Buying a Trailer?
As a consumer, it is nearly impossible to fully understand the hundreds of safety-related regulations that trailer manufacturers are required by law to comply with, including lights, trailer capacities, brakes, and much more.
NATM has made it easier for consumers by creating the NATM Decal. Trailers featuring this decal are built by manufacturers who have verified compliance through the NATM Compliance Verification Program.
NATM has compiled the applicable federal regulations and industry best practices and every two years, NATM Compliance Consultants visit member facilities to ensure they have the manufacturing processes in place to build trailers in accordance with these standards.
Participation in this program is MANDATORY for all NATM trailer manufacturing members and only NATM members who have successfully completed the Compliance Verification Program are allowed to place NATM Decals on their trailers.
Consumer Alert: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Cautions Buyers that Trailers Must Meet Federal Safety Regulations. Find participating Trailer Manufacturers Near You!
Compliance Verification Program
Understanding the complex regulations and standards governing the manufacturing of trailers is almost impossible for a consumer. These regulations cover topics such as lighting, brakes, axles, trailer capacity, labeling and much more.
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has made it easier for consumers, dealers, and manufacturers to ensure compliance with these safety standards through its Compliance Verification Program (CVP). NATM compiles federal regulations and industry best practices concerning trailer construction and uses those standards to
verify compliance at member facilities on a biennial basis. Participation in, and the successful biennial completion of, the program is a mandatory component of membership. Trailers built by manufacturers who have successfully completed the CVP process have affixed to their frames the NATM compliance decal – an outward sign of safety. When looking to purchase a new trailer, look for the mark of excellence. These labels are typically placed near the VIN label/Tire placard but may be found in various locations such as on the rear.
