Protecting Your Dealership: Compliance, Tire Recordkeeping & Documentation
Protecting Your Dealership: Compliance, Tire Recordkeeping & Documentation
Tuesday | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Room 103
Roll into compliance...with a delicious cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee.
After a busy morning of Dealer Summit education, recharge with fellow dealers before the afternoon sessions begin. Join us at 12:50 p.m. in Room 103 as we get ready to Roll into Compliance, where the coffee is hot, the cinnamon rolls warm, and great conversations set the stage for an inside look at one of the trailer industry's most important programs.
Go Behind the Scenes of the Compliance Verification Program
Most dealers have seen the NATM Decal, but do they understand what it means? Some know it is a symbol of the Compliance Verification Program (CVP), but few have the opportunity to see what manufacturers actually experience during the process.
Every two years, trailer manufacturers participating in NATM's Compliance Verification Program undergo an in-depth review of their compliance systems, documentation, and manufacturing processes. It's a comprehensive look at the procedures and records that support the production of federally compliant trailers.
This session pulls back the curtain on that process.
Rather than simply explaining the Compliance Verification Program, NATM will take attendees behind the scenes to explore what manufacturers prepare for, what documentation is reviewed, and some of the most frequently missed compliance items identified during consultations. Dealers will also gain a better understanding of tire recordkeeping requirements and why documentation continues to play an important role throughout the trailer industry.
Learn from Both Sides of the Process
Leading the session is Scott Crimmins, NATM's Technical Director, who works directly with manufacturers throughout the Compliance Verification Program. Scott will share common compliance findings, discuss documentation requirements, and explain how manufacturers prepare for a successful consultation.
Joining Crimmins is Nathan Uphus, Director of Sales at Felling Trailers.
At the request of NATM's Dealer Committees, this session includes a manufacturer's perspective on the Compliance Verification Program. Uphus will provide an inside look at what the process is like from the manufacturing floor—how Felling Trailers prepares for consultations, maintains documentation, and incorporates compliance into its everyday operations. His firsthand experience gives dealers an opportunity to better understand the work and systems behind the products they represent.
Why This Matters to Dealers
Dealers are often the first call when customers have questions, the last stop before a trailer goes home, and an important link between manufacturers and end users.
Understanding the processes manufacturers follow provides valuable context when discussing trailer safety, evaluating manufacturer partners, and building confidence in the products your dealership represents. Hearing directly from both NATM's Technical Director and a manufacturer offers a perspective that most dealers don't often have the chance to experience.
Whether you've wondered what happens during a Compliance Verification Program consultation, wanted to understand the documentation required, or simply hoped to gain a better understanding of compliance from the manufacturer's point of view, this session offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry's most important programs.
Protect Your Customers. Protect Your Business.
The more you understand about the systems behind trailer compliance, the better equipped you'll be to evaluate manufacturer partners, answer customer questions, and support the products you sell. From documentation and tire recordkeeping to the Compliance Verification Program itself, this session offers valuable insight into a side of the industry most dealers rarely get to see.
Come early, enjoy a cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee, and roll into one of the Dealer Summit's most informative conversations.
Meet Your Speakers
Technical Director at National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)
Scott Crimmins serves as Technical Director for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), where he oversees the Compliance Verification Program (CVP) and leads a team working to visit nearly 500 manufacturing members across the United States and Canada every two years.
Scott originally joined NATM in 2018 as a Compliance Consultant after more than 27 years with a large multi-line insurance company, where he specialized in claims operations involving vehicles including trailers, RVs, and boats, including 14 years in management.
Scott is passionate about helping the industry better understand why NATM’s mission is so critical. Unlike many parts of the world that require third-party approval, the United States operates under a “self-certification system”, meaning manufacturers are responsible for certifying compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is not in the certification business, understanding compliance obligations and navigating complex federal requirements becomes increasingly important. Through this session, Scott will provide perspective on how compliance, documentation, and recordkeeping help protect both manufacturers and dealers.
Director of Sales at Felling Trailers, Inc.
Nathan Uphus serves as Director of Sales at Felling Trailers and brings nearly 27 years of trailer industry experience—all with Felling. He began his career in decking and finishing before advancing through roles across production, material handling, truck driving, purchasing, warranty, inside sales, and sales leadership, giving him firsthand insight into nearly every stage of trailer manufacturing and customer support.
Nathan is actively involved in the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), serving as Board Vice President and participating on the Executive, Finance, Nominations, Technical, and Technology Committees.
As a manufacturer participating in NATM’s Compliance Verification Program (CVP), Nathan believes dealers play an important role in understanding and communicating the value of compliance. He hopes attendees walk away with a greater appreciation for what the NATM decal represents—not simply a label, but a manufacturer’s demonstrated commitment to meeting applicable federal standards and prioritizing safety. Nathan believes dealers help carry that message forward by educating customers and building confidence in the trailers they sell.
NATM is launching the NATM Dealer Summit at the NATDA Trailer Show in Nashville on September 1. The event focuses on education to help dealers strengthen their businesses, build partnerships, and address industry challenges. The summit aims to provide valuable insights, meaningful discussions, and actionable ideas for attendees, covering leadership, compliance, and the industry's future. It's an opportunity to extend the educational experience valued by NATM members to a broader audience. Learn More.