The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), known as the resource for safety and compliance for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, has published the 2021 edition of the Guidelines. This massive document takes the guesswork out of meeting federal requirements governing the manufacturing of trailers under 26,000 lbs. GVWR and is a benefit of NATM membership.

Building trailers to meet the federal regulations outlined in the NATM Guidelines is the law. But it can be very time-intensive for trailer manufacturers to research the numerous federal rules, regulations, standards, and accepted industry practices that govern trailer construction. 

NATM addresses this by compiling the Guidelines for Recommended Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers. The document consists of over nearly 500 pages of laws, regulations, rules, standards, and industry best practices. While NATM’s Compliance Verification program focuses on federal regulation, the Association provides specific additional state regulation as reference. The Guidelines is updated annually by industry experts that stay abreast of changing regulations and vet the addition of recommendations and best practices.

This year through the annual revision process, the 2021 edition of the NATM Guidelines received several updates. These include;

• Updating 49 CFR §571.139 per recent NHTSA amendments, removing the reference to §571.109, an earlier error when the regulation was written
• Added 49 CFR §567.1 through 567.7 (567.4 previously included) to cover requirements for manufacturers of vehicles in 2 or more stages and alterers, as well as relevant background information for those regulations.  
• Updated the Quick Guide and Checklist, adding question 7.41 regarding underride labeling and correlating regulatory information. 
• Added a Recommended Practices Quick Guide to support members in meeting voluntary recommendations 

Members report substantial time savings by utilizing the Guidelines, particularly on the topics of lighting and reflectors, VIN and data plates, gross vehicle weight ratings, and state brake requirements. While the Guidelines focus on U.S. regulations, many may have an interest in Canadian compliance. For more information, visit Transport Canada’s website at www.tc.gc.ca/en/transport-canada.html.

NATM assists its trailer manufacturing members in avoiding costly fines and decreasing liability related to trailer compliance through the NATM Compliance Verification Program (CVP). The NATM CVP is an unbiased, third-party audit of the trailer manufacturing process and uses the Guidelines as the backbone for the program. The CVP provides biennial on-site consultations to trailer manufacturers and technical assistance throughout the entire process to ensure companies are manufacturing trailers consistent with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and other industry best practices.

Once a trailer manufacturer has successfully passed the Compliance Verification Program, the company is able to purchase NATM Decals and market their company’s dedication to fulfilling their safety requirements by participating in an unbiased, third-party audit of their trailers. While participation in the NATM Compliance Verification Program is an additional, voluntary cost for manufacturers, there are economic benefits of participation.

“The first-year sales saw a 20 percent boost and blew past the forecast over three years for the sales improvements for revenue targets for the existing trailer product. We will continue to use up the [NATM] labels we have in stock, and then order more,” said Pete Dixon, Engineer at Karcher North America, Inc., regarding the benefit of being a member of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers.

For more information about how the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers can assist your trailer manufacturing company, visit www.NATM.com, email NATMHQ@natm.com, or call (785) 272-4433. 

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is excited to welcome trailer dealers to the 2022 NATM Convention & Trade Show in Tampa, Fla. Feb. 1-3, 2022!

NATM has been committed to trailer safety for more than 30 years. While NATM has long worked with trailer manufacturers, industry suppliers, and service providers, trailer safety can only be improved through dealer interaction and consumer education. Expanding the Association’s base to include dealer affiliates and now allowing dealers to attend the Annual Convention & Trade Show is the logical next step in improving trailer safety.

The NATM Convention & Trade Show is the annual trade show for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. With more than 1,000 trailer manufacturer and supplier attendees per year and growing, this "must attend" event provides education, networking, and communication for those in the industry. The 2020 sold-out trade show boasted more than 200 exhibiting companies, with 37 new exhibitors, giving attendees a variety of products and services to view. The show also included attendees from more than 100 trailer manufacturing companies across North America.

The Association’s purpose is to open lines of communication, increase trailer safety awareness, and provide dealers with the education and information they have long requested from NATM. NATM has worked diligently with committees, trailer manufacturers, industry suppliers, and dealers to create a path of inclusion for dealers. 
 
Dealers will be invited to attend all regular workshops and technical forums, as well as the Awards Reception on Tuesday; Dealer Workshop & Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 at 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and the Trade Show Reception Wednesday 4-5 p.m.

Please note: Dealers are not able to attend the Tee Off Convention Top Golf event or the Trade Show Floor on Wednesday, Feb. 2 between the hours of 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 
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Dealers are invited to tour the trade show floor and shop for components, materials, and service providers on Wednesday, Feb. 2 during the Trade Show Reception 4-5 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be no trailers on exhibit at this show.

NATM will be offering a “New Dealer Promotion” to help offset costs for dealers attending the show. NATM Dealer Affiliates are eligible for two complimentary full registrations and two free hotel room nights while available! To apply for the New Dealer Promotion, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com or (785) 272-4433.

The 2022 membership renewals are hitting inboxes, which makes this the perfect time for the Association to reflect on how membership dues are critical in supporting the actions, services, and educational programming that NATM provides for its members and the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. NATM is constantly evaluating costs and benefits to ensure your annual membership investment is being met with valuable returns.
 
In 2021, membership dues allowed NATM to:

• Welcome Tow Vehicle OEM Members to the Association as a new membership type.
• Continue the Association’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan focusing on industry growth, increasing brand awareness, and continuously improving the NATM Compliance Verification Program.
• Host a record-breaking number of educational webinars and presentations.
• Grow the reach of the fourth annual Trailer Safety Week, including the introduction of strategic partnerships and access to additional resources.
• Devote resources to marketing the NATM Compliance Verification Program and benefits of the Association to the industry as well as end-users to grow value of the NATM Compliance Decal.
• Educate members of Congress during the annual Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits.
• Update the 2021 Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and-Medium Duty Trailers, also known as the Guidelines.
• Host the 2021 Workforce Development Summit to assist members with their skilled worker shortage.
• Adapt the NATM Compliance Verification Program to navigate travel restrictions and protect the health and safety of members and staff, while also continuing to help member companies ensure their compliance with applicable federal regulation and industry standards.
• Continue offering the Association Health Plan (AHP) for most NATM member companies.
• Continue offering the NATM Association Retirement Plan for member companies to offer their employees.
• Launch a new online store for NATM members.

NATM’s commitment is to its members and ultimately to trailer safety. Supporting NATM members’ ability to grow and prosper, while also contributing to the safety of the nation’s roadways, is what drives the Association’s work. Your support of this mission and your integral feedback along the way is vital to NATM’s success. NATM looks forward to continuing this important work in the coming year!

2022 NATM Membership Dues
Your 2022 NATM membership renewal notice was mailed to the attention of your accounts payable department in November. For international members, invoices were emailed.

For 2022, Membership Dues are:

• Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers): $995
• Branch Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers): $325
• Associate Membership (Suppliers/Service Providers): $860
• Tow Vehicle OEM Membership (Automotive Manufacturers): $860
• Branch Associate Membership (Suppliers/Service Providers): $150
• Trailer Dealer Affiliates: $150

You have the option to renew your membership online at www.NATM.com. Log into the Members Only section to view and pay the invoice. Should you decide to pay online, please advise accounts payable to disregard the notice. Your membership login credentials are below.

Membership dues must be paid no later than January 31, 2022. Any dues not received by Jan. 31, 2022 will be considered delinquent, and all membership benefits will be terminated until paid per the NATM Bylaws.

For Trade Show Exhibitors, it is important to note that NATM DUES MUST BE PAID BY DEC. 31, 2021 to maintain the member rate for booths at the February 2022 Convention & Trade Show in Tampa, Fla. 
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Thank you for your continued support of the Association. Please don’t hesitate to contact Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director, at (785) 272-4433 Meghan.Ryan@natm.com if you have any questions or concerns.