2017 May June Tracks Magazine by NATM

May/June 2017 Volume 30 Issue 3

Recruiting, Retaining Welders with Dollars and Sense Page 26

Lynn Beal Receives 2017 NATM Outstanding Member Award Page 88

NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth Page 14

How the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Can Help Trailer Manufacturers Page 40

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NATM Headquarters • 2420 SW 17th St. • Topeka, KS 66604• (785) 272-4433 • Fax: (785) 272-4455 On the Cover: A Featherlite horse trailer in warm weather. Featherlite shares their story of overcoming worker shortages in the article, "Recruiting, Retaining Welders with Dollars and Sense" on page 26. STAFF Communications Director Meghan Ryan Meghan.Ryan@natm.com Executive Director Pam Trusdale Pam.Trusdale@natm.com

Tracks

Executive Director Kendra Ansley Kendra.Ansley@natm.com Quality Director Monica Johnson Monica.Johnson@natm.com Membership & Education Director Bill Tofflemire Bill.Tofflemire@natm.com Events Coordinator Lane McNeil Lane.McNeil@natm.com Technical Director Colin Holthaus Colin.Holthaus@natm.com Compliance Director Greg Soden Greg.Soden@natm.com Compliance Consultant Matt Searcy Matt.Searcy@natm.com Marketing Coordinator Kathleen Dultmeier Kathleen.Dultmeier@natm.com Bookkeeper Cindy Streeter Cindy.Streeter@natm.com Executive Assistant Christina Trimmer Christina.Trimmer@natm.com OFFICERS President Patrick Jennissen Felling Trailers Vice President Owen Shelton BoatMate Trailers, Inc. Treasurer Marty Lorick Triple Crown Trailers Associate Member Representative Marcus Hester Optronics International Past President Greg Snyder CAR MATE Trailers, Inc DIRECTORS FEB 2015 - FEB. 2018 Les Eaves Delta Manufacturing Lucas Landis Aluminum Trailer Company Nathan Long Tracker Marine Group DIRECTORS FEB. 2016 - FEB. 2019 Rick Coffey The Carlstar Group Josh Johnson Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Chris Pokornowski Towmaster, Inc. Chris Steinman MGS, Incorporated DIRECTORS FEB. 2017 - FEB. 2020

2 Tracks Advertisers 5 President's Report 9 Headquarters Report 13 Advertising with NATM 13 Stay Up-To-Date with eNews 14 NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth 20 Open Invitation: 2017 Regulatory Roundup 22 Bill Tofflemire Joins NATM as Membership & Education Director 26 Recruiting, Retaining Welders with Dollars and Sense 36 Statistically Speaking 37 Statistical Surveys Awards for Top Trailer Performance in 2016 38 Fastenal: Celebrating 50 Years of Service 40 How the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers Can Help Trailer Manufacturers 42 Frequently Asked Questions about Fume Management 48 Baril: The Authority on Sustainable Solutions for Transportation Coatings 50 Trailer Theft Prevention and Recovery Tips 52 Universal Trailer Celebrates New Trailer Facility 57 Readying Your Trailer for Spring 61 Waterjet Cutting: Take a Closer Look 64 Eliminating Read-Through Problems in Trailer Design

66 NATM Staff Member Allison Malmstrom Says Goodbye after 16 Years 68 Greg Soden Celebrates 15 Years on NATM Staff 70 NATM Member First Year Anniversaries 71 NATM Membership Update 72 NATM Membership Anniversaries 76 REDARC: Not All DC to DC Battery Chargers are Equal 79 2017 NATM Convention & Trade Show 80 Joel Bauer Receives 2017 Outstanding Regular Member Young Professional Award 83 Marcus Hester Receives 2017 Outstanding Associate Member Young Professional Award 85 John Kerr Receives 2017 NATM Outstanding Associate Member Award 86 Alum-Line Receives 2017 Green Manufacturing Award 88 Lynn Beal Receives 2017 NATM Outstanding Member Award 91 Mike Lloyd Receives 2017 Ed Freel Membership Award 92 NATM Golf Tournament 2017 94 New Exhibition Software for 2018 Trade Show 97 Utilizing the Member's Only Side of NATM's Website 101 Trailer Terminology Crossword 102 NATM Member News 106 NATM New Member Update 107 Trailer Terminology Crossword Answers

Jim Berry Dexter Axle Marco Garcia U-Haul International, Inc. Jake Morrison H&H Trailers by Novae Corp. Brian Wise BWise Manufacturing, LLC

About this publication: Tracks Volume 30, Number 3 May/June 2017 is published six times a year (bi-monthly) for $50 per year by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, 2420 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NATM 2420 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604. The inclusion in this magazine of advertising, logos, or website links, or reference to any products, services, trade names, or manufacturers is not an endorsement by NATM of any such advertisers, links, entities, products, services, or names. NATM through this magazine provides news and opinion articles as a service to its members and readers. Often these articles come from sources outside of its organization. Statements and opinions expressed in these articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, its staff or management, or the official policies of NATM. Nor does NATM accept responsibility for any errors or omissions made in publishing or reproducing articles or advertising appearing in Tracks or for the return of unsolicited manuscripts sent to NATM. USPS Number: 022438

ISSN Number: 1552-2415

Advertisers Index

Tracks

Advertisers Index A.L. Hansen Manufacturing, Co. 90 Affiliated Resources, Inc. (LP Corporation) 7 BluDot, Inc. 23 Cast Products, Inc. 60 Cequent Performance Products, Inc. 78 CPR Systems 46 CU Off Road 27 Dec-O-Art, Inc. 11 Dexstar Wheel Company 35 Dexter Axle 47, 51 Eagle Hydraulic Components, Inc. 82 Eide Bailly, LLP 41 H.E. Parmer 35 Heskins, LLC 89 HL Bearings America Office 27 Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation 95 Hutchens Industries, Inc. 84 JKD Products, Inc. Inside Front Cover, 108 KampCo Steel Products, Inc. 41 LaVanture Products Co. 63 Lionshead Specialty Tire & Wheel 25 Lippert Components, Inc. 71 Muro North America, Inc. 51 Myers Spring Co. 33 North West Rubber, Ltd. 11 Optronics International 19 Peterson Manufacturing Co. 56 Powerbrace Corp. 28 PPG Industries, Inc. 81 Premium Supply 74-75 Redneck Trailer Supplies 3, 99 2

May/June 2017

Ridewell Suspensions 34 Rockwell American 59 Sawblade.com 54-55 Simpson Strong-Tie 4 TASKMASTER Components Outside Back Cover TexTrail Trailer Parts 100 Titan 8 TRAILSTAR, LLC Inside Back Cover Tredit Tire & Wheel Company 12 Universal Forest Products 65 USA Harness, Inc. 24 Vin-Eze, A Division of P.M.C.S., Inc. 2 Vin-eze

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President's Report

President's Report: Strength in Numbers By Pat Jennissen, Felling Trailers

This year, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers celebrates its 30th anniversary of five horse and livestock trailer manufacturers coming together in Chickasha, Okla. in 1987. Since that time, the Association expanded to include all light- and medium-duty trailers in 1992, and as of early April, sits at 888 member companies, with 481 trailer manufacturing companies and 407 supplier companies. For more information about NATMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership numbers, turn to page 106. NATM recognizes that there is strength in numbers, and by encouraging supplier and trailer manufacturer companies to join the Association, we are not only bolstering our capacity to offer benefits and education within the membership, but we are also increasing our power to educate and influence policy makers on Capitol Hill, within our own states and cities, and in

national highway safety agencies. Each NATM Member company plays a role in the prosperity of the Association through their membership dues, decal purchases, trade show exhibition and attendance, sponsorship, advertising and committee work. While the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to promote trailer safety and the success of the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy, it is easy to lose sight of the important role that the supplier members play. Supplier members join this association in order to make business connections with trailer manufacturers, and their involvement has been crucial to the progress of the Association. Although their first concerns may not be of building safer trailers, they do provide the quality components to build trailers and have business interests in the health of the economy of the trailer industry.

SAVE THE DATE September 20, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Douglas, GA Free to NATM Members. Visit NATM.com for details. www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

President's Report

Tracks

In addition to their annual membership dues, Associate Members sponsor NATM’s events throughout the year including regional educational workshops and the Annual Convention & Trade Show. These contributions help keep costs low so that trailer manufacturers can easily attend these events, and allow us to put on quality networking events such as the receptions and gala. Record sponsorships encouraged record attendance this year at the Convention & Trade Show. The 2017 show in Coronado Springs, Fla. this past February boasted the highest numbers since the economic downturn in 2008 with 1029 attendees. These numbers would not have been as high if the industry was struggling or if members found no benefit in what NATM does. Member dues go into funding the overhead, administrative costs and expenses of running an association this size. Compliance consultations are free of charge for new members, with subsequent consultations paid for by the revenue generated from NATM Compliance Decal sales. In 2013, we exceeded five million in decal sales. These decals are visual reminders to endusers that the manufacturer of that trailer has a commitment to excellence and safety. The increase in decal sales helps strengthen awareness about the Association’s commitment to safety by simply advertising and increasing NATM’s brand recognition. It would be ideal to be able to flood the entire light- and mediumduty trailer industry with our compliance decals, as that would mean that all of those trailer manufacturers have the processes in place to build trailers according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. I would like to see the inclusion of this decal on trailers as the new normal, as typical and important as the inclusion of warning labels, safety chains, lighting, and conspicuity tape on every trailer. The cost and installation of the decal is minimal, but the impact of raising awareness and advertising your company’s commitment to safety is meaningful. This association is a watchdog for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, advocating on the federal, state and local levels in order to create a healthy environment for our businesses. In addition to having the means to hire government affairs representation in 2008, and host annual legislative roundtables at member facilities, NATM was also able to utilize its strength and resources in order to spearhead the annual Trailer Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits in Washington, D.C. The creation and subsequent expansion of our government affairs program would have been impossible without the strength, involvement and support of our membership.

May/June 2017

Through the Capitol Hill visits, NATM Staff, the Board of Directors and various members are able to visit with Congress and federal agencies. NATM speaks on behalf of more than 422,000 American workers in this industry which represents more than $3.5 billion in sales each year. It is important to employ our numbers and strength for the safety of America’s roadways. With member companies dispersed across America and companies in nearly every single state, this Association serves as a unified voice for trailer manufacturers. While we may not be the largest manufacturing association, we are the only one for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and we take our duty to promote safety standards and to protect our companies, business interests and employees seriously. The key to our strength and success over the last thirty years has been our members. Each member company makes a commitment to this industry through many outlets including dues, decal purchases, sponsorships, advertising, exhibiting, involvement on committees, and attending NATM’s many government affairs events such as the annual Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits. Each company, both suppliers and trailer manufacturers, has an important role in the success of what we do. Thank you to each and every one of you that has recognized the importance of what we are trying to accomplish, and here’s to another 30 years of NATM!

Pat Jennissen Felling Trailers NATM President www.NATM.com

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Headquarters Report

By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director

This issue of Tracks is an issue of milestones as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of NATM. The Association has achieved incredible feats in its history and this trend toward achievement and improvement shows no signs of slowing. For the last 15 of those 30 years, NATM has been lucky to have Allison Malmstrom and Greg Soden on the staff whose efforts, when combined with those of visionary boards, hard-working committees, and supportive members, have created the NATM we celebrate today. NATM Events Director Allison Malmstrom left NATM in March to focus on her family, but Greg Soden remains as the backbone of the Compliance Verification Program as NATM Compliance Director. Allison has written a farewell

letter to the membership in this issue, and we have profiled Greg Soden and his accomplishments as a thank you for his passion and work ethic that helped propel the Association. Those articles can be found on pages 66 and 68 respectively. For the last 20 of NATM's 30 years, the Association has been fortunate to have the steadying hand of Pam Trusdale at the helm as executive director. Her service to the organization has been vital in developing member benefits, growing membership and providing NATM members with a voice. This year, Pam will take a small step toward her eventual retirement. Though Pam will continue on with NATM as executive director, she will be

Continued on the following page.

Two Dates to Save Regional Educational Workshop • September 20, 2017 • Douglas, GA

2017 Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits • October 24, 2017 • Washington, D.C.

Learn more at www.NATM.com

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

Headquarters Report

Tracks

cutting back her time so that she can enjoy more time with her family, friends, and doing things she has quietly pushed aside while leading the Association. We are all so glad to still have Pam’s expertise and experience while also seeing her have the opportunity to enjoy a little more time for herself. This year is a milestone year for me, as well. I am now the co-executive director alongside Pam Trusdale. Though we’ve worked towards this succession plan for a couple of years, it was a pleasant shock for the day to officially arrive, and I am very much looking forward to continuing Pam's legacy. I joined NATM in 2011 as a part time employee to help fill in a staffing gap, when two months later, Pam brought me into her office and asked if I would like to become full time and take on a new project. Excited to take on a new role and become full time I said yes, without even asking what the project was. I have since learned to ask more questions before agreeing to anything, but that choice really changed my trajectory at NATM and in life. As it turns out, the project was the creation of a quality program around the Compliance Verification Program that would be certified to ISO 17020. The NATM Board of Directors and Executive Director Pam Trusdale put their trust in me. Under my leadership, the program was implemented successfully, and by 2015 it was officially accredited. I would like to thank the NATM Board and staff for their support, and especially thank Andy Gehman and Jim Guerrin for their mentorship during the arduous accreditation process.

Each person taught me something, both about the Association, their work, and about being a good employee. Years later, when I became assistant director, and now executive director, the staff respected my new authority and they made the transition smooth and seamless. They have trusted me in the same way Pam and the Board of Directors have done, and I am grateful for their support. The members of NATM have also made my time with NATM a wonderful experience. So many kind words were spoken at the recent convention expressing confidence and happiness with my transition into the position of co-executive director. I have learned so much from our members, and they are such kind, hardworking, intelligent people. I have learned more about trailers and running a business in my nearly five years with NATM than I ever could have imagined. Seeing the way you all have come together to better the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and improve the safety of America's roadways is inspiring. You make the work worthwhile. I am so thankful for the opportunity you all have given me, and I look forward to continuing the incredible legacy that the past 30 years have created. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers has come such a long way, and it’s all because of the people. You are the drivers of change, growth, and improvement. I can’t wait to see what we all can accomplish together!

In the fall of 2014, the NATM Board approved a succession plan that would have me taking over for Pam as executive director when she retired a few years down the line. Although I have been nervous at moments about officially taking the lead, the Board and Pam never wavered from supporting and believing in me. Pam has done an incredible job building NATM over the last two decades, and I owe a lot to the Board for supporting my growth and being willing to let me take on such an important role. I also owe much to the NATM Staff. When I joined NATM just out of college, I was eager to do a good job but was not sure how best to do it. I asked question after question, and every single staff member took the time to answer them. Compliance Director Greg Soden and then-Trade Show Director Monica Johnson taught me so much about NATM's Compliance Program. Events Director Allison Malmstrom taught me about the many facets of planning the annual Convention & Trade Shows, and the marketing staff showed me the process for creating publications. 10

May/June 2017

Kendra Ansley NATM Executive Director

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Advertising with NATM, Stay Up-To-Date with eNews

Advertising with NATM By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director Placing advertising in front of trailer manufacturers and dealers is one of the easiest and most effective benefits of NATM membership. As a not-for-profit organization, the Association works to keep advertising prices low enough to cover costs without breaking the marketing budgets of NATM's supplier and trailer manufacturing members. Advertising in the bi-monthly Tracks magazine, the annual NATM Convention Program Map and the annual Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide is easy: simply send in your advertising contract and PDF of the artwork, and NATM will send you an invoice once your ad is sent to print in the publication of your choice. It is free for NATM members to upload company logos and update company information on NATM's online Membership Directory, and your listing can be edited. If you need your login credentials, contact Marketing Coordinator Kathleen Dultmeier at Kathleen.Dultmeier@natm.com.

If you, or someone you know, would like to receive Tracks magazine or advertising notices, please let NATM know and you will be added to the mailing list. The deadlines for submitting artwork, contracts or articles for 2017 is as follows: July/August

Deadline: May 15

Sept./Oct.: Fall Trailer Dealer

Deadline: July 15

Nov./Dec.

Deadline: Sept. 15

If you have any questions or concerns about advertising or Tracks magazine, contact Meghan Ryan, communications director, at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com. NATM encourages members to submit suggestions for Tracks article topics and welcomes submissions for member spotlight articles.

Stay Up-To-Date with eNews eNews is NATM’s monthly electronic newsletter featuring: • Welding Trends and Techniques • Government Affairs Updates • Regulatory News • NATM Events • Associate Member and Regular Member Spotlights eNews is emailed to all NATM members the first week of each month. Missed a month? No problem. Each newsletter is posted to NATM.com so you can access when it’s convenient for you.

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May/June 2017

NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth

Tracks

NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth By Pam Trusdale, Executive Director

Sept. 22, 2017 will mark the 30th Anniversary of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). The following are highlights from the last 30 years:

1987 Five trailer manufacturers established the National

1988

Association of Livestock Trailer Manufacturers (NALTM) in Chickasha, Okla. Bill Bernhardt, President of Sooner Trailer, was elected as the first President of this new association. The group originally came together in an effort to get better rates for product liability insurance. Those in attendance decided to establish an association, and selected Professional Association Management (PAM) of Oklahoma City to manage the Association for 70 percent of its total income. The first Annual Membership Meeting was held in Kansas City, Mo. with 25 members in attendance. The initial nine-member Board of Directors was elected and dues were set at $400 for Regular Members (trailer manufacturers) and $500 for Associate Members (suppliers).

1989 Management of the Association was moved to

Association & Society Management, Inc., Austin, Texas for 40 percent of annual income plus office expenses.

1990 The Association was incorporated in Texas as the National Association of Livestock Trailer Manufacturers (NALTM). The first NATM “Mark of Excellence” Decals were sold to members for one dollar per decal (below). The purpose of the decal was to promote pride in membership and to raise revenue for the Association.

1991 Work started on

manufacturing guidelines for livestock trailer manufacturers – initially published as The Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Trailers Under 26,000 lbs. GVWR.

1992 Revised Articles of

NALTM's Tracks black and white newsletter published in 1990.

Incorporation were filed in Texas changing the name of the Association to the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). The Board of Directors determined that the issues they were facing were not specific to livestock trailer manufacturers and that the industry would be better served if all light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturers were unified in one association.

1993 Membership grew to 81 members and the annual meeting was held in Dallas, Texas.

1994 Membership reported at 117 with an annual budget of $85,800. Convention revenue was 30 percent of the anticipated annual revenue. Dues were $400 for both Regular and Associate members.

1995 Membership reported at 125 members. The convention was held in New Orleans, La. and discussion topics included compliance issues, business liabilities and the fluctuation in the steel and aluminum markets.

1996 Reports for the year noted improvements in The

Guidelines and Tracks, and completion of a trailer industry survey. Dick Klein, P.E., was hired as NATM’s Consulting Engineer to assist members with technical questions. Membership totaled 147 and the annual budget was $104,150.

The first NATM “Mark of Excellence” Decals were sold in 1990.

May/June 2017

www.NATM.com

NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth

1997 Accomplishments for this year were reported as

addition of Dick Klein’s Engineers Corner for each issue of Tracks.

1998 NATM headquarters was moved to Topeka, Kan. under the management of Association Services Corporation. A dedicated Executive Director, Pam Trusdale, was hired to manage the NATM account.

1999 The NATM Bylaws were rewritten and adopted by

the Board of Directors. The Awards Program was established and the first Outstanding Member Award was presented to founding member and first President, Bill Bernhardt.

2000 Members volunteered for third party inspections by T.R. Arnold to pave the way for establishing a compliance program. Membership exceeded 300.

In 2002, the NATM Decal was serialized.

2001 The first NATM Compliance Director, Greg Soden, was hired to conduct consultations free of charge to member volunteers. The serialized compliance decal was adopted and sold to members that successfully completed the compliance verification process for 75 cents each. Decal sales were used to underwrite the cost of the program.

2002 NATM withdrew from the management company

to become a self-managed association with four employees, three of which have been with NATM until this year. The Association also developed ANSI tested warning labels for use by trailer manufacturers and revamped The Guidelines to make it a more userfriendly resource for members.

NATM Total Membership 1987-2017

NATM Total Membership Numbers

1200

1978-2017

1000 1000

800 800 600 600

400 400 200 200

1997 1999 1999 2001 2001 2003 1987 1989 1987 1989 1991 1991 1993 1993 1995 1995 1997 2003 2005 2005 2007 2007 2009 2009 2011 2011 2013 2013 2015 2015 2017 2017

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth

Tracks

2003 The Bylaws were revised to recognize the compliance program.

2004 The first issue of Tracks magazine was published in

December 2004. Total revenue for the Association exceeded $1.0 million, with decal sales exceeding 300,000.

2005 The first facilitated strategic planning session was held to

review the mission and vision of the Association and to establish a strategic plan to outline the key objectives of the Association moving forward. Attendance at the Annual Convention & Trade Show in Orlando exceeded 1,000. Membership exceeded 700.

2006 NATM staff grew to eight and the Board of Directors

decided to purchase a building to house NATM Headquarters. Cash reserves had grown and the Board of Directors approved the cash purchase of the headquarters building at 1320 Topeka Blvd. in the Topeka, Kan. A second compliance consultant was hired to assist with the growing number of compliance consultations.

The first fully colored NATM Tracks magazine published Dec. 2004.

NATM Compliance Decals Sales

Annual NATM Compliance Decal Sales

1,000,000 900,000 900,000 800,000 800,000 700,000 700,000 600,000 600,000 500,000 500,000 400,000 400,000 300,000 300,000 200,000 200,000 100,000 100,000 0

The current NATM Compliance Decal features a serial number and QR code. 2002 2002

May/June 2017

2003 2003

2004 2004

2005 2005

2006 2006

2007 2007

2008 2008

2009 2009

2010 2010

2011 2011

2012 2012

2013 2013

2014 2014

2015 2015

2016 2016

www.NATM.com

NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth

2007 NATM first began to advocate

allowing for the tandem towing of unladen trailers. Board members met with Featherlite legal counsel and four Congressional staff members to discuss a uniform law to allow tandem delivery of trailers in all 50 states. NATM began negotiations with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to allow NATM compliance consultants to conduct NMMA certification inspections for boat trailer manufacturers.

2008 Dick Klein retired as NATM’s

2009

Consulting Engineer. NATM hired a full-time Technical Director to oversee the technical program and After seven years of advocating on behalf of doubles towaway legislation, the language was assist with member’s technical included in The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act that was adopted by Congress in 2015. questions. A strategic planning session was held to review the progress on the 2005 Strategic Plan and make revisions 2012 Implementation of mandatory participation in the Compliance Verification Program took place, and the as necessary for future goals and objectives. A proactive Association worked with RVIA and NMMA to revise government affairs program was established and K&L an FMVSS 110 requirement that was threatening to Gates was engaged to represent NATM. halt the export of trailers to Canada. A governance plan was created to establish policies and ensure continuity with an ever-changing volunteer leadership.

2010 NATM developed generic owner’s manuals so that

all NATM members could afford to provide a manual with their trailers. The Association worked to defeat proposed legislation that would have cost trailer manufacturers over $9 million dollars in taxes annually. NATM Political Action Committee (NATM PAC) was established.

2011 The membership unanimously approved a Bylaws

amendment making participation in the Compliance Verification Program (CVP) a requirement of membership for all trailer manufacturers beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

www.NATM.com

2013 Due to a growing staff size, NATM headquarters

moved to its current location at 2420 SW 17th Street in Topeka, Kan. NATM took over the leadership role in planning the Trailer Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with the Boat Trailer Manufacturers Association (BTMA), an annual event. NATM exceeded the five million mark in compliance decal sales since the inception of the program in 2002, and added a QR code to its compliance decals.

2014 NATM worked with a coalition to successfully

exclude Specialty Trailer (ST) tires from a Department of Commerce Anti-dumping and Countervailing Investigation of imports of certain passenger vehicle and light-truck tires from China, saving trailer manufacturers millions of dollars in potential tariffs. NATM created safety videos and introduced a mobile app for the Convention & Trade Show.

May/June 2017

NATM Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy, Education and Growth

Tracks

2015 NATM was awarded its certification of accreditation for ISO 17020:2012 by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB). After seven years of advocating on behalf of doubles towaway legislation, language was included in The Fixing Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act that was adopted by Congress. The FAST Act language allowed tandem delivery of trailers with a total length of up to 82â&#x20AC;&#x2122; on all federal highways. A strategic planning session was held and the NATM mission and vision statements were revised. The 2016-2018 Strategic Plan was developed.

2016 NATM began to implement the new strategic plan

including hosting the first Regional Educational workshop in Elkhart, Ind., with over 80 members in attendance. In order to meet the needs of the growing membership, NATM hired an additional compliance consultant and a membership director focused solely on membership. The Safely Towing a Trailer booklet was published to enhance consumer awareness and promote trailer safety.

Today The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers

now stands at 888 members with an annual budget of $2,000,000. The 2017 Convention & Trade Show had record attendance and sponsorships, and Tracks magazine has its largest circulation of subscribers and advertisers. Over the last thirty years, NATM has seen both growth, and due to the economic downturn, contraction. But, the staff has grown and is the strongest staff-to-date, participation in the Annual Convention & Trade Show is increasing, and numerous programs have been added over the years. With a robust Strategic Plan in place, a visionary board of directors, dedicated committee volunteers, loyal members and an enthusiastic staff, the Association is poised to continue to grow and thrive over the next 30 years.

NATM Financial History $2,500,000

Revenue Expense Net

$2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 -$500,000

May/June 2017

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Open Invitation: 2017 Regulatory Roundup

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Open Invitation: 2017 Regulatory Roundup By Pam Trusdale, NATM Executive Director The 2017 Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill visits will be held Oct. 24, 2017 in Washington, D.C. The Regulatory Roundup will be held in the morning, followed by a luncheon that will include an overview of the appointments and Members of Congress that NATM attendees will meet with in the afternoon while on Capitol Hill. This event has become one of NATM’s most important events of the year, and gives members an opportunity to educate their Senators and Representatives about the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and its impact on their state and individual districts. Attendees of the 2016 Regulatory Roundup learning about industry issues.

During the Regulatory Roundup, members hear from Congressional staffers, officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and experts from the National Association of Manufacturers. Feedback from past participants has been very positive. Those attending have found the event to be both educational and rewarding. Randy McMann, Titan International, attended in 2015 for the first time. He stated, “It was one of the most enjoyable and interesting days I have ever spent. This is the NATM at its best. I challenge everyone to participate in this event.”

NATM Capitol Hill Visit particpiants meeting with Dr. Wenstrup (center), representative of Ohio's 2nd District.

Brett Johnson, President/CEO, Optronics International, has been a regular participant. He says, "The Hill Visits are a valuable opportunity to explain and advance NATM interests in Congress. There is no better vehicle for advancing NATM member interests such as double tow away and uniform brake requirements than face-to-face meetings with key Members of Congress. Moreover, it was a great opportunity to simply educate Members on who NATM is and what we stand for – particularly consumer safety which is of interest to all Members of Congress." NATM plans Capitol Hill Visits so that it is comfortable for those who have not participated in this event or similar events in Washington, D.C. Teams are comprised of three to four participants with an experienced team

NATM Member Les Eaves with Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton.

May/June 2017

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Open Invitation: 2017 Regulatory Roundup leader. Handout materials and talking points are provided to each participant, along with educational materials to leave behind for the Senator, Representative or staff. It is an opportunity for members to learn more about what is going on in the industry, as well as build positive relationships with those that are regulating the industry. Due to the relationships built over the years, NATM has developed champions in the House and Senate who understand the industry better and support NATM’s efforts on issues such as the tandem towing legislation.

If your business is in one of these districts, NATM highly encourages you to attend to help educate your Representative about the industry and the impact your company and your industry has on the district. If you aren’t ready to attend the Regulatory Roundup, but would like to get more involved, you can volunteer to host a plant tour. For more information about this year's event, the NATM Government Affairs Program, or how you can volunteer to host a tour at your facility, contact Pam Trusdale at Pam.Trusdale@natm.com.

NATM participants typically include members of the Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee, and members interested in learning more about what’s going on in the legislative and regulatory environment that impacts the industry. Most have found the event to be so worthwhile that they become regular attendees. The goal of the Government Affairs Committee is to grow this event each year and to specifically recruit NATM members that have a Representative on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee or a Senator on the Commerce Committee. Emphasis is placed on these committees because they oversee legislation impacting the trailer industry. The 115th Congress has nine new Republican members on the House Transportation Committee: Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Lloyd Smucker (PA-16), Paul Mitchell (MI-10), John Faso (NY-19), Drew Ferguson (GA-03), Brian Mast (FL-18), and Jason Lewis (MN-02). There are five new Democrats assigned to the committee: Representatives Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Donald Payne (NJ-10), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11).

Meeting with Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran during the 2016 Capitol Hill Visits.

Attendees of NATM's Capitol Hill Visit 2016. www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

Bill Tofflemire Joins NATM as Membership & Education Director

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Bill Tofflemire Joins NATM as Membership & Education Director By Meghan Ryan, Communications Director Bill Tofflemire began serving as the Membership & Education Director for NATM in March 2017 and has seamlessly joined the NATM family by putting his many years of customer service experience working with associations to good use. Previously, Bill worked in customer service, account management, and sales roles for Allen Press, Inc. whose core customer base are member-driven associations. During his over ten years with Allen Press, Bill was passionate about working with association leadership on membership-focused services and programs, and learning how his association customers provided value to the memberships they served. Now, Bill is excited to focus his energy on serving the NATM membership. He is committed to listening to and advocating on behalf of the NATM membership while helping to facilitate the conversation and sense of community that the NATM membership provides for each and every member. He looks forward to promoting trailer safety by keeping the members informed about compliance with regulations, industry standards and best practices, and by connecting members with valuable education and resources. In his spare time, Bill enjoys coaching youth sports so he can spend time with his kids, and help them learn the value of teamwork. Bill is excited to meet NATM members at the upcoming Regional Educational Training seminar in Oklahoma City, Okla. Welcome him to the Association by phone at (785) 272-4433 or by email, Bill.Tofflemire@natm.com.

CALL FOR

SUBMISSIONS Submit articles, white papers, product proďŹ les, blog posts and news releases to NATM! Submissions open to any member on any topic! Contact Kathleen Dultmeier at Kathleen.Dultmeier@natm.com, call (785) 272-4433 or upload the document at www.NATM.com/Upload. 22

May/June 2017

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We Wire The World

The Leader in Providing Trailer Harnesses and Electronic Control Systems for Transportation Industries Worldwide.

We design and manufacture custom systems to your specifications, while providing industry leading service and support. All of our products are made to order for your application. Specializing in wiring solutions for the light-duty to heavy-duty commercial vehicle industries as well as the secure transport industry. An ISO 9001:2008 certified company.

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Choose Lionshead for our innovative products and services: Five (5) year warranty for manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defect. For first twelve (12) months from date of retail sale Lionshead will replace the tire for any reason under our No Excuses Guarantee Program. The assemblies come with a complimentary two (2) year Roadside Assistance Program. The owner can use this program to have a service technician come out and remove the damaged assembly and install the inflated spare at any time. All assemblies are filled with nitrogen. Nitrogen maintains a tireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proper PSI longer which, in turn, insures the assembly achieves its stated load carrying capacity. Lionshead automotive grade aluminum wheels have steel inserts in the lug nut wells. This application improves safety by enhancing proper torque retention.

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Lionshead - Midwest GM - Justin Rackleff (208) 473-9038 Or Visit our website: lionsheadtireandwheel.com

FOR AMERICA’S BUMPY ROADS, AND BEYOND We are proud to introduce our newest products being added to the Max Coupler line. A proven design that has recently undergone a few improvements to make our all-terrain towing system even better! Independently tested by an SAE accredited test facility to the same J 684 towing standard just like all towing products used on the highways of the USA, but with the ability to go where standard couplers will not survive. Our products are 100% American made and we proudly support our armed forces! Our products are engineered to survive the harshest terrain and elements where “failure is not an option!” Dealer inquiries are welcome

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3 Aluminum /4-inch Lockrods Unique trailer products in 3 options!

Fabricating lockrods from miscellaneous parts or kits? Start saving time and costly labor with our complete custom manufactured 3/4-inch aluminum lockrod program. We offer three unique purchasing options.

PROPER TIMING Factory controlled specifications maintain smooth operation.

6061 GRADE ALUMINUM All components and tubing are Schedule 80, 6061, T6 Grade. Assures strong welds with no porosity at the weld points.

SNAP-IN ACETAL BUSHINGS Assures smooth, consistent operation. Eliminates galvanic corrosion between metals, which commonly occurs with conventional mounting systems.

ASSEMBLY KIT & TUBING Our lockrod assembly kits include all components needed to build one lockrod (Tubing sold separately).

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TOP END LOOSE Manufactured lockrod with bottom cam and riveted handle assembly factorywelded in place. Simply cut length to fit, weld-on top cam and mount with hardware kit.

FORGED ALUMINUM CAMS Provide superior strength unlike cast cams, which are prone to breaking and cracking.

For more information or to locate your nearest distributor, visit Powerbrace.com POWERBRACE CorporationÂŽ

7640 60th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142 P 262 694 3202 F 262 694 8367 Powerbrace.com

Recruiting, Retaining Welders with Dollars and Sense

Higher Quality. Lower Cost. • At Myers Spring we offer customized assembly of components in-house • Harrow tines; wire forms limited only by the designer’s imagination • Compression and extension springs with wire ranging from 0.006” – 0.750” diameter • Single and double torsion springs with various end configurations • Custom hydraulic hose supports • Hose guards and reinforcements for any hose size • TS 16949, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Certified

720 Water Street. Logansport, IN 46947 Phone: 574.753.5105 • Fax: 574.722.5902 myersspring.com

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

of Excelle 50 Years of Excellence Air Ride for Medium Duty Trailers

Medium Duty Trailers For use with 3 1/2” diameter straight axle or for low ride height, 4” drop axle

RAR–244-8K 8,000 pound capacity

Full line of trailer-mounted air compressor kits

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Speedset ® Axle Alignment System

This simple alignment feature is quick and easy. Axle alignment adjustment capability +/- .25” at hanger.

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For use with 3 1/2” diameter str axle or for low ride height, 4” dro 15,000 pound capacity

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Dexstar Wheel, a division of Kenda, manufactures quality wheels to keep you rolling. Each Dexstar wheel is painted through a state-ofthe-art powder coat system and applications include trailer, lawn & garden, and agricultural equipment.

TRAILER WHEELS

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Visit DexstarWheel.com for more info on Dexstar Wheels. Contact us via email at Sales@DexstarWheel.com or call 574-295-3535.

Division

Statistically Speaking

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Statistically Speaking by Jeff Jones, Statistical Surveys Registration for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry was up 1.5 percent in December 2016. Below are the details of the market's performance for the five trailer segments as reported by Statistical Surveys.

Trailer Type

December 2016

Jan. - Dec. 2016

Boat 4.2 % 3.8 % Enclosed

0.7 %

3.3 %

Horse

-12.9 %

-3.3 %

Livestock

-15.3 %

-6.1 %

Open

2.6 %

4.9 %

Industry

1.5 %

4.0 %

Top Manufacturer in Registrations for All Trailer Types and Open Trailers: Carry-On Trailer Corp. (L-R: Tom Walworth, Rick Russell, Dana Goff, Jeff Jones and Kendra Ansley).

Please note that Maine and Rhode Island are experiencing data delays. The data will be placed in the correct month once itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s received.

The following are the top five states in sales growth for all trailer segments in 2016. Ranking State Percent Growth 1 Tennessee 126.9 % 2 Oregon 18.9 %

Top Manufacturer in Registrations for Horse and Livestock Trailers: Universal Trailer Corp. (L-R: Tom Walworth, Kevin Weinacht, Jeff Jones, and Kendra Ansley).

3 Minnesota 16.7 % 4 California 14.4 % 5 Michigan 13.4 % Industry registrations for the 2016 were up four percent over 2015. 2016 was another good year for most of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. If there are any questions or if Statistical Surveys, Inc. can help, please contact Jeff Jones at (254) 715-1314 or at jjones@statisticalsurveys.com.

Top Manufacturer in Market Share Increase for Livestock Trailers: Delco Trailers( L-R: Tom Walworth, Jeff Jones, John Dyek, and Kendra Ansley).

May/June 2017

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Statistical Surveys Awards for Top Trailer Performance in 2016

Statistical Surveys Awards for Top Trailer Performance in 2016 Volume of Registrations

Market Share Increase for 2016

All Trailer Segments: Carry-On Trailers, Inc.

All Trailers: Karavan Trailers, Inc.

Boat Trailers: Tracker Marine Group

Boat Trailers: Bear Trailer Mfg.

Enclosed Trailers: Forest River, Inc.

Enclosed Trailers: Covered Wagon Trailers

Horse Trailers: Universal Trailer Corporation

Horse Trailers: C&B Quality Trailer Works

Livestock Trailers: Universal Trailer Corporation

Livestock Trailers: Delco Trailers

Open Trailers: Carry-On Trailers, Inc.

Open Trailers: Karavan Trailers, Inc.

Top Manufacturer in Registrations for Boat Trailers: Tracker Marine Group. (L-R: Tom Walworth, Nathan Long, Jeff Jones, and Kendra Ansley).

Top Manufacturer in Market Share Increase for Horse Trailers: C & B Quality Trailer Works (L-R: Tom Walworth, Jeff Jones, James Gordon, Jason Fox, and Kendra Ansley). www.NATM.com

Top Manufacturer in Registrations for Enclosed Trailers: Forest River, Inc. - Trailer Div. (L-R: Tom Walworth, Jeff Rebrovich, Jeff Jones and Kendra Ansley).

Top Manufacturer in Market Share Increase for Enclosed Trailers: Covered Wagon Trailers (L-R: Tom Walworth, Pam Jenkins, Jeff Jones, Shane Newman, Danny Ray Pierce, and Ray Simmons). May/June 2017

Fastenal: Celebrating 50 Years of Service

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: Celebrating 50 Years of Service By Doug Mensendiek, Director of Sales, Fastenal Since its founding in 1967, Fastenal has grown from a single small-town fastener store to one of the world’s most innovative industrial suppliers. This progression can be described as a journey bringing the company ever-closer to its customers, in terms of proximity and partnership. Every new store, product, service and solution has resulted from listening to customers like you, and adapting its business to serve yours. A great example was the 1982 launch of Fastenal’s manufacturing operation. It was a humble beginning, just a few pieces of used equipment operated by a single machinist, but it added an important dimension to their service, enabling the company’s service representatives to respond to challenging fastener requests with two simple questions: how many do you need, and when do you need them? Over the last 35 years, Fastenal personnel have found themselves asking those questions more and more often, prompting the company to invest in millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, build a team of hundreds of skilled machinists and quality experts, and acquire premier manufacturers like Holo-Krome and Cardinal Fasteners. The result is a state-of-the-art operation that produces tens of thousands of projects per year – each one a solution for a customer in need.

ability to produce custom tooling within 24 hours for unique head geometries, the Cardinal team is ready to put your specialty bolt project into production. •

Domestic manufacturing is something that sets Fastenal apart from its competitors, but it’s just one aspect of their service. Here’s a quick overview of what makes Fastenal the largest and most efficient fastener supplier in North America. •

Products. With 65,000 well-supported standard parts, nearly 440 corporately-approved fastener suppliers, and a fullservice manufacturing division, Fastenal can fulfill virtually any threaded fastener need on earth – standard, semistandard, mil-spec, or fully engineered. … Yes, you can get all of your fasteners from a single source.

•

Sourcing. To meet its customers’ needs for quality, price and delivery, Fastenal operates a fully-licensed trading company, four overseas A2LA-accredited quality labs, and 220-plus employees on the ground in the Asia Pacific region, including multiple teams of engineers, auditors, lab technicians, and logistics specialists. The company’s direct control over the supply chain – from the factory floor to your points of use – ensures traceability, quality and uninterrupted flow.

•

Engineering. A nationwide team of degreed fastener application engineers is ready to respond to questions and issues, visit your facility for trainings and consultations, and work closely with your engineers to make the most costeffective fastener selection and application decisions.

•

Distribution. With 300-plus over-the-road trucks and 7,000-plus local delivery vehicles, Fastenal’s distribution system has been built to fluidly transport heavy hardware

Take a closer look at the cold-formed, hot-forged and precisionmachined solutions Fastenal can provide for your business: •

•

Holo-Krome® (Cold Forming). Holo-Krome has been a pioneer in cold forming techniques since 1929, establishing a reputation as the premier domestic manufacturer of socket screw products. Today, that tradition continues at their facilities in Wallingford, Conn. and Love’s Park, Ill. With 70-plus cold headers in all, Holo-Krome has the capacity to produce more than 30 million parts per week to keep your production running. Cardinal Fastener™ (Hot Forging). Fastenal’s Cardinal Fastener hot forging division includes more than 20 experienced forge operators and a range of presses and materials. With millions of dollars in bolt blank inventory, hundreds of stock dies for common heading needs, and the May/June 2017

Precision Machining. Fastenal’s precision machining operations encompasses three locations and more than 165 CNC machines, including Swiss screw machines and a variety of multi-spindle, multi-axis machines capable of producing highly complex parts with extremely tight tolerances. If you need a production component, replacement part or prototype, Fastenal can make it happen.

www.NATM.com

Fastenal: Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Through its vending and bin stock programs, Fastenal currently manages more than 100,000 vendor managed inventory programs for its customers.

The Holo-Krome heat treating process ensures the right balance of strength and ductility – when failure is not an option.

and economize freight costs for the customer. No one moves direct materials more efficiently. •

Local Supply Chain. The company’s value proposition is straightforward: great people and customized inventory close to your business. With 2,600 Fastenal stores nationwide, Fastenal is ready to stock your inventory needs locally (so you don’t have to) and visit regularly to make sure you always have just the right amount of product, when and where you need it.

www.NATM.com

Need large diameter bolts? Fastenal can make it happen.

With more than 165 units of computer numerical control machining equipment, Fastenal is ready to turn your vision into reality.

Fastenal’s onsite service model brings the supply chain even closer to your business, positioning Fastenal experts and inventory within your facility to handle inventory management functions and drive continuous improvement. They own the inventory until it’s on the production floor, and the first time your team touches the product is when they’re ready to use it – a powerful way to streamline production, free up working capital, and focus more resources on growing your business. To learn more about their products, services and solutions, reach out to your local Fastenal store team or visit them at www.fastenal.com. May/June 2017

How the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers Can Help Trailer Manufacturers

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How the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers Can Help Trailer Manufacturers By Darrell Conner, Dennis Potter and Sean McGlynn K&L Gates The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (S. 3084), enacted in 2016, reauthorized the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, a federal public-private partnership of MEP Centers in each of the 50 states that work with small- and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the U.S. to grow their businesses. This program helps develop the nation’s manufacturing base. The MEP program was created by Congress in the mid1980’s to ensure that American small manufacturers could access the technical assistance and expertise they need to grow their operations and remain competitive in the global economy. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the U.S. Department of Commerce oversees the MEP Centers, which are not-for-profit corporations that employ industry experts who work directly with manufacturers. The manufacturers, in turn, pay for the services they receive. The obvious question for trailer manufacturers is: How can your state’s MEP Center help your business? The answer is that the MEP Center in your state can help with a broad range of services including technical assistance, product design and development, supply chain optimization, sales and marketing strategies, export facilitation and workforce training. Recent surveys of NATM members and broader sections of the manufacturing industry have found that one of the key challenges facing the sector is the ability to locate and retain skilled workers such as welders. A shortage of skilled welders is but one example of a key element in the trailer manufacturing labor force that has been identified in recent years. The American Welding Society estimates by 2020 there will be a shortage of 290,000 workers in the profession. MEP Centers can work with manufacturers in

May/June 2017

their states to design programs to address challenges such as this. Each year an independent third-party firm surveys the manufacturers who utilize the MEP Centers. According to the 2016 survey, 25,445 manufacturers worked with the MEP Centers, which resulted in $9.3 billion in new and retained sales, 86,602 new and retained jobs, $3.5 billion in new client investments, and $1.4 billion in cost savings. In the fiscal year 2018 budget recently released by the White House, President Trump has proposed elimination of the MEP program. Congressional leaders are currently reviewing the proposed budget and a number of Members are working to ensure the program continues to receive funding to fulfill its goals. For manufacturers who have benefited or may benefit from the services provided by MEP Centers, this is an example of the importance of engagement in the political process. Members of Congress place great importance on growing businesses and the economy in their Congressional districts, and the views of their constituents are critical information for them to have as they work to accomplish this goal. For manufacturers who are not familiar with the program but who face challenges with which the MEP Centers may be able to assist, a list of MEP Centers and contact information may be found at www.nist.gov/mep. About the Authors Darrell Conner is a Government Affairs Counselor, Dennis Potter is a Government Affairs Advisor, and Sean McGlynn is a Government Affairs Analyst at the law and lobbying firm of K&L Gates, where they represent NATM and other clients on legislative, regulatory, policy and political matters. Conner can be reached at Darrell.Conner@klgates.com, Potter can be reached at Dennis.Potter@klgates.com, and McGlynn can be reached at Sean.McGlynn@klgates.com.

www.NATM.com

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Meeting Your Custom Needs for Over 40 Years KAMPCO Steel Products, Inc. provides outsource solutions for custom metal fabrication requirements for the Trailer, RV, Boat, Truck Body, and other industries. With over 40 years of steel and aluminum fabrication experience, we can cut, bend, stretch, and weld just about any part you can imagine. Kampco will manage your most valuable metal fabrication projects, allowing you to focus on other mission critical functions and core capabilities. Our value to the market is offering an all encompassing “Single Source Solution” for all of our customer’s metal fabrication needs delivered through our experienced Team. We are your SUPPLIER, not your competitor. • Laser Cutting • Stretch Forming

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Frequently Asked Questions about Fume Management

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Placing a priority on a safe and comfortable environment can also provide companies a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining skilled welding operators. Fume extraction systems, such as the one shown in action here, capture weld fume at the source before reaching the welding operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breathing zone.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fume Management By Anthony Felicijan, sales manager, FILTAIR fume extraction, and Stephanie Lowney, respiratory product manager, Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Maintaining a safe and comfortable work environment for employees is a high priority for companies. Proper weld fume management is both a moral and legal responsibility, and it can also provide employers with a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining skilled welding operators. Increasingly strict fume regulations and recommendations, like those set forth by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), enforce employee exposure limits for each individual metal, metal oxide or gas found in the weld plume, such as manganese and hexavalent chromium. Beyond safety concerns, proper management of the weld fume created by the welding process also can help improve productivity and quality. 42

May/June 2017

There are numerous ways companies can manage weld fume management â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from implementing a welding process change or new filler metal to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This article discusses some frequently asked questions regarding effective weld fume management with regard to fume extraction systems and respirators, in particular. Please note: It is important to consult with an industrial hygienist for weld fume management recommendations for a given application and welding operation. Also remember, employee training is critical to the successful execution of these controls and other weld fume management activities.

www.NATM.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Fume Management

Q: What are the options recommended by OSHA for minimizing weld fume exposure?

Q: How can following proper welding procedures and using proper body positioning help mitigate fume exposure?

The agency’s Hierarchy of Controls provides the steps for employers to take in order to comply with environmental regulations and improve welding operator safety. Note that every welding environment is different and therefore should be evaluated by a qualified industrial hygienist to determine the appropriate course of action for fume controls. It is also important to conduct air sampling to better understand the types and levels of contaminants in the welding environment.

Placing more filler metal into the weld joint than is necessary — overwelding — can result in greater fume generation. Following proper welding procedures can minimize the risk of this occurrence, while also helping ensure the best weld quality.

OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls recommends minimizing weld fume exposure through a sequence of steps: •

Elimination or Substitution, such as using low-manganese filler metals or changing the shielding gas.

•

Engineering Controls, such as centralized ventilation or fume extraction equipment.

•

Administrative Controls, such as proper body positioning.

•

Personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes respiratory protection.

Please note: the examples within each of the above steps are not inclusive; there are many other activities associated with each step.

Proper body position helps minimize the risk of the welding operator’s face penetrating the weld plume and having the weld fume enter the breathing zone. When possible, welding operators should position themselves away from the weld (not directly over it) and avoid standing in between a fan and the weld. Avoiding a position between the weld and the fume extraction arm also helps prevent blocking the suctioning capabilities of the fume extraction arm, allowing it to work more efficiently. Limiting cross ventilation in the welding area also helps minimize interference with the capture of the fume, lessening the opportunity for the fume to be blown back at the welding operator’s face or at other workers nearby. Welding operators should position themselves so that the airflow is moving from their back to their front. Using partitions or curtains in the welding enclosure can also help control cross ventilation.

OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls provides the steps that employers need to take in order to comply with environmental regulations and ensure welding operator safety. Implementing personal protective equipment, such as respirators, is one of the final recommended steps.

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

Frequently Asked Questions about Fume Management

Tracks Q: What type of fume extraction system is ideal for welding applications? Source capture is the preferred method of weld fume extraction because it captures and removes contaminants at their source before they reach a welding operator’s breathing zone. Fume extraction systems are available in different shapes and sizes, and are rated based on the amount of cubic feet of air they extract each minute (cubic feet per minute, or cfm). Cfm should be tested at the hood for the truest rating. Systems are divided between low-vacuum/high-volume solutions and high-vacuum/low-volume solutions. Low-vacuum/highvolume systems process a larger volume of air but at generally lower vacuum pressures. These systems offer larger capture zones. Conversely, high-vacuum/low-volume systems capture weld fume much closer to the weld, via a smaller attachment such as a nozzle. When selecting a fume extraction system, consider the available space in the weld cell and make sure the capture velocity is sufficient to pull the fume away from the welding operator’s breathing zone. Q: What is the proper positioning of a fume extraction arm? For the best results, a moveable hood or fume extraction arm should be positioned above the arc, at approximately a 45-degree angle. A hood distance of 1 1/2 duct diameters away is generally recommended, though the distance will vary based on the velocity and the volume of air being captured. In the past, there may have been significant downtime during welding so welding operators could pause to reposition or adjust the fume extraction arm. The availability of newer fume extraction systems that create a negative pressure zone help address that problem, by increasing the distance they can capture fume — up to five feet away and an area up to three feet wide. Q: When should respiratory protection be incorporated to manage weld fume levels? According to OSHA, respiratory protection should be implemented in cases where engineering controls are not feasible, or when engineering controls alone do not reduce hazard levels below Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL). Manufacturers offer a wide variety of respirator options, including dust masks, half masks, supplied air solutions and powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs). OSHA has identified two major types of respirators: air-purifying and atmosphere44

May/June 2017

supplying. Air-purifying respirators have filters or cartridges and remove contaminants from the air by filtering them prior to reaching the welding operator. Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide clean air from an uncontaminated source. An assigned protection factor (APF) rating denotes the workplace level of protection that each respirator is expected to provide. A calculation called maximum use concentration (MUC) can help determine the proper respiratory solution for an application. Multiplying the respirator’s APF by the required OSHA permissible exposure limit, short-term exposure limit or ceiling limit determines the MUC. OSHA considers the MUC to be the upper limit at which the class of respirator is expected to provide protection. Whenever exposures approach the MUC, companies should select the next higher class of respirators to provide optimal protection for employees. Proper fitting is key with some types of respirators, such as half masks, so be mindful that fit tests may be required to ensure a proper seal. Q: What are the documentation and inspection rules for respirators? Respirator inspection is an important step that can help ensure the welding operator is fully protected. Train employees on proper inspection procedures before any kind of respirator is used. This information can be found in a respirator’s user instructions. Employee training also should cover topics including proper selection of respirators; the consequences of improper fit, usage or maintenance; proper maintenance and storage procedures; and how to use respirators in emergency situations. Having proper documentation when respirators are used also is a critical part of maintaining OSHA compliance. Requirements vary between mandatory and voluntary respirator use, though both do require a written respiratory protection program. The written program must include information such as respirator selection; medical evaluations; fit testing for tight-fitting respirators; use in routine and emergency situations; established schedules for cleaning; procedures to ensure air quality and flow for atmosphere-supplying respirators; employee training; and evaluation of the respiratory program. Q: How important is proper storage and maintenance of fume extraction systems and respirators? Whether the chosen method is a fume extraction system or a respirator, proper maintenance and storage (in the case of respirators) is an important part of saving time and money, and www.NATM.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Fume Management ensuring the equipment is working to its fullest capacity to help create a safer environment. Filter replacement and maintenance is a key part of fume extraction systems, which are available with disposable filters or with self-cleaning filters. Less air passes through a dirty filter, which reduces the amount of airflow at the hood for effective fume collection. Systems often have a gauge to indicate when a disposable filter should be changed. For self-cleaning systems, choosing the appropriate filter type can help optimize fume collection. Also, make sure the compressed air line is in use and working properly, and that the air is clean and dry. When using a respirator, proper storage â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and cleaning and replacing the units â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is important. The written respiratory program requires a filter change schedule. Respirator filters must be replaced, as they cannot be cleaned, unlike other fume extraction products.

Making the Fume Abatement Decision Implementing the necessary process changes and technologies that reduce weld fume can lead to greater productivity, better weld quality, and a safer, compliant environment for employees. These steps also can help extend equipment life and help companies comply with federal regulations. When it comes to weld fume management, there are numerous solutions available, each with their own benefits and considerations. To help make the decision, consult with an industrial hygienist or other licensed safety professional, trusted welding distributor or fume management solutions manufacturer. For more information about Miller Electric Mfg. Co., visit their website at www.millerwelds.com.

Managing the fumes created by the welding process is important for compliance with increasingly strict regulations from agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

ONE STEP. ZERO DISCHARGE. High Pressure Pretreatment For Large Metal Products

“We switched from just pressure washing using a degreaser to a CPR phosphate cleaning system with recycling. We greatly reduced our chemical consumption and eliminated discharging any wash waters. We continue to see the savings to this day. We have been using CPR SYSTEMS for over 10 years.” - Greg G Snyder, President, Car Mate Trailers

Reduce Operating Costs 14 Day No Flash Rust Guarantee Improve Paint Adhesion Increase Corrosion Resistance Closed Loop Recycling No Daily Waste Water Discharge Environmental Compliant Quick Return On Investment

Clean, Pretreat And Recycle In One Step.

The CPR SYSTEM meets the cleaning effectiveness of a 5-stage washer in a compact size. This method of high pressure spray wand phosphating increases salt spray test times, alleviates corrosion, provides a 14-day no ﬂash rust at 50% humidity, saves up to 80% of chemicals and 95% of water used in typical wash and dump cleaning methods. A CPR SYSTEM pays for itself within a short period of time. Surface Rust

Cleaned And Pretreated Steel

Closed-Loop Phosphate Or Zirconium Recycling System

ONE STEP. ZERO DISCHARGE.

Because CPR SYSTEM uses a proprietary closed-loop recycling process to reclaim and reuse the wash solution, sewer discharge is eliminated. Therefore, this system is environmentally compliant…no permitting, treating, monitoring and record-keeping of industrial wastewater is required.

www.cprsystemsonline.com PH: (800) 897-7515 PH: (574) 233-9111

Baril: The Authority on Sustainable Solutions for Transportation Coatings

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Baril: The Authority on Sustainable Solutions for Transportation Coatings Baril Coatings USA, located in northern Indiana, has proven to be an authority recognized for providing sustainable solutions for painting operation problems. The problems faced on a daily basis by trailer manufacturers: production, performance and protection. Baril rivals the larger paint companies by offering unique, patented and cost-effective coatings that profoundly increase production and improve performance. Baril’s products offer longer term protection against corrosion and ultraviolet damage. Baril Coatings USA has served North America, Central America and the Caribbean for years. Global partners include European headquarters and a manufacturing plant in The Netherlands, with more warehouse and distribution locations in the United Kingdom and all across Europe. Baril Coatings USA has introduced paint technologies to the OEM truck and trailer market at a performance level that has never been seen before. Baril offers high-performance DTM (Direct-to-Metal) coatings that dry hard in less than one hour without the use of heat, as well as wet-on-wet primer/topcoat systems that cure together quickly to allow for double or triple the production. Units can be assembled and shipped the same day without being damaged. Baril’s primer products can protect against corrosion for over five years or 10,000 salt spray hours. Baril’s topcoats can hold their color and gloss for up to five years and its low-cost alkyd systems will outlast and outperform any system on the market. 48

May/June 2017

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Baril: The Authority on Sustainable Solutions for Transportation Coatings Protection: Corrosion Control with Patented DCC Technology Baril Coatings USA is best known for its proprietary and patented Dual Cure Chemistry (DCC) Coating Technology. The DCC paint program includes a production fast recoat zinc primer that dries to recoat in 30-40 minutes without heat. This primer is designed to be applied over a blasted surface preparation and provides maximum corrosion protection and chip resistance. Apply a topcoat to the unit of any of the Baril DCC Patented Finish Coats and realize the highest level of protection and performance available today. These systems will outperform any production automotive coating system, powder coat system or epoxy/ polyurethane system on the market. UV Resistance and Flexibility: Excellence in Performance The patented Dual Cure Chemistry (DCC) Finish Coatings have been exposed to some of the most grueling test methods to ensure and document the true excellence of these finishes. Results from tests such as Florida Black Box, Cyclical Weathering, Gravelometer and PATI Pull-off Adhesion prove that the DCC systems exceed all normal standards for flexibility, impact and UV resistance. DTM (Direct-To-Metal) More and more applications are going Direct-to-Metal (DTM). This means that no primer is used just a finish coat by itself. In response to these demands, Baril has designed a series of zinc fortified products to perform. The DCC 180 Series is formulated with zinc pigments incorporated to provide better adhesion and corrosion protection for direct-to-metal applications. These products also have high build properties and higher sag resistance to better cover blast profiles or defects in the metal. The DCC 180 and DCC 181 Series offer a high 95 percent gloss level while the DCC 182 Series provides a satin finish where desired. Made in the USA, Baril Coatings manufactures products that perform and provide solutions to the problems that face the truck and trailer OEM. Demonstrations Seeing is believing! Onsite product demonstrations are available. Contact Baril Coatings USA today by emailing b.mangum@barilcoatings.us or calling (260) 665-8431, or find out more at www.Barilcoatings.us.

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

Trailer Theft Prevention and Recovery Tips

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Trailer Theft Prevention and Recovery Tips By Colin Holthaus, NATM Technical Director Most trailer manufacturers are well aware that trailers are frequently stolen. With thefts usually rising during the spring and summer months, NATM reminds members to keep theft prevention and security a high priority. What can trailer manufacturers do to prevent inventory theft, or to aide in stolen trailer recovery? A variety of hitch locks, wheel locks, tracking devices, and alarms are available from many NATM Associate Members. Search the “Online Buyer’s Guide” on the NATM website for locks and other anti-theft accessories. Another industry issue that could be improved is assisting law enforcement with recovering stolen trailers. NATM receives numerous phone calls from law enforcement officials reporting that VIN tags have been removed, and the only information the officer has is the number on the NATM decal. For this reason, NATM suggests trailer manufacturers keep records of the NATM decal serial number and the correlating VIN number of the trailer on which the decal is placed. By keeping records of the NATM Decal serial number with the trailer's VIN number, trailer manufacturers can help law

Trailer coupler locks provide security for unattended trailers.

May/June 2017

enforcement officials. This simple record keeping would help reveal the VIN number of the trailer and provide contact information for the first retail customer of that trailer. Another often overlooked loss mitigation strategy is to stay one step ahead of the thieves by hiding an extra VIN plate or VIN stamp in a secret location on all of the trailers manufactured. This could be located inside a frame rail where no one would know to look. Of course, thieves cannot grind a VIN number off a trailer if they do not know where it is located. Even if a trailer is stolen and the front roadside VIN placard is removed, this secondary “hidden” location VIN number could be the additional factor that returns the trailer to its rightful owner. Tennessee, for example, requires the VIN numbers on trailers to be stamped into the trailer. In 2004, Tennessee passed its own VIN law, TN Code Ann. § 55-5-106(f), requiring every new trailer sold in Tennessee on or after Jan. 1, 2005 to be assigned its own unique identification number and to have that number stamped on the trailer, either on the tongue or the frame. The definition of “stamped” does not include being embossed on a traditional metal VIN plate riveted to the frame. The best combination may be to utilize both the traditional riveted or stick on-type VIN placards, and the stamped-intothe-frame method. In order to dissuade potential theives from stealing from your property, practice Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) at your manufacturing facilities. CPTED is a multi-disciplinary approach to deter criminal behavior through environmental design. CPTED strategies rely upon the ability to influence offender decisions that precede criminal acts. For instance, to reduce the chances of theft at your facilities, keep grounds very well lit. Trim shrubs and bushes to keep blind spots to a minimum. Define the perimeter of the facility with permanent fencing and limit the number of entrances and exits. Consider equipping the property with security systems, especially those featuring video surveillance with ample memory capacity. Many security systems have the ability to send alerts to smart phones when problems arise at the property. www.NATM.com

There’s a lot riding on the SAFETY and PERFORMANCE of your brakes. So why take chances when you don’t have to? Dexter builds better brakes. PERIOD.

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SEE FOR YOURSELF IN OUR NEW VIDEO. www.dexteraxle.com/betterbrakes 3/14/2017 3:13:30 PM

Universal Trailer Celebrates New Trailer Facility

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Ribbon cutting team effort: left to right, UTC Vice President of Marketing Jeff Howes; Bristol Town Council President Ron Norman; Elkhart County Commissioner Suzie Weirick; Universal Trailer CEO Terry Carlson; Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Elaine Bedel; Indiana State Senator Blake Doriot; Indiana State Representative Doug Miller; and UTC Plant Operations Manager Keith Shockey.

Universal Trailer Celebrates New Trailer Facility By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director

Universal Trailer Corp. held a ribbon cutting for its new, $25 million-plus, state-of-the-art cargo trailer facility on March

floor break rooms and numerous other amenities, which UTC says are unmatched in the industry.

24. Speakers for the event included Universal Trailer CEO Terry Carlson, UTC Plant Operations Manager Keith Shockey, UTC Vice President of Marketing Jeff Howes and local and state dignitaries, such as Elaine Bedel, President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and U.S. Indiana Rep. Jackie Walorski, who sent her video congratulations from Washington D.C. Carlson explained how the facility, which is located on 43 acres in Bristol, Ind., was two years in the making, as it incorporates automation adapted from the automotive industry to produce lighter and more durable Wells Cargo and Haulmark cargo trailers.

At the new Bristol facility, Universal Trailer is using a modular production approach to create trailer kits, which will be shipped to its other facilities around the country to be finished and customized.

The 200,000 square foot plant also features a work-friendly environment for its employees, including modern lighting, shop

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The modular production process enables us to continue to scale to meet global market demands, producing twice as many Haulmark and Wells Cargo trailers per week versus the traditional production methods used, all the while keeping our quality high,â&#x20AC;? Carlson said. Other trailer innovations include: proprietary construction material; intelligent robotic welding for square and true frames; HSLA (high-strength, low-alloy) roll formed steel; doubleflanged cross members to minimize road vibrations; frames www.NATM.com

Universal Trailer Celebrates New Trailer Facility

Universal Trailer Corp. CEO Terry Carlson receiving an Indiana flag from Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Elaine Bedel.

dipped in paint providing advanced anti-corrosion protection; and automotive fastener technology for perfectly aligned trailer chassis, walls and roof. To verify these new materials, production techniques and fastening methods, Universal Trailer stress tested its trailers on commercial truck test tracks for over two years, and used 3D modeling and computer vibration to further validate the new design. Its research indicates that these trailers have three times the life expectancy of many competitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; models. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The status quo is not good enough, so we embarked on a mission to create a more durable trailer that can go anywhere and withstand the test of time,â&#x20AC;? added Jeff Howes, Vice President of Marketing at Universal Trailer. Universal Trailer Corporation is a manufacturer of leading lifestyle and utility trailer brands, such as Exiss Aluminum Trailers, Inc. of El Reno, Okla., Featherlite of Cresco, Iowa, and Wells Cargo and Haulmark of Elkhart, Ind. Some of its brands have been building trailers for more than 60 years. Headquartered in Fort Myers, Fla., Universal Trailer has seven manufacturing plants across the United States, producing Haulmark, Haulmark Motorcoach, Featherlite, Featherlite Specialty, Exiss, Sooner and Wells Cargo branded trailers. For more information, visit www.UniversalTrailer.com or call (574) 264-9661. www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

WE’RE IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL.

We’ve logged a lot of miles in the sawblade industry over the last 30 years. The road has been a long one, but we have reached our destination – to be one of the nation’s leading suppliers of sawblades and sawblade-related products. Of course the only reason we’re here, is because of you. You know great quality and value when you see it. And even though it’s been a long journey, we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. We want it to continue far into the future. That’s why we carry the complete line of Diablo and Evolution blades along with our proprietary QSaw® Premium Band Saw Blades. These German-engineered, American-made blades – whether you need carbon, bi-metal or carbide-tipped, are the highest-quality blades you’ll find anywhere – all at very affordable prices. Combined with our vast amount of industry knowledge and unparalleled expertise, we’re confident you’ll go farther, faster with us. Visit us online or call today. With the friendliest customer service, and free delivery on all orders over 150.00, add it all up, and you’ll know Sawblade.com is definitely in it for the long haul.

Check out these great values on one of our more popular blades

HAUL IN SOME GREAT SAVINGS M42 Band Saw Blade Prices

Discounts for ordering 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 blades. WIDTH 4'-6" 5'-0" 5'-6" 6'-0" 6'-6" 7'-0" 7'-6" 8'-0" 8'-6" 9'-0" 9'-6" 10'-0" 10'-6" 11'-0" 11'-6" 12'-0" 12'-6" 13'-0" 13'-6" 14'-0" 14'-6" 15'-0" 15'-6" 16'-0" 16'-6" 17'-0" 17'-6" 18'-0" 18'-6" 19'-0" 19'-6" 20'-0" 20'-6" 21'-0" 21'-6" 22'-0" 22’-6” 23’-0”

1/2” 16.08 17.15 18.23 19.30 20.37 21.44 22.51 23.58 24.65 25.73 26.80 27.87 28.94 30.01 31.08 32.15 33.23 34.30 35.37 36.44 37.51 38.58 39.65 40.73 41.80 42.87 43.94 45.01 46.08 47.15 48.23 49.30 50.37 51.44 52.51 53.58 54.65 55.73

3/4" 17.75 19.01 20.27 21.53 22.78 24.04 25.30 26.55 27.81 29.07 30.33 31.58 32.84 34.10 35.35 36.61 37.87 39.13 40.38 41.64 42.90 44.15 45.41 46.67 47.93 49.18 50.44 51.70 52.95 54.21 55.47 56.73 57.98 59.24 60.50 61.75 63.01 64.27

1" 18.65 20.01 21.37 22.73 24.08 25.44 26.80 28.15 29.51 30.87 32.23 33.58 34.94 36.30 37.65 39.01 40.37 41.73 43.08 44.44 45.80 47.15 48.51 49.87 51.23 52.58 53.94 55.30 56.65 58.01 59.37 60.73 62.08 63.44 64.80 66.15 67.51 68.87

1-1/4" 20.67 22.25 23.83 25.41 26.99 28.58 30.16 31.74 33.32 34.90 36.48 38.06 39.64 41.22 42.80 44.39 45.97 47.55 49.13 50.71 52.29 53.87 55.45 57.03 58.62 60.20 61.78 63.36 64.94 66.52 68.10 69.68 71.26 72.85 74.43 76.01 77.59 79.17

WIDTH 15’-6” 16’-0” 16’-6” 17’-0” 17’-6” 18’-0” 18’-6” 19'-0" 19'-6" 20'-0" 20'-6" 21'-0" 21'-6" 22'-0" 22'-6" 23'-0" 23'-6" 24'-0" 24'-6" 25'-0" 25'-6" 26'-0" 26'-6" 27'-0" 27'-6" 28'-0" 28'-6" 29'-0" 29'-6" 30'-0" 30’-6” 31’-0” 31'-6" 32'-0" 32'-6" 33'-0" 33'-6" 34'-0"

1-1/2" 68.79 70.78 72.77 74.75 76.74 78.73 80.72 82.71 84.70 86.68 88.67 90.66 92.65 94.64 96.63 98.62 100.60 102.59 104.58 106.57 108.56 110.55 112.53 114.52 116.51 118.50 120.49 122.48 124.46 126.45 128.44 130.43 132.42 134.41 136.39 138.38 140.37 142.36

2" 86.20 88.74 91.29 93.83 96.38 98.92 101.46 104.01 106.55 109.10 111.64 114.19 116.73 119.28 121.82 124.36 126.91 129.45 132.00 134.54 137.09 139.63 142.18 144.72 147.26 149.81 152.35 154.90 157.44 159.99 162.53 165.08 167.62 170.16 172.71 175.25 177.80 180.34

2-5/8" 117.67 121.14 124.62 128.09 131.56 135.03 138.50 141.97 145.45 148.92 152.39 155.86 159.33 162.80 166.28 169.75 173.22 176.69 180.16 183.63 187.11 190.58 194.05 197.52 200.99 204.47 207.94 211.41 214.88 218.35 221.82 225.30 228.77 232.24 235.71 239.18 242.65 246.13

Just 5 clicks in two minutes can save you up to 30% Check our prices against your current supplier and see how they match up. We’re confident you’ll gain bargaining power with them, or better yet, be convinced to switch to us. And all it takes is a 5-click, two minute visit to our website or a simple phone call. So ask yourself, is 2 minutes of your time worth saving 30%? And don’t forget, we ship FREE on all orders over 150.00.

800.754.6920 NOW SELLING A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF COLDSAW BLADES ONLINE

LED LIGHTING

REAL LIFE TAKES 840 Series S/T/T Light

REAL LIGHTS. Mud. Vibration. Rain. Peterson LEDs hold up to anything you – or Mother Nature – can throw at ’em.

FOR WORKING TRAILERS, real life is no easy street. That’s why Peterson builds the world’s toughest, most reliable trailer lights. Our Peterson LED lights feature rugged solid-state circuitry. Adhesive potting to seal out moisture and corrosion. Hard-wiring to eliminate failure-prone connection points. And more. All made to Peterson’s exacting standards in a wide range of valuepriced models to fit any light- to medium-duty trailer. You build trailers for real life. We build the lights that can handle it. GET REAL. GET PETERSON.

VEHICLE SAFETY LIGHTING

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Readying Your Trailer for Spring

Readying Your Trailer for Spring By Colin Holthaus, NATM Technical Director and Kathleen Dultmeier, NATM Marketing Coordinator It’s time to get your trailer ready for warmer weather! After a long winter sitting unused, make sure your trailer is safe before you hit the road. Below are recommendations for readying your trailer for use: Tires Check the tires on both the trailer and tow vehicle, looking for damage after long winter months. Make sure you inspect the tread for uneven wear. Verify that tire pressure is correct, and don’t forget the spare tire. Proper tire pressure affects vehicle handling and safety. You can find the correct tire pressure for your tow vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the tire information placard. Underinflation reduces the load-carrying capacity of your tow vehicle or trailer, may cause sway and control problems, and may result in overheating, causing blowouts or other tire failure. Over inflation causes premature tire wear and affects the handling characteristics of the tow vehicle or trailer. Lug Nuts Inspect all wheel lug nuts and make sure they are tightened to specifications. Undercarriage Inspect the springs, spring bushings, and hangers for wear and cracks. This kind of preventative maintenance can save your trailer from a dangerous and expensive breakdown on the road.

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Wiring and Lights Make sure connector-plug prongs and receptacles, light bulb sockets, wire splices, and ground connections are clean and shielded from moisture. Lightly coat all electrical terminal connections with nonconducting (dielectric), light, waterproof grease. Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are working. Verify the wiring is properly connected, not dragging on the road but loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires. Chains Verify that you have two safety chains and when you hook to the towing vehicle, cross the chains so if the hitch comes loose, the crossed chains will catch the hitch. Wheel Bearings Check your wheel bearings before returning your trailer to regular use, and be sure to replace according to the trailer manufacturers recommendations. Have the bearings serviced. This requires a repack, new grease, a new bearing, and a new bearing race. Refer to your owner’s manual for maintenance information. Dust Caps Make sure dust caps are still in place and have not cracked or been destroyed. Replace if necessary.

May/June 2017

Readying Your Trailer for Spring

Tracks Brakes Verify the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly. On a regular basis, have the brakes on both the trailer and tow vehicle inspected. Be sure the necessary adjustments are made and any damaged or worn parts are replaced. How much brake pad material remains? The start of the warmer months is a good time to replace them if they are getting close to the end of their life expectancy. Breakaway System Ensure the breakaway system lanyard is connected to the tow vehicle but not to the safety chains or ball mount. Hitch, Coupler, Draw Bar Make sure the hitch, coupler, draw bar, and other equipment that connect the trailer and the tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted. Check the nuts, bolts, and other fasteners to ensure the hitch remains secured to the tow vehicle and the coupler remains secured to the trailer. Lubricate the connection point if necessary, to permit free movement of the coupler to the hitch ball. Inspect the coupler ball socket to ensure it is not bent or dented. Any indentions could cause the ball not to seat properly, which can lead to dehitching from the trailer. Cargo If the trailer is loaded, check that all items are securely fastened on and in the trailer. Check load distribution to make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are properly balanced front to back and side to side. Jacks and Accessories Be sure the trailer jack, tongue support, and any attached stabilizers are raised and locked in place. Put all jack stands up, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to bring the wheel chocks. Tow Vehicle Maintenance Tow vehicles have frequent maintenance requirements. Spring is a good time to change the oil in the engine and transmission, lubricate components, inspect brakes, inspect belts and hoses, top off fluids to their recommended levels, check the radiator and cooling system, inspect the battery, and check the air conditioning system.

Tow Vehicle Tools, PPE, and Accessories Make sure you have a jack and lug wrench secured in the tow vehicle that is the appropriate size for the tow vehicle and trailer lug nuts. Verify the jack you packed up is appropriate for both the vehicle and trailer capacities. Pack work gloves, safety glasses, and a mat or blanket in case you need to complete maintenance procedures or change a tire. Make sure all the tools are functioning properly before packing. Route Planning Plan ahead and determine your route by checking for restrictions, bridges, tunnels, and avoidable construction zones. Flooring, Body, Fenders, Cargo Securement Attachments, and General Trailer Structure Inspect trailer flooring for chips, cracks, and excessive wear. Make sure body panels and fenders are secure and in normal functioning order. Visually inspect the trailer structure to make sure nothing has rusted out or worn out during the harsh winter months. Replace or secure parts if necessary. Welds Give the trailer a once over visual inspection for cracked welds. Welds often break, especially when trailers are regularly subjected to heavy loads. Inspect closely, as even hairline cracks can escalate quickly to much larger problems. Pay special attention to the stress points of the trailer when inspecting. In particular, check where the tongue attaches to the trailer and the points where the spring hangers are welded to the trailer frame. Ramps and Tailgate Make sure the ramps are secured with the trailer and whatever pin or locking device that holds the ramps in place is still in its proper location and functioning. Verify the tailgate is secure but still allows for free movement. Lubricate hinges and other components if necessary. Trailers with Dump Bodies and Hoists Check all fluid levels, hydraulic hoses, and the hoist unit. Clean and inspect the power unit for the hoist. Check electrical wires and battery corrosion for wear. Apply grease to hoist grease fittings, or zerks, as needed. Replace parts if necessary.

Tow Vehicle Mirrors Inspect tow vehicle mirrors for damage and cleanliness to make sure you have good visibility.

May/June 2017

www.NATM.com

AXLES FENDERS SPRINGS Manufacturing And Distribution Solutions For The Trailer Industry! AXLES FENDERS SPRINGS

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Waterjet Cutting: Take a Closer Look

By Lou Kren, Senior Editor, MetalForming Magazine

Job shops, at least the most successful ones, are all about flexibility. With order volumes high and low and everywhere in between; with materials ranging from stainless to aluminum to glass, stone and even frozen spinach; and with lead times pressured down to as soon as yesterday, fabricators have to make it all work to stay in business. That’s why, for the flexible fab shop, waterjet-cutting machines can be ideal pieces of equipment. Developments in waterjet-cutting technology have yielded longer-lasting pumps and cutting heads, making the machinery a reliable and cost-effective option for cutting various materials, including aluminum as shown here.

Given all of the advantages, some are hesitant to embrace the technology. With this in mind, MetalForming discussed waterjet cutting, including a comparison to other processes, and some technology facts that you may not have been aware of, with John Caron, marketing manager, and Dave Dumas, waterjet sales, for waterjet-system supplier Hypertherm Inc., Hanover, NH. Technology Improvement At one time, waterjet cutters did exactly that–cut via a pressurized water stream. Wood and softer materials were the main applications. By the 1990s, as systems incorporated abrasive into the waterjet streams, the technology became more common in metal-fabrication shops, where the use of garnet enabled more rapid cutting of harder and thicker materials. A common perception then, and still somewhat held today, was that waterjet-cutting systems were unreliable, owing to problems with pumps and nozzles, and issues with system leaks. “The dependability of waterjet-cutting machines was a big question mark for fabricators,” says Dumas. “There was the perception of high-maintenance systems that experienced excessive downtime. But reliability has been improved and some fabricators now run them 24/7.” For Hypertherm’s part, in producing aftermarket waterjet parts, it had noticed that pumps were frequently ordered. So the company decided to concentrate its design improvements in that area. “Whereas in the past, pump operational costs amounted to $4 to $7 an hour.” Dumas explains, “Today, the pumps on our machines, for example, have operational costs of about $1.80 an hour. Many intensifier pumps use a low-pressure poppet screw that holds the poppet in. If that comes loose and falls in and hits the plunger, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage. We eliminated that screw on our design, so it can’t fall in and cause problems.” From a metal-cutting standpoint, waterjets only have been on the scene for about 30 years, notes Caron, but that’s provided time to make vast improvements.

Developments in waterjet-cutting technology have yielded longer-lasting pumps and cutting heads, making the machinery a reliable and costeffective option for cutting various materials, including aluminum as shown here. www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

Waterjet Cutting: Take a Closer Look

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“In the natural progression of technology and equipment,” he explains, “the engineering re-evaluation and improvement process proceeds, and over time it really improves the weak points of a product design, and that is true for waterjet systems.” Cutting heads offer another example where cutter performance and reliability have improved. Caron and Dumas point to adoption of a diamond centered on the nozzle itself, which has delivered higher tolerances and longer life. “A diamond can last for 1200 hours in this application,” says Dumas. “In the past, rubies and sapphires were used, and these lasted anywhere from five seconds. to 40 hours. They are less expensive, say $15 to $18 for a ruby, but in the long run become much more expensive due to the downtime. If a ruby only lasts for a few seconds and that problem is not caught right away, it will cause problems and the next thing you know, a $200,000 system goes down due to a fragile, inexpensive part. Diamonds offer much more reliability and the industry is moving toward their use.” Flexibility, Affordability Lead to Increased Use Waterjet-cutting machines have their place, and increasingly that place has been in fab shops everywhere. Fabricators may cut foam one week and stainless steel the next. The versatile machines have proven that they can switch gears in a hurry and cut whatever is thrown on them. So the machines keep busy, which means more productivity and more dollars for the flexible fabricator. “On one end you have laser cutters,” explains Caron, “which cut very fast and are ideal for high-tolerance applications, and at the other end you have waterjet cutters, which do not cut as quickly and offer tolerances that are not as tight, though tighter than plasma-cutting machines. But waterjets, as we’ve said, are flexible—able to cut a variety of materials, including thick, hard material.” Another waterjet-cutting benefit: The process does not impart heat-affected zones, a byproduct of heat-related cutting processes that can result in detrimental physical-property changes to the material. Heat and operating particulars of other processes make them unable to properly cut bonded material or laminates. Waterjet-cutting machines, on the other hand, can handle bonded and laminated material with ease. Brass bonded to stainless steel? Waterjets will cut it, lasers won’t.

“Users can add a second cutting head and double production without adding another operator and machine,” says Dumas. “Some machines employ four or even eight heads in the case of cutting foam, for instance, using very small nozzle orifices, so they can cut as quickly as the machine can move.” Common-line cutting is another speed-assist for waterjet cutting. Because the process creates the same taper on each side of the cut, parts can be nested tightly and two part sides can be processed with a single cut. Plasma cutting and other processes cannot perform such common-line cuts. Recyclability Can Cut Operating Costs On top of everything else, waterjet cutting machines have a lower capital-investment cost. Operating costs are lower, too, and with water and abrasive filtering and reclaiming, fabricators have the opportunity to save even more. A typical single-head laser uses about one gallon of water per minute, and fabricators employ recycling and filtering to recoup some of that. Abrasives are one area that still cause some trepidation for fabricators, according to Caron and Dumas. “There is some concern as to the amount of abrasive used and how to recycle it,” Dumas says. “That prevents some fabricators from adopting the technology.” Toward that end, and because abrasive can surpass 50 percent of the operating cost of a system, Hypertherm has been working on abrasive reclamation. The company is beta testing EcoSift, an abrasive-recycling system that allows users to capture, recycle and reuse spent garnet. Key to recyclability is the fact that, when cutting at pressures of 4000 bar or below, only a portion of the abrasive is pulverized. As much as 60 percent reaches the bottom of the tank without significantly changing shape or size—it can be reused without impacting cut quality. Besides savings related to garnet reclamation, the system can reduce abrasive storage, transport and waste-disposal time and costs. “We are optimistic that we can recycle close to 50 percent of the used garnet with this system,” says Caron.

This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of MetalForming magazine, and is reprinted here with permission granted by PMA Services, Inc., and the Precision Metalforming Association, Independence, Ohio.

As for speed, fabricators can slice cutting time by employing multiple cutting heads.

May/June 2017

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8/18/14

Eliminating Read-Through Problems in Trailer Design

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Eliminating Read-Through Problems in Trailer Design By Bob Zweng, Regional Sales Manager, Industrial Assembly Adhesives, LORD Corporation

To save on assembly costs and provide improved sidewall aesthetics to consumers, trailer manufacturers are using thinnergauge, aluminum substrates in place of thicker-gauge aluminum and heavier steel components. A typical utility or freight trailer can be designed with a mixture of various substrates, including several metals and thermoset composites, all in one unit. However, trailers assembled with thin-gauge materials (composite, aluminum or steel) and adhesives are subject to surface-distortion problems, known as “read-through.” When read-through occurs, you can “see” the adhesive, used for assembling the sidewall panels/skins, through the substrate. Read-through happens when the adhesive is too rigid, exotherms too much, or shrinks excessively during cure. Therefore, it is crucial to use an adhesive that is formulated to balance strength with no-read-through formulations. Highstrength structural adhesives, engineered to be as strong as possible, tend to have high-exotherm properties and are very rigid. When two thin-gauge substrates are joined with a stiff adhesive, a visible distortion of the metal or composite surface develops. Additionally, some adhesives shrink as they cure and the shrinking further distorts the substrate’s surface.

Acrylic Adhesive Benefits Acrylic adhesives can solve the problems encountered with other types of adhesives. They eliminate read-through and provide the strength characteristics of a structural adhesive, without the timeconsuming surface preparation required for silicone or urethane adhesives. Acrylic adhesives also offer resistance to corrosion and environmental conditions, while providing assembling and sealing properties. Adhesive dispensing systems are available for both high- and low-volume applications, including automated adhesive dispensing systems and hand-held applicators. Low Read-Through Adhesive LORD® 810 Low Read-Through Acrylic Adhesive offers no bond-line read-through on most substrates. The flexible adhesive formulation features low-modulus, high-elongation, lowexotherm properties, and low shrinkage. It bonds thin-

Some manufacturers use a urethane or silicone adhesive as an alternative to rigid structural adhesives to avoid read-through problems. But these formulations have their own set of complications: most silicones do not have the desired strength for structural applications and urethanes cannot be used on bare metals without excessive surface preparation.

When read-through occurs, a visible distortion can be seen in the surface of the trailer panel.

May/June 2017

www.NATM.com

Eliminating Read-Through Problems in Trailer Design

gauge metal-to-metal and metal-to-composites/plastics with little or no substrate preparation. The adhesive delivers superior peel strength on a variety of metal and plastic/composite substrates, and has excellent bake resistance on thin-gauge aluminum up to typical powder-coating temperatures. Good peel strength is especially important on applications such as sidewalls, roof panels and front-nose panels, where wind resistance and deflection capabilities are crucial. Fast cure times are another benefit of this acrylic adhesive. The adhesive has a handling time of as little as 20 minutes and is 90 percent cured in 30 minutes at room temperature. By applying modest heat, less than 150 degrees F/ less than 66 degrees C, users can customize cure rates to their application. The adhesive also offers environmental resistance to dilute acids, alkalis, solvents, greases, oils, and moisture; and provides excellent resistance to UV-exposure and weathering. Other LORD adhesives available for the trailer manufacturing industry include: Maxlok T3, T6 and T18 Acrylic Adhesives; and LORD 403, 406, and 410 Acrylic Adhesives. All LORD structural adhesives are ideal for sidewall bonding, roof bonding, frontpanel bonding, and bonded HVAC units. These adhesives can be used on a variety of substrates including fiberglass-reinforced plywood, aluminum, and galvanized and composite materials. Successful Adhesive Applications In one application, a utility trailer manufacturer had a major quality issue with sidewall distortion. Although the manufacturer had switched from rivets to adhesives several years ago and enjoyed measurable benefits with reductions in assembly costs, plus significant improvements with water-leak warranty issues, the desire to have a smooth, read-through-free sidewall appearance was not met. The manufacturer struggled with various remedies and initially thought the only solution was to increase the panel thickness to prevent distortion. However, when the trailer builder switched to using 810 Low Read-Through Adhesive, the distortion problem was solved. In another example, a trailer manufacturer had issues with the required excessive surface preparation prior to using tape and/ or adhesive to bond bare-aluminum and galvanized metals. Additional labor, along with heavy grinding/sanding and extra bare-metal primers, was necessary which increased build costs. After trying 810 Low Read-Through Adhesive, the manufacturer discovered that the adhesive bonded without fail to the substrates. Only minimal surface wiping was needed, thus saving significant www.NATM.com

work time. The manufacturer also reaped the benefits of no readthrough on sidewall surfaces. LORD Acrylic Adhesives Acrylic adhesives offer low read-through, low shrinkage, low exotherming, and fast cure times, with the strength of structural adhesives, and can deliver an aesthetically-pleasing and highly durable trailer. For more information on how LORD Structural Acrylic Adhesives can improve aesthetics, and reduce labor and material costs, visit: www.lord.com/industries/commercial-vehicles/trailer.

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May/June 2017

NATM Staff Member Allison Malmstrom Says Goodbye after 16 Years

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NATM Staff Member Allison Malmstrom Says Goodbye after 16 Years By Allison Malmstrom, NATM Events Director As my time as Events Director at NATM comes to a close, I wanted to take this time to reminisce on the wonderful journey with this Association over the last 16 years. This opportunity, a position that actually began as a six week temp job in 2001, has provided me with more blessings and experiences than I could have thought. As a girl who grew up in Kansas, I didn’t imagine myself travelling to all corners of the United States for work; that I would visit Congress to speak on behalf of people and issues I support and believe in; that I would ever need to wear safety goggles a day in my life or that I would ever paint a trailer (I did- and it looked awesome). These past years have brought both personal and professional highs and NATM has supported me through it all. My husband’s schooling took us to both Michigan and North Carolina, and both times, the NATM Board extended to me the opportunity to work from home and to keep our young children with me as needed. As the NATM Membership Director at the time, I helped grow NATM to an association of more than 1,000 member companies – a milestone that was achieved on Jan. 3, 2008. It was so rewarding to have a part in expanding the membership base and doing my part to improve the safety of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. I took over the role of the Convention & Trade Show Director a bit unexpectedly in 2010. Although I only had a few months to plan speakers and arrangements for the 2011 show in Albuquerque during an economic down turn, the staff pulled through together and it was another successful event. I remember leaving that convention feeling confident that we would continue to keep setting our bar higher and higher, ensuring we were providing our attendees a quality event and a reason to keep attending year after year.

May/June 2017

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NATM Staff Member Allison Malmstrom Says Goodbye after 16 Years This past 2017 Convention & Trade Show had our highest number of attendees in many years, including our highest turnout of trailer manufacturers. I am truly leaving on a high note, and know that our staff, and especially Lane McNeil, the new NATM Events Coordinator, will continue to keep that momentum as plans begin for 2018. I personally want to thank Pam Trusdale, Executive Director, for sticking with me, even when, in my initial interview, I assured her that I would only be staying in Topeka, Kan. for only six weeks. She believed in me and encouraged me to just give trailers and Topeka a try. A year later I was engaged and a full time NATM employee and the rest is history. I want to thank the members of NATM for enriching my time here; for opening up your factories so I could learn from the ground up what all goes into building trailers, or axles, or how extrusions are made; for allowing me to speak on your behalf to your Members of Congress; and for simple phone conversations that, when I hung up, would make me smile. Thank you for lots of laughter and sincere, lifelong friendships over these last sixteen years. My best to you!

NATM.com Your Source for Trailer Safety From handbooks to manuals, from posters to table tents, NATM.com is the source to order trailer safety information.

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May/June 2017

Greg Soden Celebrates 15 Years on NATM Staff

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Greg Soden Celebrates 15 Years on NATM Staff By Pam Trusdale, NATM Executive Director

In 2001, the NATM Board of Directors began exploring the possibility of establishing a compliance program for trailer manufacturers. Volunteers were solicited to pay a third party to go through a checklist to verify they were manufacturing trailers in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This volunteer project was the precursor to the NATM Compliance Verification Program (CVP) which was established in 2002. The NATM Board of Directors voted to establish a voluntary program to inspect trailer manufacturers every 24 months, and the program would be free of charge for the first inspection. Member companies that successfully completed the program would be eligible to purchase the newly created NATM Compliance Decals for 75 cents per decal. The revenue generated from the program would be used to underwrite the cost of the program. Subsequent compliance consultations would continue to be free for those members purchasing compliance decals. The first step in implementing the program was to hire a Compliance Director. In January of 2002, Greg Soden was hired as NATM’s first, and to date only, Compliance Director. The year 2017 marks Greg's 15th anniversary with NATM, and in that time, he was pivotal in developing the robust Compliance Verification Program that exists today. Over the last fifteen years, he has traveled thousands of miles and visited hundreds of NATM Members in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to conduct compliance consultations. 68

May/June 2017

When the program was established, the NATM Technical Committee had created the first Compliance Checklist and a Quick Guide to document each item on the checklist. Greg Soden worked with the NATM Technical Committee to create a plan for conducting the audits, creating reports, setting criteria for followup and establishing a procedure for appeals. Due to the fact that the program was voluntary at this time, Greg was also responsible for recruiting members into the program. Between 2002 and 2006, Greg recruited so many volunteers that it was no longer a one person job and a second compliance consultant was hired to ensure members underwent a consultation every 24 months. Greg, despite the backlog, did an outstanding job of training the newest consultant and together from 2006-2008 the two individuals were able to get completely caught up. Due to Greg’s continued recruiting efforts and members’ happiness with the program, Greg determined that it was time to implement a regional schedule to better manage the growing participant list and ensure the most valuable use of NATM resources. The regional schedule serves to minimize travel by attempting to eliminate frequent travel to the same location. The cost of compliance consultations to the Association dropped and Greg and the other consultant were able to maximize their time. Since that time, Greg has continuously fine-tuned the schedule due to an ever-growing membership. Thanks to Greg’s efforts on the regional schedule, NATM has been able to maintain a 24 month verification program and integrate new members into the program in a timely manner despite the continuously expanding membership. By the year 2012, Greg with support from the staff, committees, and the Board of Directors, had been able to recruit 80 percent of NATM Regular members into the voluntary Compliance Verification Program. At this time, the Board of Directors, with unanimous support from the membership decided to make participation in the Compliance Verification Program mandatory. Although a few manufacturers elected not to make the necessary changes and dropped their membership, NATM has actually experienced a surge in participating companies. Most manufacturers find great value in the program and list it as one of the most important benefits of membership. Much of www.NATM.com

Greg Soden Celebrates 15 Years on NATM Staff the satisfaction with the program is owed to Gregâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard work developing and improving the program over the years. Since its inception in 2002, the Compliance Verification Program has grown, processes and procedures for conducting the program have been fine-tuned and the program has continued to improve. In 2011, the Board of Directors determined it was time to finally seek out ISO 17020 certification for the program. Although the project was not spearheaded by Greg, the years of effort he committed to strengthening and defining the program helped to make the undertaking of ISO certification much easier. With years of experience and an incredible depth of knowledge about the industry, trailer manufacturing, and the program, he was an invaluable resource as NATM fit the program into a Quality Management System. Though this certification has required additional documentation and new facets to the program, Soden has implemented everything as required and it was because of his commitment to the process that NATM was able to be certified within one month of its initial review. His support during the process has led to a much improved, more thorough, and better documented system, leading to a stronger program.

Between 2002 and 2017 the NATM Compliance Verification Program has grown from a concept developed by a number of devoted board members to an ISO accredited program, and Greg Soden has been leading the program since its inception. Greg still continues to travel and conduct consultations, but has now also taken over the administrative responsibilities of the program as Monica Johnson moves up to the position of Quality Director. Greg Soden works on scheduling, overseeing reporting and corrections, training and assisting members with compliance questions. The program is one of the most valuable benefits of membership for NATM Regular members and Greg Soden has been integral in building the program from the ground floor. Thank you Greg Soden for your 15 years of service to NATM members and the Compliance Verification Program!

In 2016, NATMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technical Director position was vacant for several months, and Greg alone was responsible for carrying out all compliance consultations. He spent months on the road, working long hours, to make sure that NATMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members continued to receive the service they had come to expect. 2016 marked an all-time high consultation rate with Greg performing the majority of the 280 consultations that were held. During that time, he also helped to train a new Technical Director and an additional Compliance Consultant. His understanding of the industry and the program has been an incredibly valuable resource to members and to staff.

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

A Converting, Inc.

FlexTop Trailers

Barrett Trailers LLC

International Security Products

C.R. Brophy Machine Works, Inc.

Lone Wolf Trailer Co., Inc.

Calvary Industries, Inc.

Robbins Mfg., Inc.

East Manufacturing Corporation

Sage Oil Vac, Inc.

Fabworks & Services, LLC

Summit Trailer Mfg.

Factory Transports, Inc.

Zanetti Trailer Manufacturing

NATM Membership Update

By Bill Tofflemire, NATM Membership and Education Director

While NATM member companies range from small, family owned operations to large, international corporations, they all have at least one thing in common: the goal of promoting trailer safety and the success of the industry through education and advocacy. NATM staff sent out membership renewals to 852 members at the end of 2016. As of April 6, 2017, 88 percent of members have renewed their memberships, with five percent having cancelled their membership for various reasons. NATM staff have made an effort to phone each company that still has outstanding 2017 dues to identify if there are any questions or problems that members wish to bring forward. All members bring value to the Association. Please keep your membership with NATM and pay your dues by May 1, 2017.

NATM cannot send Tracks magazine to companies that are not members, so keep Tracks magazine coming, and pay your dues today! You can call NATM at (785) 272-4433 and pay with a credit card! As of April 6, 2017, NATM had the following members in each category: Regular: 403 Branch Regular: 52 International Regular: 26 Associate: 369 Branch Associate: 38 Total: 888

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May/June 2017

NATM Membership Anniversaries

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NATM Member Anniversaries By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director When NATM was founded in 1987, there were only five members dedicated to the cause of trailer safety and improving the industry. Today, NATM membership sits at 888 members. Since its founding 30 years ago, NATM has made great strides in unifying the industry, improving trailer safety, providing educational content, monitoring regulations and advocating on behalf of its members. NATM would like to recognize the loyal support of members who have reached milestone years of membership in 2017. Without the loyalty of its members, NATM would not be the successful association that it is today.

30 Years

15 Years

4 Star Trailers, Inc.

ABU Trailers, Inc.

Hart Trailer, LLC

Advantage Sales & Supply Co., Inc.

Jackson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Aluminum Trailer Company

Sundowner Trailers, Inc.

APC Equipment & Manufacturing, Inc. Bauer Products, Inc.

25 Years

Belshe Industries, Inc.

Liberty, Inc.

Best Trailer, Inc.

20 Years

Brooks Brothers Trailers CAM Superline, Inc.

PROLine Products, LLC Rance Aluminum Trailers (Div. 46) By Forest River, Inc. Ringo Hill Farms Equipment Company, Inc. Scorpion Protective Coatings Shapiro Metals Tie Down Engineering, Inc. Top Hat Industries, Inc. Trailer/Body Builders Magazine

Aluma, Ltd.

Cargo Craft of Texas

Aluminum Line Products Co.

EnChem Products

Back Track Trailers, Inc.

Hehr International, Inc.

Behnke Enterprises, Inc.

Holmes Enterprises, Inc.

Axle Teknology, LLC/Red Onyx Industrial Products

Bison Coach, LLC

Hudson Brothers Trailer Mfg., Inc.

B & W Trailer Hitches

Bludot, Inc.

Kaufman Trailers of NC, Inc.

Badger Tire & Wheel, Inc.

Circle W Trailers

Kenda/Americana Tire & Wheel Corporation

Brent Manufacturing, LLC dba Lone Star Trailer Mfg.

Legend Mfg., Inc.

Canada Trailers

Load Rite Trailers, Inc.

Carry-On Trailer of Georgia

Master Tow, Inc.

Carry-On Trailer of Iowa

Mize & Company, Inc.

Carry-On Trailer of Nevada

Muro North America Inc.

Carry-On Trailer of Texas

Cronkhite Industries, Inc. EZ Loader Boat Trailers Gore's Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Hawk Trailers, Inc. Multiquip, Inc. - California Pegasus Vans & Trailers, Inc. The Carlstar Group Titan Trailer Mfg., Inc. TRAILSTAR Tredit Tire & Wheel Company

10 Years American Eagle Steel

Nedland Industries, Inc.

Carry-On Trailer of Virginia

Nordec, Inc.

Custen Metal Spinning, Inc.

Optronics International

Eagle Trailer Co.

Platinum Mfg./Platinum Coach

Triton Trailers, LLC 72

May/June 2017

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NATM Membership Anniversaries

Environmental Planning Specialists, Inc.

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #14- Minnesota

Falcon RME

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #15- Arlington, TX

Gardner Denver Water Jetting Systems, Inc. KTI Hydraulics, Inc. Lamar Trailer, Inc MAXXD Trailers Mid South Distribution Services Myco Trailers, LLC Nuera Transport - Dallas, Texas

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #16- Idaho

Econoline Trailers, Inc. Extreme Manufacturing, Inc. Gem State Mfg., Inc. Georgia-Pacific GW Industries

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #17- California

H & H Farm Machine Co., Inc.

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #18- New York

Hutchens Industries, Inc.

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #19- California

Hentzen Coatings, Inc.

Integrity Trailers, Inc. Jackson Creek Mfg., Inc.

Sewer Equipment

Jenner Sales Corporation

Snake River Trailer Company

JetHeat, LLC

Spartan Tool, LLC

Larson Cable Trailers, Inc.

Premium Supply

Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division

Les Enterprises Robert Thibert, Inc.

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch # 02- Kansas

tesa tape, inc.

Nuera Transport - Houston, Texas PartnerShip Phoenix Trailer, LLC

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #01- Springfield, MO

Tire and Wheel Service Universal Trailer Cargo Group

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #03- Iowa

Z Tech

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #04- Illinois

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Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #05- Pennsylvania Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #06- Sikeston, MO Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #07- Oklahoma

Academi Training Center, LLC Allen Fabricators, Inc. Barco Pump Company Brothers Body and Equipment, LLC BWise Manufacturing, LLC

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #08- Sulphur Springs, TX

Cargo Towing Solutions

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #09- Colorado

Cors & Bassett

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #10- Alabama

Coose Trailer Mfg., Inc. Crane Composites, Inc. Crossman Trailer, Inc.

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #11- North Carolina

Diamond Builders dba Diamond Cargo

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #12- Ohio

Diamond City Trailers, Inc.

Redneck Trailer Supplies Branch #13- Florida

Durabuilt Trailers

LINK Trailer Parts Lionshead Specialty Tire & Wheel Mudslinger Trailers, LLC MCBS MVSCS Nucor Steel Priefert Steel Puck Custom Enterprises QAI Laboratories Ltd. R & M Trailer Mfg. Inc. Rock Line Products, Inc. Southwest Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. Spirit Industries, Inc. Sun West Engineering, Inc. Transport Custom Designs, LLC Valley Engineering, Inc. Wacker Neuson Production Americas, LLC (Wisconsin) Westbrook Greenhouse Systems, Ltd. Zimmerman Trailers

E.H. Wachs - Division of ITW Eck Corrosion Coating

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

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REDARC: Not All DC to DC Battery Chargers are Equal

Tracks

REDARC: Not All DC to DC Battery Chargers are Equal By Craig Herriot, Export & Commercial Manager REDARC Electronics Described as the "secondary battery charging specialist," REDARC Electronics has released its range of DC-DC battery chargers for the North American trailer market. With an ever-increasing number of electrical accessories and devices being used when travelling around North America, along with more complex vehicle electrical systems than seen in years gone by, having the right battery charging solution has never been more important. The REDARC range of BCDC in-vehicle and trailer battery chargers ensure optimum performance of electrical equipment such as fridges, lights, tailgates, inverters, cameras or even CPAP machines installed in an RV or trailer when powered from a dual battery set up. They’re perfect for any vehicle or trailer that has a secondary battery bank that can be charged from the vehicles start battery. BCDC in-vehicle and trailer battery chargers have been designed to charge any commonly used automotive secondary battery to a proven 100 percent. They provide a unique multi-stage charging algorithm whilst on the move.

May/June 2017

Twenty, 25 or 40 amp output for charging 12 volt secondary batteries and a 20 amp output for charging a 24 volt secondary battery. The 12 volt, 25 and 40 amp and the 24 volt 20 amp models also feature a fully integrated MPPT Solar regulator, allowing the maximum amount of power from solar panels to charge a secondary battery bank. The range features a wide 9 – 32 volt DC input range allowing a secondary battery to be charged from either a 12V or 24V vehicle electrical system. With lithium batteries increasingly being used in secondary applications for emergency services, RV’s and overlanding, REDARC also has lithium iron phosphate in-vehicle and trailer battery chargers called the LFP range, designed specifically for LiFePO4 batteries. This charger has a unique two-stage DC-DC charging profile, suitable for 12 and 24 volt electrical systems and feature a MPPT solar regulator. Designed, built and tested for all conditions, the BCDC and LFP in-vehicle battery chargers won’t let you down. With over 35 years experience in the research, design, development and manufacture of battery chargers, REDARCs knowledge of North American conditions are engineered into every unit with REDARC products becoming the new industry standard. www.NATM.com

REDARC: Not All DC to DC Battery Chargers are Equal

Compact in size and fully sealed - water, dust and vibration are no match for these battery chargers. They can handle the roughest tracks on the Rubicon or Trans America Trails and even the deep-water crossings of Colorado. Featuring fan free cooling, there is no noise or wearing parts, eliminating any risk of dust getting into the unit. The fixed connection cables that come with the BCDC are rated above the minimum current capacities to ensure best performance from the BCDC. They work in the extreme heat of the Mojave Desert, operating up to 176°F. A higher operating temperature allows for flexible installation options, from the engine bay to inside a trailer. They won’t break down when you need them most. REDARC in-vehicle and trailer battery chargers are well protected, incorporating dual battery isolation functionality as well as fault recognition that includes protection against voltage spikes, overheating and reverse polarity. They’re even a voltage booster, which is ideal for when the secondary battery is located a long distance from the vehicles start battery. Once installed, the BCDC will not require any maintenance other than ensuring the cooling fins are kept clear of debris. With award winning technology, the BCDC and LFP algorithm has been independently verified and tested to ensure battery life is maximised, charging the battery to a guaranteed 100 percent. The fitment of the product by a large Original Equipment Manufacturer is testament to the proven charging accuracy of the BCDC. Other chargers on the market are not as powerful or are only suitable to charge a small battery for a trailer breakaway unit. Compromises in quality and performance are often made to achieve a lower price point. They fail when they’re needed the most and there is a risk of overcharging or undercharging a battery. Undercharging a battery means not getting enough out of the battery and overcharging the battery will shorten the battery life or could even cause damage to the battery through excessive heat and gassing. REDARC products come with a two-year warranty, on top of that there is technical support to answer any questions that may arise. Being able to talk with the manufacturer and the staff that www.NATM.com

designed the product only comes from a company that designs, tests and manufacturers its product. Whether you’re boondocking across the USA or simply relying on your battery to keep the fridge powered and the beers cold – REDARC is the brand you can trust. REDARC offers NATM Regular Members exclusive trade pricing for orders placed on their website. Email REDARC at power@redarc.com.au to register and receive your website log-in details. Products are shipped from North Carolina and shipping is free to all contiguous U.S. states with low fixed freight rates to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. To find out more information about the REDARC BCDC or LFP in-vehicle and trailer battery chargers, visit www.redarc.com.au/BCDC.

May/June 2017

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2017 NATM Convention & Trade Show

By Lane McNeil, NATM Events Coordinator

The 29th Annual Convention & Trade Show ended with a bang, literally. Attendees of the 2017 show enjoyed fireworks and great food during the Friday Night Gala hosted at Disney's Epcot. The IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show featured world-class fireworks, and NATM guests had a private seating area on the lake to enjoy the show. It was a picture-perfect ending to a great week, and NATM staff are already hard at work to ensure next year's Convention & Trade Show, Feb. 21-23, 2018, at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas is just as great. The 2017 show boasted high numbers of attendees and an increase in exhibitors with eight more exhibitors and 19 more booth spaces being filled just over last year alone. Out of the sold-out trade show, 38 were new exhibitors, which gave trailer manufacturing attendees plenty of new products to explore and companies to meet. With 1,029 attendees, the show at Coronado Springs boasted the highest attendance in recent years. Sponsored by Associate Members, the Beginner’s Luck promotion helped bring 65 new attendees to the show. The feedback received from both trailer manufacturers and exhibitors was positive! Exhibitors reported that they were speaking with those they needed to: purchasing agents and owners. Trailer manufacturers said the educational programming was NATM’s best-to-date.

The NATM Convention Committee is already planning the 2018 event. Workshop topics have been tentatively set and exhibitors have begun to select their desired booths in real time through the new booth selection software, Map Your Show. For more information about this exciting new event management software, turn to page 94. The convention committee is excited to bring back complimentary hotel room nights in Fort Worth for first time trailer manufacturer attendees through the Beginner’s Luck promotion. Exhibitors can also look for incentives to invite their trailer manufacturing customers to the show. NATM would like to thank its members for finding value in the convention and for continuing to attend each year. The convention committee truly reads and considers the evaluations received after each show; trying to implement your suggestions and make the convention better each year. Any comments about the convention can be shared with NATM Events Coordinator Lane McNeil (Lane.McNeil@natm.com) or the convention committee (Convention2017@natm.com). NATM looks forward to working for you this year and will see you in Fort Worth!

First time exhibitor Corey Williamson, FASTENation, Inc. said, “We enjoyed our first year exhibiting and I personally enjoyed the Speed Networking and 3M Training Session. We thought everything ran very smoothly.” Chip Chrisman, Rumber Materials, Inc. said, “I thought it was a great show. People’s attitudes were optimistic and cheerful. And the show staff and personnel were great as always. I really enjoyed the NATM show this year and got a lot of great feedback from seeing our customers there.”

www.NATM.com

Cary Loeser, Automotive International, Inc., takes advantage of the 2017 Speed Networking Event. This event matches supplier members to trailer manufacturing members in order to make business connections. May/June 2017

Joel Bauer Receives 2017 Outstanding Regular Member Young Professional Award

Tracks

Joel Bauer Receives 2017 Outstanding Regular Member Young Professional Award By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) named Joel Bauer, president of Midsota Manufacturing, Inc., Avon, Minn., as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Regular Member Young Professional Award. The award was presented during NATM's Convention & Trade Show, held at Disney's Coronado Springs, by NATM President Greg Snyder.

Joel Bauer has had a few different business partners over the years, but partnering with Tim Burg in 2008 created a lasting impact. Burg saw the opportunity, could envision something great, but most importantly trusted Bauerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character and strength in ethical decision making. In 2014, they expanded with an additional manufacturing facility which gave them an additional 50,000 square feet in manufacturing space. In 2016, they added five additional offices and expanded the trailer yard, all to accommodate their growth. Through the growth, they maintained and improved standards of organization, efficiencies and maintained the Midsota standard of quality.

Joel Bauer began his work at Midsota while attending college, and during this time he worked on the shop floor as a welder learning a trade, and after earning his degree took the opportunity to become a part-owner of the company. For the last 13 years, with help of current and previous business partners, he Joel Bauer, President of Midsota Manufacturing (right), receiving the 2017 Outstanding Bauer has continued Regular Member Young Professional Award from NATM President Greg Snyder during the has continued to to support NATM and 29th Annual NATM Convention & Trade Show. grow the company its mission since taking while continuing on a leadership role 13 years ago. Bauer, along with his partner, has to support the community. In 2016, he worked with the local created a company that takes care of their employees, customers school offering an intern position to senior students interested and their community. While Bauer stays connected to the business in the manufacturing industry. He sees the value in community on a daily basis, after work he is a devoted husband and father of projects, donating time and resources to improve and promote three children. hometown pride, and volunteering each week coaching at his For more information about his company, Midsota Manufacturing, local hometown high school. Inc. visit their website at www.midsotamfg.com.

May/June 2017

www.NATM.com

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Marcus Hester Receives 2017 Outstanding Associate Member Young Professional Award

Marcus Hester Receives 2017 Outstanding Associate Member Young Professional Award By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) named Marcus Hester, Vice President of Marketing for Optronics International, Tulsa, Okla., as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Associate Member Young Professional Award. The award was presented during NATM's Convention & Trade Show, held at Disney's Coronado Springs, by NATM President Greg Snyder. Marcus Hester's involvement with NATM began as a young sales manager, making contacts with NATM Regular members daily, and participating in NATM's Annual Convention & Trade Show. He was elected to serve as an Associate member of the NATM Board of Directors in 2012 and re-elected in 2015. He has served as the NATM Associate Member Representative to the Executive Committee since 2013. Hester has served on the NATM Executive, Marketing, Membership, Convention, Marketing, Nominations and Trailer Dealer Committees, serving as the chair of the Marketing Committee. Marcus contributes creativity and enthusiasm to each groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort, while maintaining a steady focus on getting the work done in a way that best serves the membership. He has been a regular attendee at the NATM Convention, Regulatory Roundup, and hosted Rep. Markwayne Mullin at Optronicsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Muskogee facility. Over his ten years with Optronics, Hester rapidly grew his responsibilities from sales manager to vice president of sales and marketing. He is directly responsible for all sales, marketing, and product development activities within the multiple aftermarket and OEM markets that Optronics serves: light- and medium-duty trailer, heavy-duty truck and trailer, work truck, automotive, and transit.

Marcus Hester of Optronics International received the 2017 Outstanding Young Professional Award.

He is a husband and proud father of two young boys. For more information about his company, Optronics International, visit their website at www.optronicsinc.com. www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

John Kerr Receives 2017 NATM Outstanding Associate Member Award

John Kerr of Marsh & McLennan Agency (right), receiving the 2017 Outstanding Associate Member Award during the 29th Annual NATM Convention & Trade Show.

John Kerr Receives 2017 NATM Outstanding Associate Member Award By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) named John Kerr, Marsh & McLennan Agency, as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Associate Member Award. The award was presented during NATM's Convention & Trade Show, held at Disney's Coronado Springs, by NATM President Greg Snyder. The Outstanding Associate Member award is presented to an individual from an Associate Member company who has made outstanding contributions to NATM. NATM awarded John Kerr for his unwavering support of the Association and dedication to improving the safety of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry through his government affairs advocacy and as an educational resource for NATM Members. Over the last six years with NATM, John Kerr has used his previous experience working as a legislative advisor to a U.S. Congressman while serving on NATM's Government Affairs www.NATM.com

and Government Affairs Outreach committees. He has been a strong advocate for NATM on Capitol Hill and has attended the Regulatory Roundup for the past five years. His role as liaison between his agency and NATM has included securing sponsorships for the Regulatory Roundup and NATM's Convention & Trade Show. During his nearly 17 years in the insurance industry, Kerrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus has always been on manufacturing, specifically trailer manufacturing, including workers compensation solutions for the industry in order to provide manufacturers reasonable coverage and solutions. In addition to presenting workshops at NATM's convention, he has also provided many educational articles for Tracks magazine. For more information about his company, visit www.haakeins.com. May/June 2017

Alum-Line Receives 2017 Green Manufacturing Award

Tracks

Alum-Line Receives 2017 Green Manufacturing Award By Cynthia Shauer, PPG Commercial Coatings The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers named AlumLine Trailers of Cresco, Iowa, as the recipient of the 2017 Green Manufacturing Award. The award was presented to Alum-Line Trailers president Gary Gooder and director of marketing Sydney Gooder by NATM president Greg Snyder at the 29th annual NATM Convention & Trade Show held Feb. 15–17 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Alum-Line, a family-owned company, builds a variety of commercial trailers as well as truck bodies and tool boxes; it is known for the quality of its custom aluminum products. According to Ron Yarnell, PPG OEM sales manager, the Green Manufacturing Award was established to recognize the NATM member with the year’s best solution or innovation that delivers a positive impact on the environment. “The award is intended to encourage NATM members to implement ecologically sound programs,” said Yarnell. “We are all accountable for how our actions affect the world around us. Environmental sensitivity, sustainability, doing the right things—it’s all more important than ever. Companies that take this mission to heart and make the necessary improvements reflect well on our industry and our society. Alum-Line is one of those companies.”

design advancement and other ecologically responsible actions. Award applicants are required to provide documentation of their work demonstrating the results of their efforts. Entries are judged by the NATM Executive Committee. Alum-Line was selected for the 2017 award because of the steps the company has taken to improve efficiencies and sustainability awareness. In his presentation, Snyder noted Alum-Line’s environmental actions: •

In 2014, Alum-Line installed solar panels on two of the company’s largest manufacturing buildings. The facilities have since generated 63.5 million watt hours of clean energy—equivalent to planting 1,150 trees, running a refrigerator for 38.6 years, or powering a 13watt CFL bulb for 558 years.

“It was a great honor to receive this year’s Green Award,” said Gary Gooder. “As long-term members of the NATM, this award sparked our interest to work even harder to have our company and facilities as environmentally friendly and energy efficient as possible. These practices are never-ending and popular with our employees, and we will continue to add additional green practices every year.” The initiatives that companies may employ include process or equipment improvements, emissions reduction, recycling techniques, material utilization, 86

May/June 2017

NATM President Greg Snyder with Sydney Gooder (Alum-Line Director of Marketing), Gary Gooder (Alum-Line President), Jerry Sampson (Kenda Tire), Ron Yarnell (PPG), Marcus Hester (Optronics), Rick Coffey (Carlisle), and Adam Dexter (Dexter Axle) awarding Alum-Line Trailers the 2017 NATM Green Manufacturing Award. www.NATM.com

Alum-Line Receives 2017 Green Manufacturing Award

Alum-Line director of marketing Sydney Gooder and president Gary Gooder receiving the 2017 Green Manufacturing Award.

•

A solar-powered manufacturing building with efficient floor heat and good urethane insulation was completed in 2014. Expansions totaling more than 70,000 square feet have been set up to use floor heat. Converting all lighting to efficient LED began in 2014, saving a total of 35,542 kilowatt hours of electrical energy to date, with the project more than 80 percent complete. The company promotes in-house recycling by educating its employees, customers and the community and by setting a good example: Alum-Line recycles used tires, wood pallets and scrap metal to local vendors. In addition to saving trees through reduced use and recycling of paper products, Alum-Line planted nearly two acres of new trees on its property this year. Alum-Line reduces scrap by using materials according to comprehensive waste reduction measures. When usable and appropriate, scrap is kept for future builds.

www.NATM.com

•

Alum-Line maintains its own transportation department and organizes deliveries specifically for efficiency to reduce fuel and oil consumption.

The Green Manufacturing award includes a cash gift that is directed to a charitable organization of the winner’s choice. Alum-Line selected the Howard County Agricultural and Historical Society in Cresco, Iowa as the recipient. Several NATM Member companies including Optronics International, Dexter Axle, Lavanture Products Company, the Carlstar Group and Kenda Tire joined PPG in sponsoring the award. PPG offers a full range of coating technologies for the commercial transportation and light industrial markets. Visit www.PPG.com for more information. For more information about Alum-Line, visit www.AlumLine.com.

May/June 2017

Lynn Beal Receives 2017 NATM Outstanding Member Award

Tracks

NATM President Greg Snyder awarding Lynn Beal of Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing the 2017 Outstanding Member Award.

Lynn Beal Receives 2017 NATM Outstanding Member Award

By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) named Lynn Beal, Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, Inc., Mount Pleasant, Texas, as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Member Award. The Outstanding Member award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to NATM and the trailer manufacturing industry. The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers Members and Staff wanted to celebrate Beal's long history in the trailer industry with this very deserved award. In 1981, after moving to Odessa, Texas, Lynn Beal and a partner created a small trailer parts company to service the needs of the oil industry in the Permian Basin. The company survived several oilfield boom/bust years and was bought by a trailer manufacturing company in the late 1980s. He ran the TexTrail parts division for several years and then transitioned to Big Tex Trailers management, becoming the Vice President, and continuing in that capacity for 20 years. Since 2008 he has lived in Abilene, Texas and has been handling special projects and property management.

May/June 2017

Beal was first elected to the NATM Board of Directors in 2002, and during his first term he served on the NATM Compliance Committee when the program was first established. He took a four year break and was again elected to the Board in 2009, serving two terms from 2009 to 2016. Beal continues to be an active committee volunteer and has served on the NATM Government Affairs, Compliance, Bylaws, Marketing and Trailer Dealer Committees. As the Government Affairs program was growing, a second committee was established, the Government Affairs Outreach Committee, which Beal has chaired since the inception of the committee. He coordinated two round table events in Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second district with longtime Congressman Ralph Hall, followed by a roundtable with his successor Congressman John Ratcliffe. Lynn Beal has been married to his wife, Robbie, for over 44 years and has four children and three grandchildren. The NATM staff and association would like to thank Lynn Beal for his dedication, support and kindness as a contributor to many of NATM's programs over the years. www.NATM.com

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Mike Lloyd Receives 2017 Ed Freel Membership Award

Mike Lloyd Receives 2017 Ed Freel Membership Award By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) named Mike Lloyd, president of Aluma Ltd., Bancroft, Iowa, as the recipient of the 2017 Ed Freel Membership Award. The award was presented during NATM's 29th Annual Convention & Trade Show, held at Disney's Coronado Springs, by NATM President Greg Snyder. The Outstanding Member award is presented to an individual who has done an outstanding job on behalf of the Association recruiting new members. From 2000 to 2007, the Membership Award was given to Ed Freel of KampCo Steel Products three times. In recognition of Ed Freel's commitment to NATM and his consistent efforts in recruiting the most new members, the Board of Directors voted to rename the award as the "Ed Freel Membership Award".

marked his final year on the NATM Board of Directors after graduating from his position as Past President of NATM. Mike Lloyd first started in the trailer industry in 1995 and became President and 1/3 owner of his company in August of 2000. At that time his company employed 25 employees. Under his leadership, the company has grown and now employs 175 individuals. He has also expanded his dealer network from 35 dealers to 350 dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and has formed sales partnerships with three other NATM compliant companies.

Aluma has been a member of NATM for 19 years and Mike never misses an NATM Convention. He was first elected to the Board of Directors Mike Lloyd, president of Aluma, Ltd., (right), receiving the 2017 Ed Freel Membership Award during the 29th Annual NATM Convention & Trade Show. in 2010 and was reelected in 2013. Shortly after he was elected to the Board, he was also elected as an officer, serving as President During the course of his involvement with NATM, Mike from 2013 to 2015. Lloyd has continuously worked to recruit new members He has also served on and chaired a number of committees to the Association, as well as encourage trailer dealers to including Executive, Finance, Nominations, Membership, understand the importance of selling NATM compliant trailers. Convention and Trailer Dealers. Lloyd consistently shows his dedication to growing NATM's For more information about his company, Aluma, Ltd., visit their membership, and continuously advocates on behalf of the lightwebsite at www.alumaklm.com. and medium-duty trailer industry. Lloyd currently serves on the NATM Membership Committee, and the 2017 convention

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

NATM Golf Tournament 2017

Tracks

NATM Golf Tournament 2017 by Meghan Ryan, Communications Director Golfers teed up Feb. 14 for the NATM Golf Tournament at the Celebration Golf Club in Kissimmee, Fla. This year's event took place in beautiful, sunny weather and was sponsored by Peterson Manufacturing while the beverage cart was sponsored by UFP by Dexter. Many NATM member companies took advantage of sponsoring golf holes on the course, and thanks to the supporters, the event was a success! The results of the 2017 NATM Golf Tournament: 1st place:

James Holmes, Rae Lauren, Steve Jones and Doug Windsor

2nd place:

Patrick Jennissen, Joel Herring, Jackie Lipford, and Jeff Siegel

3rd:

Marty Lorick, Ray Fishburn and John Lutz

Closest to the pin:

Bill Rose

Longest Putt:

Von Lindsey

Longest Drive:

Ryan Eichhorn

Top: Alum-Line's Gary Gooder eyeing the putt. Bottom Left: Second place team members Patrick Jennissen, Jackie Lipford, Jeff Siegel and Joel Herring.

May/June 2017

www.NATM.com

NATM Golf Tournament 2017

Top: First place team members James Holmes, Rae Lauren, Steve Jones and Doug Windsor. Center Left: Third place team members Ray Fishburn, Marty Lorick and John Lutz. www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

New Exhibition Software for 2018 Trade Show

Tracks

New Exhibition Software for 2018 Trade Show By Lane McNeil, NATM Events Coordinator

NATM is excited to be using Map Your Show’s online booth sales software for its 30th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 21-23, 2018. There is no more waiting around until your contract arrives to see what booth you have been assigned. This user-friendly software will allow you to select your desired booth in real time! The opportunity to select exhibitor space at the 2018 trade show has been made available to members in the following phases: Phase 1: 2017 sponsors choose their booths first in the order of their sponsorship levels during the following dates: a.

Featured Sponsor: April 17 – 18

Gold Sponsors: April 19 – 23

Silver Sponsors: April 24 – 25

Bronze Sponsors: April 26 – 30

Copper Sponsors: May 1 – 3

Contributor Sponsors: May 4 – 8

exhibitors can view the 2018 show floorplan and select the desired booth(s). During the completion of the online application, exhibitors pay for their booth(s) online via credit card. Once NATM show management approves the application, an email containing login credentials to the exhibitor dashboard is automatically sent. The dashboard allows exhibitors to update company profile and contact information and view other important information relevant to the upcoming show. As always, the sign up for booth space is first come, first served. You can sign up at any time after your group’s window begins. If you miss the window for your group the privilege of choosing during your group’s time is lost. Be sure to mark your calendar to remember to sign up as soon as you receive your email from events coordinator Lane McNeil. If you have any questions regarding how to book your exhibit space or would like to be a sponsor at the 2018 Convention & Trade Show please contact NATM Events Coordinator Lane McNeil at Lane.McNeil@natm.com or (785) 272-4433.

Phase 2: 2017 non-sponsor exhibitors select their booths May 9 – June 18. Phase 3: The general membership and nonmembers will be allowed to choose booth space beginning June 19. The sponsors and 2017 exhibitors that sign up before June 19 will receive the discounted rate of $1080 per 10’ x 10’ booth. The rate for any member that signs up for booth space after June 18 will be $1280 per 10’ x 10’ booth. On the day your booth-selection window opens, you will receive an email from events coordinator Lane McNeil, notifying you that the booth sales application is now available online for your company. Within this email, a unique code is provided that, when entered, pre-populates the online booth sales application. Within the application, 94

May/June 2017

www.NATM.com

THE SHAPE OF THE FUTURE

Patent-pending through hole finger grip eliminates slipping and reduces damage

EASY-PULL

™

TRAILER WIRING CONNECTORS

BRAKING NEW GROUND

TRAILER BREAK-AWAY SYSTEMS

Increased durability and enhanced weatherproofing withstands the harshest environments 5 Amp

10 Amp Contact a Hopkins Sales Representative for More Information 800.524.1458 • HopkinsTowingSolutions.com

Contact Phil Toalston For More Information, Photos, or Even a Facility Tour!

MANUFACTURING/ DISTRIBUTION AND

OFFICE

FACILITY

AVAILABLE!

A once in a lifetime opportunity for a new or existing business to relocate or expand into North-Central Kansas. This 142k sq ft facility on a total of 35 acres of developed and developable space is well suited for all types of manufacturing, distribution, and processing operations of varying sizes. It also comes with a state-of-the-art office facility with great visibility. The community of Smith Center, where this turn-key facility is located, is poised to as-

Phone: 785.282.6682 email: ptoalston

@thepeoplesbank.net

sist you with a wealth of potential incentives, tax abatements, and a ready, skilled work force. We are VERY motivated to help bring new jobs into our community and state, and as such are very open to negotiations on price. Please contact us today for more information!

         

Located in the center of the contiguous 48 states. On Highway 36 and a half mile from the Highway 281 intersection. Within 90 miles of both interstate 70 and 80. A strong, available workforce. Access to road, rail and air. 35 acres of developed and developable space. 142,629 sq ft turn key steel frame facility. 3 Phase power (240, 480) Possible financial incentives. Possible property tax abatement (Kansas Economic Development Exemption and Industrial Revenue Bonds)

OF FI CE FE AT UR ES:

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Modern State of the Art Facility. Perfect mix of personal office space and collaborative work space. Built in 2001, 4,800 sq ft (main floor and basement) Brick Exterior with Metal Roof. Highway 36 Frontage. Digital time and temperature sign.

Utilizing the Member's Only Side of NATM's Website

Utilizing the Member's Only Side of NATM's Website By Kathleen Dultmeier, NATM Marketing Coordinator

The NATM Member's Only Side is a powerful self-service area where you can manage your account information. Keeping your NATM membership information current is an important link between your company and potential customers. NATM’s website reports that in 2017, more than 16,000 users accessed nearly 60,000 page views. Many users are using the Online Buyer’s Guide to locate trailer manufacturers and suppliers across the industry. The Online Buyer’s Guide uses the NATM database to populate search results. The Member's Only Side is an easy place to do business with NATM. You may pay invoices through the secure portal, as well as access the following areas: My Events

Update Your Contact Information This link will open a page that allows you to update the information on your profile, as well as any other profile you are related to. An important NATM publication is the Membership Directory. This directory is sent to every NATM member and distributed during the Capitol Hill visits, as well as trade shows. The Directory is a useful guide for individuals trying to locate products and services. The Directory uses the data generated from the NATM database. If your information is out-of-date, you are missing potential sales. The deadline for updating your information for the 2018 Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide is May 31, 2017.

This section will list any upcoming event you are signed up for. Quick Links This section displays all the self-service activities a profile can complete. See below for a more detailed explanation of each of these features. Generally, the self-service functions of the Members Only Side area are displayed on the right-hand side of pages contained within the Members Only section. Each link has its own functionality.

Upload Media Here, you can upload your company logo or profile picture, or embed a YouTube video in this section of the website. Pay Your Bills This section will display a list of every invoice a you have open with NATM. Each invoice is printable as a PDF, and payable by credit card or check. How to Login to the Member's Only Side: •

Visit www.NATM.com

•

In the top right corner, click on the Member Login button.

Change Username/Password This link will allow you to change the username and password identified on the Web > Portal tab of the Profile Record. Changes made here are stored immediately. If a you ever lose your username or password, you can use any of the password request links that show whenever you are asked to login.

www.NATM.com

May/June 2017

NATM Member Only Side

Tracks •

On the login page, enter your username and password then click on login.

•

For the majority of members, your initial login information is your NATM Profile ID number.

•

Your password is the last four digits of your phone number.

Once logged in you can change your username and password. If you cannot remember your login information, contact Kathleen Dultmeier at (785) 272-4433 or Kathleen.Dultmeier@natm.com. Online Advertising Opportunities

NATM has expanded its online banner services. For a limited time, NATM is offering two exclusive online sponsorships for $550 per month for the rest of 2017. This opportunity is only available to TWO sponsors or a SINGLE sponsor for $1,000. For more information about online advertising opportunities, email Kathleen.Dultmeier@natm.com. Referral Report (YTD) This section runs a detailed Referral Report, which shows you a report of every time you have received a lead or impression on the NATM Online Buyer’s Guide. The Referral Report is divided into two versions: Total Referrals Per Month (the default chart), and Referrals by Type (available

Referrals Per Month chart for the date range selected.

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on the second tab in the upper left corner of the chart). Total Referrals Per Month calculates all referrals from all sources for each month, and displays a line chart of the date range selected. On the Referrals by Type chart, you'll see a bar chart showing the total of each different Referral Type for the date range selected. To see the exact number for any type, hover directly over the bar and you'll see the corresponding number appear. Below the chart, you'll see a key indicating the type of referral for each different color-coded bar. Across the bottom of the report, the total referrals, impressions, and leads are shown, with the lead rate calculated. Total Referrals includes all referrals of any type within the date range selected. Total impressions refers to the number of times the member was displayed online, either as a general directory result or a banner ad. Total Leads refers to the number of times a visitor clicked to view the member's specific information, including a detailed listing display or a banner ad click-through. Finally, the lead rate displays the percentage of impressions that were converted to leads (total leads divided by total impressions). In addition to self-service features, the Member's Only Side has helpful resources such as a library, NATM member forms, Tracks archives and welding information. The forms area is a quick and handy place to access documents required to do business with NATM such as the compliance decal order form, licensing agreements and advertising rate sheets. There are helpful industry links available as well.

Referrals by Type graph for the date range selected. www.NATM.com

WE ARE YOUR SUPPLIER, NOT YOUR COMPETITOR.

FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS, REDNECK HAS SUPPORTED INDEPENDENTS BECAUSE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED BUSINESS IS THE BACKBONE OF THE TRAILER INDUSTRY. We commit to doing business with vendors and suppliers that believe in a fair market. Therefore, we are adding new suppliers and new lines every day to cater to your business and not compete with your business. We, as a company, welcome suppliers who operate on a level playing field. We work for you. Grow with you. Grow the Industry together.

Visit us at redneck-trailer.com. Call us at 1-877-9REDNECK.

Trailer Terminology Crossword

Trailer Terminology Crossword By Meghan Ryan, NATM Communications Director 1

2 3

5 6 7

9 10

13 14

Answers found on page 107 Created with TheTeac hers Co rner.net Cro s s wo rd Puz z le Generato r

Across:

Across

Down: Down

1. This the maximum operatingmass massof of aa vehicle as 1. This is theis maximum operating specified by the manufacturer. ribs. 5. Trailers that are built for commercial use must meet these vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. The month NATM holdsits itsannual annual Convention & types of brakethat laws. 5. Trailers are built for commercial use must 2. The2. month thatthat NATM holds Trade Show. meet these ofthe brake Convention & Trade Show. 8. On this typetypes of tire, cordslaws. run at a 32 degree angle 4. This a straight shaft thatisisfixed fixed in in location 8. On type of tire, the cords run at a 32 4. This is a is straight shaft that locationand is used from thethis direction of travel. to mount rotating wheels or gears. degree angle from the direction of travel. and is used to mount rotating wheels or gears. 9. This identifier must be correctly listed on NHTSA's On type this type of tire, cords run run at at 90 9. This identifier must be correctly listed on 6. On6.this of tire, thethecords 90degrees from database. the direction of travel and has more flex allowing for more NHTSA's database. degrees from direction of tire and has more flex ground contact. 10. This type of tape must be applied to units 80' or wider 10. 10,001 This type of tape must be applied to units 80' allowing for more ground contact. and GVWR or greater. 7. This is the device attached to the chassis of a vehicle for or wider and 10,001 GVWR or greater. 7. This is the device attached to the chassis of a towing. 12. This is the device on the front of the trailer that connects 12.theThis thethedevice vehicle for towing. on the front of the trailer to hitchison tow vehicle. 10. This is the pattern that your chains should create when 10. This is thetopattern that your chains should that connects to the hitch on the tow vehicle. attaching the coupler. 14. This is the US agency that works to reduce vehiclecreate when attaching to the coupler. 14. This is the US agency that works to reduce related deaths (acronym). 11. It is illegal to sell this type of tire with new trailers. 11. It is illegal to sell this type of tire with new vehicle-related deaths. 13. This is used to lift and stabilize the front of the trailer in 15. system should activate in the event 15.This Thisbraking braking system should activate in thethat the trailers. trailer separates from the tow vehicle. order to connect from thethe towfront vehicle. 13. These are used or to disconnect lift and stabilize event that the trailer separates from the tow 16. The last name of NATM's past president. of the trailer in order to connect or disconnect vehicle. from the tow vehicle. 16. The last name of NATM's current president. 3. space between two adjacent tread ribs. 3.This Thisisisthethe space between two adjacent tread

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NATM Member News

Tracks Big Tex Manufacturing Team has the Following Organizational Changes

made the following features standard on the entire product line.

Mt. Pleasant, Texas — Big Tex Manufacturing is pleased to announce the following organizational changes:

1. Increasing the ramp width from 14” to 16”

•

JR Gonzalez, Director of Manufacturing

•

Ben Speicher, GM Georgia & Idaho Plants

•

Dennis Wagoner, GM Dump Plant

•

Steve Werth, GM CM Truck Beds

•

Randy Arneson, GM CM Trailers

•

Jim Bonner, Manufacturing Engineering Manager

•

Elaine Robertson, Program Manager

•

Charles Ingram, Safety Manager

Josh Johnson, VP of Operations Planning will now have responsibility for Warranty, Product Development, Transportation and Master Data for Bill of Materials. Reporting to Johnson will be: •

John Terrell, Director of Product Development

•

Dan Presley, Warranty Manager

•

Garland Hutson, Transportation Manager

•

Mike Pittman, S&OP Scheduling Manager

•

Dan Ziemke, Custom Trailers

•

William Griffin, Master Data/Bill of Material Manager

Both Hughes and Johnson will continue reporting to Steve Courreges, President, Big Tex Trailers.

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2. Standard dual tail lights

Doug Hughes has been named VP of Manufacturing for the Big Tex business. Hughes’ direct reports are the following:

May/June 2017

3. Standard with EZ Lube Hubs

Felling Trailers, Inc.’s Advanced Design I Series Felling to Offer Lifetime Warranty Sauk Centre. Minn. — Felling Trailers, Inc. is set to implement a new Lifetime Limited Warranty on its trailers, effective March 1, 2017. The new warranty will apply to all new trailers built on or after the effective date in lieu of its previous offering of a five-year structural warranty. Felling Trailers has been providing innovative solutions to the transportation industry for more than 40-years and has become known as a manufacturer of quality trailers. Along with a quality product, Felling Trailers wanted to be sure to put its customers’ needs and expectations at the forefront and offer an industry best warranty. “At Felling Trailers, our goal is to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. Our Lifetime Limited Warranty vastly surpasses anything else in the marketplace,” said Pat Jennissen, Felling Trailers’s vice president of sales and marketing.

Sauk Centre, Minn. — Felling Trailers, Inc.’s Engineering Team has been working diligently on an advanced design for the I Series model line. Officially released on Feb. 7, 2017, this leadingedge design incorporates additional standard features, structural strength, and ease of operator use. Along with this, the production processes of the I Series have become more streamlined, increasing efficiencies and reducing production time. Advanced Standard Specifications: •

Hitch Plate – The design of the hitch plate area has been simplified to reduce the number of welds needed in production, which adds integrity and strength in final construction.

•

Tailboard – The tailboard incorporates a four tail light LED system, and the structure of the tailboard delivers ideal placement of the light system along with safeguarding it from damage when loading/unloading equipment. The new tailboard design also offers a level transition onto rear deck boards when loading and extends the deck life.

•

Ramps – An additional two inches has been added to the ramp width, providing an 18” center gap between ramps.

•

Tongue Area - Maintains space and capacity to accommodate a range of toolbox sizes.

For more detailed information pertaining to Felling Trailers’ Lifetime Limited Warranty visit www.felling.com/partsserver/warranty/ or call (800) 245-2809.

Felling Revamps Pan Series Trailers Sauk Centre, Minn. — Felling Trailers, Inc. is proud to announce enhancements to its Pan Series model line of trailers. The Pan Series trailers have always been known for offering one of the lowest load angles for a ramp trailer in the industry. In Felling’s continuing effort to offer more value to their customers, they have

www.NATM.com

NATM Member News

Felling Trailers Partners with SmartEquip Sauk Center, Minn. — Felling Trailers, Inc. has recently partnered with The SmartEquip Network to better serve their dealers and fleet owners’ parts and service needs. The new partnership will provide Felling the ability to connect their dealers and fleet owners with real-time access to parts and service information and assist in growth and profitability. Felling foresees using the Network to decrease their customers’ cost of owning and operating their transport equipment, while improving the quality of dealer and end user support, at reduced costs. Initially, Felling will be offering more of the common replacement parts for their smaller drop deck, drop deck tilt, and hydraulic dump trailers, that their rental customers currently have in service. As they continue forward with SmartEquip, Felling plans to expand their parts offerings for the common replacement parts on their larger model trailer lines. “SmartEquip is very pleased to have Felling Trailers as a partner on our Network. We look forward to helping them grow their business with the fleets that utilize our support Network to drive ship and procurement efficiency.” Ron Piccolo, executive vice president, sales and marketing.

About SmartEquip SmartEquip is the leading global standard for online parts support. The SmartEquip network connects fleet owners to manufacturers and their dealers with real-time access to critical parts and service information. It helps fleet owners generate more profit from their equipment by automating and accelerating the service workflow, increasing asset availability and revenue. The network streamlines the service process, eliminates order errors, improves technician wrench time and greatly reduces equipment downtime. SmartEquip currently supports more than 250 OEM brands, with over 40,000 users across more than 4,000 locations across North America and Europe. SmartEquip recently surpassed $1.4 billion in www.NATM.com

transactions and is staffed by veterans of the construction and software industry. SmartEquip drives the fleet performance that grows profitability. SmartEquip. “Be Ready”. For more information, visit www.felling.com or call (800) 245-2809. About Felling Trailers, Inc. Felling Trailers is a family owned and operated full line trailer manufacturer located in Central Minnesota that was started in 1974 by Merle J. Felling. Felling Trailers, Inc. has grown from a small shop to two factory and office complexes that today cover over 250,000 square feet. Felling Trailers currently manufactures over 4,500 trailers a year ranging from a 3,000 lb utility trailer to a 120,000 lb hydraulic gooseneck trailer, and its standard trailer line includes over 220 models. Felling’s pride and differentiation is its customized trailer division. Their engineers utilize the latest industry leading design techniques along with their experienced metal craftsmen and cutting edge technology to turn its customers’ conceptual trailer needs into a tangible product. Felling Trailers’ current capabilities allow them to provide a highquality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. For more information, you can visit them on the web at www.felling.com, or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Goodyear Launches AmericanManufactured Trailer Tire New Endurance Features Durawall Technology Akron, Ohio — For years, hobbyists who tow boats, jet skis and snowmobiles to recreational destinations have asked for an American-manufactured trailer tire to help carry their cargo with confidence. Millions of workers who haul equipment from job to job have echoed that desire. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has answered that call with the new Endurance trailer tire, which was unveiled this week during Goodyear’s 2017 Customer Conference in Orlando, Fla. “Goodyear is proud and excited to introduce the Endurance, the only radial special trailer tire built in the United States,” said Ryan Patterson, president of

Tracks

Goodyear’s North American consumer tire business.

A tire capable of transporting the heaviest and most crucial cargo, The Goodyear Endurance features Goodyear Durawall Technology, which helps resist sidewall cuts and punctures. Available in Load Ranges D and E to accommodate larger trailer load capacities, the entire Endurance trailer line carries the N speed rating allowing consumers to travel at highway speeds. The Endurance also contains a wide range of features, including: •

An optimized tread depth and decoupling groove, which help it remain cool while towing heavy loads;

•

Rugged fabric-steel construction, which offers improved durability and carrying capacity while remaining compatible with tire pressure monitoring systems and typical tire inflation stations;

•

A specialized inner liner, which minimizes air loss in trailer applications; and

•

A scuff guard, which helps protect sidewalls.

In addition to introducing the new Endurance, Goodyear has unveiled a brand new, special trailer size: ST 255/85R16. The Endurance is the only tire on the market available in that size. “The launch of the Goodyear Endurance is an exciting development for consumers who want a durable, domestically manufactured tire that they can trust to carry their important cargo,” said Patterson. “Goodyear is proud to meet this need with the new Endurance.” About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 66,000 people and manufactures its products in 48 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-ofthe-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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Hillsboro Industries Announces 2016 Dealer Awards

With an experienced and dedicated work force that continues to develop and introduce industry-first features year after year. Bottom line: when you say “Hillsboro” you’re talking quality. For more information, contact Hillsboro Industries at (800) 835-0209.

Hillsboro, Kan. — The 2016 Hillsboro Industries dealer awards recipients are members of the Hillsboro dealer network and were recognized for their 2016 sales achievements. Hillsboro Industries recognized dealers who are part of a distinguished group of business leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service and discovering new customers.

Kinedyne Presents Its Kaptive Beam Decking System with New High-Performance Locking Trigger Mechanism, Beam Adjustment Tool and Training Program at 2017 TMC

The following dealers were recognized:

Kinedyne used field testing and analysis to reengineer the head assembly trigger and related beam adjustment tool on its Kaptive Beam Decking System and is now offering a free Train the Trainer Program.

2016 Overall Top Dealer Sales Awards: Jost Fabricating, Hillsboro, Kan., was awarded the 2016 overall top dealer sales The top five overall dealers are S&S Trailer Sales, Bicknell, Ind., Monroe Truck Equipment, Monroe, Wis., Idaho Trailer Sales, Buhl, Idaho, and Silver Spur Trailer Sales, Brush, Colo. 2016 Top Truck Bed Dealer Awards: Monroe Truck Equipment, Monroe, Wis., was awarded the top truck bed dealer. The top five truck bed dealers were Jost Fabricating LLC, Hillsboro, Kan., S&S Trailer Sales, Bicknell, Ind., Global Truck Traders, Inc., Winchester, N.H., and Gerber Trailer Sales, Lincoln City, Ore. 2016 Endura Livestock Trailer Dealer Awards Frenchville Trailer Sales, Ettrick, Wis., was awarded the top Endura livestock trailer dealer. The top five Endura livestock dealers were Silver Spur Trailer

Frenchville Trailer Sales Theron Solberg and Randy Lewis

Sales, Brush, Colo., Jost Fabricating LLC, Hillsboro, Kan., S&S Trailer Sales, Ness City, Kans., and Bass Auction and Trailers- Lewistown, Mont. About Hillsboro Industries Hillsboro was founded in 1968 in Hillsboro, Kan. From the start the company has been dedicated to producing unique, innovative high-quality products. Hillsboro Industries manufactures a highquality line of aluminum and steel truck beds, the Endura all aluminum livestock, combo, cargo and car trailer models, aluminum utility trailers and a line of premium quality steel flatbed trailers.

Branchburg, N.J. — Kinedyne LLC, a world-leading manufacturer and distributor of cargo control products for the transportation industry, announced that it will display a redesigned head assembly trigger mechanism and beam adjustment tool for its Kaptive Beam Decking System at the 2017 TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Exhibition in Nashville, Tenn. In addition, the company is publicizing a free Train the Trainer Program, designed to help maximize the value of all Kaptive Beam Decking System owners. Kinedyne’s Kaptive Beam Decking System enables fleets to increase their profits, by increasing trailer load capacities by as much as 50 percent. With Kaptive Beam, fleets can immediately reduce run schedules and the number of tractors, trailers and drivers required to move freight, all while significantly improving the capacity of every load a fleet moves. “Through research, field testing and a focus on continuous improvement, we’ve made the Kaptive Beam Decking System even better,” Paul Wolford, vice president of sales and marketing for Kinedyne LLC, said. “With the new high-performance head assembly trigger mechanism, beam adjustment tool and Train the Trainer Program, users will find our system more valuable than ever.” The new head assembly trigger profile interfaces with the revised, grooved head design of the beam adjustment tool, making the system’s operation much

Jost Fabricating Kevin and Angy Jost and Merle Freisen.

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www.NATM.com

NATM Member News more smooth and efficient. The trigger now features an angled lip that enables the beam adjustment tool to make a more secure connection, making locking, unlocking and adjustment of beam height easier. The system’s foot and guide shoe components are made of rugged anodized aluminum, and the locking pawl is made of steel. Head assemblies with the new high-performance locking trigger design can be purchased separately and can replace existing head assemblies on any older K2 model Kaptive Beam Decking System. The beam adjustment tool has also been lengthened to 54 inches and now comes with a convenient storage mounting bracket. The tool is used to raise and lower the individual beams and is designed to enable the user to reach and manipulate the beams whether they are already deployed or stored at the ceiling height of the trailers they serve. Kinedyne currently offers a service to all existing and prospective Kaptive Beam customers to help accurately assess needs before purchase and to assure maximum ROI after purchase. The Kinedyne Solutions Team, a group within the Kinedyne organization, is now offering a Train the Trainer Program for fleets that purchase the Kaptive Beam Decking System. Kinedyne’s Train the Trainer Program is designed to provide a fleet’s employees with all the necessary skills and values to ensure compliance with operating guidelines. The program is also structured to lower recurring maintenance costs, improve employee confidence in the Kaptive Beam investment and help fleets net a higher yield from all the benefits of the system. The newest K2 model Kaptive Beam Decking System, with its redesigned head assembly trigger mechanism and beam adjustment tool, is available through Kinedyne’s extensive distribution network which includes thousands of outlets across the U.S. and Canada. Users can find distributor locations near them by calling Scott Frazier, national account manager for Kaptive Beam sales at (908) 285-3528. To access high-resolution product images of the redesigned head assembly trigger mechanism for the Kaptive Beam www.NATM.com

Decking System, please visit: http://www. kinedyne.com/products/349/replacementparts.html. About Kinedyne LLC Founded in 1968, Kinedyne LLC is a world-leading manufacturer and distributor of cargo control products for the transportation industry. The company maintains a substantial market share in a variety of industry sectors, and is known for the development and engineering of high-quality equipment; it holds multiple patents for many of its innovative products. Kinedyne serves a broad range of users, which include OEMs, fleets and independent owner-operators, across a wide variety of markets, including heavyduty trucking, government, military, agriculture, automotive, recreational vehicle, moving and storage. Kinedyne’s world headquarters are located in Branchburg, N.J., and the company has affiliates strategically located around the globe, including Kinedyne Canada Limited in Canada, Nantong Kinedyne Limited in China and Sistemas Kinedyne, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico. Kinedyne and Kaptive Beam Decking System are registered trademarks of Kinedyne LLC.

Optronics Launches Bold New Merchandising Program at HDAW. Optronics’ key distributors at HDAW 2017 are the first to see a sophisticated new merchandising and support program that will benefit qualified channel partners in the U.S. and Canada. Tulsa, Okla., — Optronics International, a leading manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty LED vehicle lighting, announced the introduction of a sweeping new merchandising and in-store sales support program that it first revealed to key distributors at HDAW 2017 in Las Vegas, Nev. The program includes new packaging, retail displays, signage, posters, collateral literature and videos. Optronics used one-on-one meetings at HDAW to present distributors with new, innovative, state-of-the-art options for in-store sales and merchandising that rival those being employed in the advanced retail automotive industry. Pilot programs at some select distributors have been credited with increasing sales of Optronics lighting by almost 10 percent.

Tracks

“Our new merchandising and in-store sales support program can take a distributor’s showroom to a whole new level by employing more sophisticated point-of-sale marketing techniques,” Brett Johnson, president and CEO of Optronics International, said. “With our program, distributors benefit from having Optronics become their merchandising consultant for vehicle lighting.” Optronics offers distributors one of the widest arrays of merchandising tools in the heavy-duty industry. In addition to traditional merchandising tools, Optronics supports its distributors with custom display services that meet the needs of specific organizations within specific geographies and markets. “Optronics offers us merchandising and in-store sales support that is both flexible and effective,” Chris Craddock, vice president of sales and Marketing for WheelTime Network LLC, said. “Optronics is an enthusiastic lighting supplier that knows what works in lighting sales and knows how to deliver that to its channel partners.” With an Optronics’ merchandising program, the lighting sells itself. All materials have recently been assessed and updated to optimize effectiveness and visual appeal. New packaging is smart and attention getting. Standard bulk and polybag packaging all feature color-coded graphics and UPC designations for convenience. Many LED lamp packages include inviting “try me” packaging that beckons customers to interact with the product in a way that is both intimate and visually arresting. Retail displays offer flexibility and enable distributors to put lighting products where the action is. Floor displays and bin boxes are large, sturdy and attention getting, while counter displays make ample quantities of specialty lighting products available for impulse purchases. Signage options are many and varied. Optronics offers a wide selection of gondola headers, endcap headers, aisle intruders, shelf talkers, product tags and vinyl banners. Available posters explain federal lighting requirements for trucks and trailers, as well as school bus and recreational vehicles.

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NATM Member News, NATM New Member Update

Tracks

All new self-contained lighting displays can sit on counters and can be mounted on walls to attract optimal visual attention. The displays feature lit products mounted in smooth stainless steel housings. A variety of static cling, vinyl decals, counter mats and collateral material are also available. Optronics is also breaking new ground with the production of product videos. The videos can be played on the flat-panel screens that are becoming increasingly prevalent behind the counter and within the showroom environment. “Video is a sophisticated medium that many of our more forward thinking distributors have been embracing in recent years,” Johnson said. “Optronics has built a library of product and promotional videos that have been specifically developed for such applications.”

Optronics products are available in the U.S. and Canada through the company’s extensive distribution network of more than 12,000 convenient distribution locations. Users can access individual Optronics distributor websites by simply clicking on their logo icons. For information on international sales and distribution of Optronics products, please contact Dorian Drake at (914) 697-9800. To view examples of Optronics product displays, please visit: www.optronicsinc. com/RESOURCES/Displays.aspx. To view Optronics videos, please visit: www.optronicsinc.com/VIDEOS/ ProductVideos.aspx About Optronics

is a premier worldwide manufacturer and supplier of branded industrial and commercial vehicular safety lighting products. The company specializes in interior and exterior LED and incandescent lighting for the marine, RV, trailer, HD and transit vehicle markets. The Optronics product catalog is among the most extensive in the industry. Optronics is headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., and has an ISO/TS 16949:2009 certified manufacturing facility in Annan District, Tainan, Taiwan, with additional manufacturing capabilities in Muskogee, Okla. The company has an ISO 9001:2008 certified distribution facility in Goshen, Ind., as well as distribution through its location in Ontario, Canada.

As the fastest-growing vehicle lighting manufacturer in the U.S., Optronics International attributes its success to delivering better value, better options and better lighting to its customers. Founded in 1972, Optronics International

NATM New Member Update Regular

Associate Global Link Distribution

Arch Cargo

Hobo Adventure Trailers, LLC

700 Patricia Ct Elkhart, IN 46516 www.GLD1.com • Fasteners, Hardware, Locks

381 New Forest Hwy Douglas, GA 31533 • Auto Hauler, Cargo, Concession, Custom Design, Gooseneck, Mobile BBQ/ Smoker, Motorcycle, RV/ Towable, Snowmobile/ATV

15918 Cypress N Houston Rd., Ste 200 Cypress, TX 77429 www.hobotrailers.com • Aluminum, Auto Hauler, Cargo, Custom Design, RV/ Towable, Utility/Flatbed

Bryan Poage, Inc.

IPT, Inc.

1625 SE 66 St Oklahoma City, OK 73149 • Portable Equipment

150 Santa Fe Ave Fresno, CA 93721 www.ironpanthertrailers.com • Dump, Equipment, Landscape, Utility/Flatbed

MegaFab Piranha-Whitney-Bertsch 1 N Main Hutchinson, KS 67501 www.megafab.com • Metal Production Machinery, Tools/Equipment Pierce 549 US Highway 287 S Henrietta, TX 76365 www.piercearrowinc.com • Hoists, Hydraulics, Tools/ Equipment, Towing Accessories

Denney Brothers Fabrication, LLC 3470 W Richmond Shop Rd Lebanon, TN 37090 www.jdseh.com • Custom Design, Equipment, Gooseneck, Tow Dolly, Utility/ Flatbed FNA Group, Inc. 7152 99th St Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 www.fna-group.com • Utility/Flatbed

106

May/June 2017

Kerby Brothers, LLC PO Box 2066 Central Point, OR 97502 • Custom Design Restore Texas Ministries 3126 State Hwy 19 Huntsville, TX 77320 www.restoretexasministries.org • Utility/Flatbed

www.NATM.com

Trailer Terminology Crossword Answers

Trailer Terminology Crossword Answers 1

g v

w 3

g r o o v e b 5

6 7 9

u 8

x e

b i a s r

c o n s p i c u i t y

c o u p l e r

Congratulations!

n h t s a

Thank you for completing the trailer crossword puzzle! You are now eligible for a 10% discount on your next ad! Email the editor at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com to claim your discount!

f e d e r a l

v i n

a c

b r e a k a w a y o 16

s n y d e r

s Created with TheTeac hers Co rner.net Cro s s wo rd Puz z le Generato r

Across 3. This is the space betweenAcross: two adjacent tread ribs. 3. This is (groove) the space between two adjacent tread ribs. 5. Trailers that are built for commercial use must

5. Trailers that are built for commercial use must meet these theselaws. types of brake laws. (federal) typesmeet of brake

8. On this type of tire, the cords run at a 32 8. On this type of tire, the cords run at a 32 degree angle angleoffrom the direction of travel. (bias) fromdegree the direction travel. 9. This identifier must be correctly listed on 9. This identifier must be correctly listed on NHTSA's NHTSA's database. (vin) database. 10. This type of tape must be applied to units 80' 10. This type of tape must be applied to units 80' or wider or wider and 10,001 GVWR or greater. and 10,001 GVWR or greater. (conspicuity) 12. This is the device on the front of the trailer that connects 12. Thisonisthethetow device on the front of the trailer to the hitch vehicle. that connects to the hitch on the tow vehicle. 14. This is the US agency that works to reduce vehicle(coupler) related deaths. 14. This is the US agency that works to reduce 15. This braking system should activate in the event that the vehicle-related deaths. (nhtsa) trailer separates from the tow vehicle. 15. This braking system should activate in the 16. The last name of NATM's Past President. event that the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. (breakaway) 16. The last name of NATM's current president. www.NATM.com (snyder)

Down Down: 1. This is the maximum operating mass of a vehicle by the manufacturer. 1. Thisasisspecified the maximum operating mass of a (gvwr) vehicle as specified by that the manufacturer. 2. The month NATM holds its annual

Convention & Trade Show. (february) 2. The month that NATM holds its annual Convention & TradeisShow. 4. This a straight shaft that is fixed in location and4.isThis used mountshaft rotating wheels gears.and is used is atostraight that is fixed inorlocation to mount rotating wheels or gears. (axle) 6. On thisthis type the cords cordsrun runatat9090 6. On typeofoftire, tire, the degrees from the direction of travel and has more flex more allowing for more degrees from direction of tire and has flex ground contact. allowing for more ground contact. (radial) 7. This device attached attached totothe of aof vehicle for 7. This is isthethedevice thechassis chassis a towing. vehicle for towing. (hitch) This thepattern pattern that that your your chains 10.10. This is isthe chainsshould shouldcreate when attaching the coupler. create whentoattaching to the coupler. 11. It is illegal to sell this type of tire with new trailers. (crisscross) 11.13. It isThis illegal to to sell of tire with of new is used liftthis and type stabilize the front the trailer in trailers. order (used) to connect or disconnect from the tow vehicle. 13. These are used to lift and stabilize the front of the trailer in order to connect or disconnect from the tow vehicle. (jack) May/June 2017

107

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