoided the Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 which could have resulted in a tax on every trailer starting at $3 per trailer and escalating to $9 per trailer over a three year period. Today we are working on issues with Transport Canada concerning FMVSS 110. A rewrite of this standard changing “cars and light trucks” to “motor vehicles” now includes trailers in a rapid tire deflation test requirement. We don’t believe the intent was to include trailers in this testing requirement; however, the term “motor vehicle” does by definition include trailers. NATM, along with other industry associations, is working with NHTSA and Transport Canada to resolve this issue. Today we are monitoring a number of issues that could impact both regular and associate members. As we move forward the consistent monitoring of legislation and regulations will be crucial to the future of the trailer industry.

The success of the government affairs program is directly related to the compliance program. Legislators and regulators have come to recognize NATM as an organization committed to trailer safety. It is important that NATM membership is made up of companies that have verified compliance with federal regulations. We have been commended for taking the step to require compliance of our members and demonstrate our commitment to safety. If you are already participating in the compliance verification program – congratulations! For those of you who are new to the program, the NATM staff is here to assist you. Greg Soden and Clint Lancaster are here to answer your questions and to help you successfully complete the compliance verification process. This year we are on track to sell over a half million compliance decals. We are increasing our marketing efforts to educate consumers about the importance of purchasing compliant trailers. I encourage you to support our program by purchasing and displaying NATM compliance decals on your trailers. Revenue from decal sales offset the cost of the program so that we can continue to provide this service free of charge. It also helps market the program and demonstrates your commitment to safety.

Often members are not even aware of issues that could have a major impact on their business. How many of you are aware that you narrowly missed being impacted by a bill that would have resulted on a tax of nine dollars on every trailer you manufacture? This is just one of many issues that NATM fought on your behalf. So in November when your membership renewal arrives, please support your association with your continued membership, so that NATM can continue to work for you.