NATM Honors Nathan Uphus of Felling Trailers with the Renowned Ed Freel Membership Award
[Fort Worth, TX] – The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is proud to announce that Nathan Uphus has been named one of two recipients of this year’s esteemed Ed Freel Membership Award. Established in 2000 to honor members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to recruiting new members, the award was renamed in 2007 in recognition of Ed Freel's outstanding contributions to the organization.
Through his work at Felling, Nathan leads market expansion initiatives, develops strategic sales programs, and builds high-value partnerships across national fleet, dealer, and government segments. Nathan has advanced through a wide range of roles at Felling, from production and logistics to regional territory management, and ultimately to overseeing sales strategy and leadership. His tenure has been marked by the successful growth of the dealer network, the development of fleet accounts, and the implementation of modern sales tools and performance systems.
Nathan is equally dedicated to serving the industry. In addition to serving as NATM’s Board Vice President and on multiple committees, Nathan was integral in ensuring the success of the inaugural 2025 Trailer Expo. Nathan assisted with logistics to get exhibitor trailers on the trade show floor and even hopped in a forklift to ensure other exhibitors’ trailers were handled with the utmost care. Nathan truly puts the industry first and is driven by integrity, mentorship, and strong relationships. He continues to help elevate the industry through leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to progress.
The award was presented at the 2026 NATM Bacon & Brilliance: Association Update and Awards Brunch. NATM extends heartfelt congratulations to Nathan Uphus for this well-deserved recognition. His exemplary service to the organization and dedication to the trailer manufacturing community truly embody the spirit of the Ed Freel Membership Award.
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About NATM
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has been dedicated to improving trailer safety and performance for nearly 40 years. The Association represents manufacturers that produce light- and medium-duty trailers, supplier and service providers, trailer dealers, and tow vehicle OEMs to the industry.
NATM seeks to promote safety awareness and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers and their suppliers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. Founded in 1987, the Association has grown to represent more than 1,100 companies belonging to the trailer industry. Currently, NATM members manufacture an estimated 77% of new trailers on the nation’s roadways each year.
NATM is dedicated to improving trailer safety. One way this is accomplished is through the mandatory Compliance Verification Program, requiring all trailer manufacturers verify they have the manufacturing processes in place to build trailers that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and industry best practices.