At Horizon Trailers, we don’t just build to spec, we build to a standard. One that puts safety, quality, and long-term value above shortcuts or sales tactics. That’s exactly why we joined the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM). As we head into the 2025 NATM Show, we wanted to share what this organization stands for, why it matters, and how it pushes us to be even better.

What is NATM, and Why It Matters

The NATM has been around since 1987, working to make trailers safer and better for everyone, from the folks building them to the ones hauling with them. With over 1,000 member companies, including manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, and OEMs, the association gives our industry something it hasn’t always had: a unified voice for safer standards and smarter regulations.

What separates NATM from other industry groups is its real-world impact. They work closely with Congress and federal agencies to shape policy that protects consumers and elevates the quality bar for all of us. For Horizon, that means being part of something bigger, an effort to bring more consistency, more transparency, and more safety into the trailer space.

Verified Quality: The Compliance Verification Program

One of the most valuable aspects of NATM is its Compliance Verification Program, and it’s not just for show. To maintain membership, every trailer manufacturer must go through a mandatory third-party audit that verifies they’re following Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and industry best practices.

At Horizon, we welcomed the audit. We build to those standards already; this just puts it on paper. It’s our way of telling customers and dealers: “Yes, we’re doing things right, and we’ve got the paperwork to back it up.” This kind of third-party verification builds trust, especially with dealers who are tired of chasing manufacturers about inconsistent quality or unclear processes.

Why We Joined NATM

For us, joining NATM wasn’t a checkbox, it was a commitment. We’re here to build trailers that people can count on, and we believe in being held to a higher standard to do that. NATM helps keep the whole industry moving forward, and that’s the kind of progress we want to be part of.

Here’s what membership means to us:

1. Staying ahead of new regulations and safety requirements
2. Contributing to a shared mission of continuous improvement
3. Learning from and collaborating with top-tier manufacturers and suppliers
4. Offering our dealers another reason to trust the Horizon name

We joined because we believe in what NATM is doing, and because we believe every trailer on the road should be built right.

See You at the NATM Show

We’re excited to head to the 2025 NATM Show, happening September 15–17 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. You’ll find us at Booth #1401, showcasing our latest trailers and talking with folks who care about safety and quality as much as we do.

If you're a dealer looking for a new line or someone just curious about what Horizon is all about, this is the place to connect.

At the end of the day, safety isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a responsibility. Being a member of NATM means we’re not just claiming to do things right, we’re proving it. We’re proud to stand alongside other manufacturers working to raise the bar in this industry. And we’re proud to bring that same mindset into every trailer that leaves our shop. Stop by Booth #1401 this September. Let’s raise the standard, together.