Supplier Selection & Cost Management: What Trailer Manufacturers Need to Know

Selecting the right supplier is critical to manufacturing quality and business success. This session will provide a practical checklist for vetting suppliers, explore the impact of country of origin on purchasing decisions, and offer strategies to manage supply chain costs in the face of tariffs. Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to protect their operations and make cost-effective sourcing decisions.

Presenter: Dan Long | FDL Components

Dan Long is the founder of FDL Components, which has been serving the trailer industry since 2005. Originally established as a fastener importer and distributor, FDL entered the trailer market by designing custom fasteners for major axle manufacturers such as Dexter, Lippert, and their affiliates. Under Dan's leadership, the company has since expanded to supply nearly every component needed to build a trailer.

Before founding FDL, Dan served as a partner and Vice President at the largest fastener importer in the U.S., overseeing purchasing, sourcing, engineering, quality, and global operations. His extensive career includes time spent living and working in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam—experience that has shaped his deep expertise in global supply chains and manufacturing.