North American Trailer Dealers Association finally gives industry some pull

The North American Trailer Dealers Association (www.natda.org) hopes to enlist the estimated
7,500 dealers that sell light and medium duty trailers including cargo, utility, horse, livestock, race cars, toy haulers and various other trailers.  The auto industry has NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) and the RV folks have the RVDA (Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association). Now the trailer dealers have us and each other." Said Amy Rubenstein NATDA Vice President and Co-Founder.

The NATDA is built around “20 Groups”, clusters of 20 trailer dealers that meet to discuss the industry on a regular basis and provide input and suggestions for the direction of the association.  The “Core 20” is who we rely on to help steer the association.

 "Working through our “Core 20 Group” accomplishes a couple of things," Rubenstein said. "It saves time because many good ideas are held in common, but at the same time, some
members of a core group may develop a unique idea or initiative that can be quickly shared with other members of the group and, ultimately, the entire association."

 We went into this with a plan designed to make business better for trailer dealers and we've already done that by developing a commercial insurance program designed specifically for trailer dealers. That's something many thought would never be done. And now we're working on a unique trailer rental insurance program to give dealers coverage in another lucrative area of their businesses," Rubenstein said.

 "There was nobody to speak for the trailer dealers to address concerns like commercial insurance. “We have dealers purchasing insurance packages for their dealerships that are designed for the automobile industry, and in most cases paying for coverage that is not tailored to the trailer dealership.  ”Insurance companies had not wanted to develop trailer specific programs until we established the North American Trailer Dealers Association," said NATDA  President and Co-Founder Andy Ackerman. "And already we're proving our worth."

In addition to developing insurance programs for trailer dealers,we are developing risk management services that dealers can use to improve their payroll processing and human
resources, especially hiring and firing procedures, so dealers' exposure to loss and litigation is minimized.  We have health insurance and employee benefits including 401K programs, and a whole slew of other services, so that the dealers can now offer the same type of programs as large corporations, without having to employ human resource personal.” Ackerman said.

The NATDA is also developing retail financing programs, to increase profits and sales; specially designed warranty products to safeguard customers and generate more profits
for dealers; and floor-plan programs to help dealers more effectively show off their merchandise. "We're pushing for product and service vendors to provide discounts to NATDA members, and encourage our members to do business with other members," Ackerman said.

The NATDA also plans to offer discounted shipping programs, credit card processing, a bulletin board and member forum to help NATDA dealers keep in touch and share ideas. The NATDA is also working on two major industry wide projects: its first annual trade show, set to be held in 2008, and a Trailer Appraisal Guide Book (TAG Book) that will essentially become the standard for the trailer industry.

"If we're going to be recognized as a separate, viable, profitable industry, the North American Trailer Dealers Association needs its members to speak the same language and read from the same book, if you will," Ackerman said. "By standardizing the appraisal process, we can building stronger relationships with lenders and also better understand the products we sell. Customers need to know that the value they find for their dollar in Los Angeles is the same that it is in Miami or New York if our dealers are to have credibility."

Dealers can learn more about the North American Trailer Dealers Association, including how to join and get a comprehensive list of member benefits, at www.natda.org.

 CONTACT: Andy Ackerman or Amy Rubenstein info@natda.org  or calling 727-360-0304.

Merhow Industries Joins NATDA as a Manufacturer Member

(SOUTH PASADENA, FL).—Merhow Industries of Bristol, IN announced that they have joined NATDA, thus becoming the first manufacturer member of the NATDA.  Merhow has been manufacturing quality all-aluminum and aluminum over steel horse trailers for over 50 years.  Take a look at what the folks at Merhow Industries have to say about being the first Trailer Manufacturer to join the dealer association.

“The NATDA is raising the level of education and professionalism in the trailer industry by giving the trailer dealers something that has been needed for a very long time…an association that is geared toward their specific needs.  There are great benefit programs being offered to the dealers as well as an opportunity for the dealers to communicate about issues that are unique to them.  As a trailer manufacturer we want our dealers to have all of the tools to help them succeed.  NATDA is bringing those tools to our industry” said Dave Elchert, President of Merhow Industries.  “Our job is to build quality trailers and to support our dealers in any way possible.  Over 50 years of experience as a trailer manufacturer tells us that if the dealers are successful then the industry as a whole will be successful.  The NATDA has the tools available to help our dealers achieve a higher level of success in operating their dealerships. We encourage all of our dealers to join NATDA and we are even offering to take care of the first $100 toward their 2007-2008 membership, said Elchert.  The North American Trailer Dealers Association (www.natda.org) hopes to enlist the estimated 7,500 dealers that sell light and medium duty trailers including cargo, utility, horse, livestock, race cars, toy haulers and various other trailers. 

NATDA Vice President and Co-Founder Amy Rubenstein said, “Merhow is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers in the trailer industry and we are very excited to have them as a member.  I have had many conversations with Blaine Eddy, the Director of New Dealer Sales for Merhow Industries and his commitment to the industry and to the success of the dealers is really impressive.  Blaine believes in taking an active part in this association and has offered to assist us in our growth”.  NATDA President and Co-Founder Andy Ackerman says, “Naturally, we were thrilled when Merhow contacted us in May.  They have an excellent reputation as a quality manufacturer and they are well respected and well liked.  Merhow has also been very popular with their dealers and that speaks volumes about their reputation as a manufacturer.  It makes us happy that Merhow wanted to be our first Manufacturer Member and also that they wanted to take an active role in working with the NATDA dealers.”

Merhow Industries was founded in 1955 and has been in continuous operation as a trailer manufacturer since that time.  At this time the Merhow Trailer lines available are the Equistar, the Verylite and the Alumastar.  If you would like to become an authorized Merhow dealer, please call Blaine Eddy or Lamar Wright at (800) 860-9198.

The NATDA offers member benefits such as:  commercial insurance, group health insurance, discounted shipping programs, credit card processing, and has a bulletin board and member forum to help NATDA dealers keep in touch and share ideas and concerns.  The NATDA is also working on two major industry wide projects: its first annual trade show, set to be held in 2008, and a Trailer Appraisal Guide Book (TAG Book) that will essentially become the first comprehensive trailer appraisal book for the industry.  Dealers can learn more about the North American Trailer Dealers Association, including how to join and get a comprehensive list of member benefits, at www.natda.org or call (727) 360-0304.