It’s official. 2018 is in the books!
As we reflect on the trailer industry over the past twelve months, it’s easy to assume
things haven’t quite gone to plan. In the early part of the year, we learned of new tariffs
that would affect manufacturing, new electronic logging regulations that would impact
transportation and more.
The data tells a very different story, thanks to an expanding economy. Not only did we
increase attendance at the NATDA Trade Show by 5%, but association membership,
dealer participation and more have grown considerably. Thankfully, the same can be
said about the entire industry, too. In 2018: A Growth Year (p.38), we looked at the
numbers to see that not only did national trailer registrations bump up by 1%, but some
states, such as South Carolina, had as much as a 30% increase. With the help of Statistical
Surveys, we found the top states that are changing the industry.
Trailer registrations aren’t the only things that’s changed, though. Long-time
manufacturer CornPro Trailers will look different in 2019, as the company has undergone
a rebranding. After NATDA spoke with CornPro Trailers’ Brian Frette in CornPro: Strength
Comes Standard (p.24), it’s obvious the company will be a headliner in the upcoming
year.
There’s still room for dealerships across the country to grow as well. NATDA hopes that
dealerships will have something to aid that process through the association’s various
member and partner benefits. NATDA: Know Your Member & Partner Benefits
(p.44) delves into twelve different ways NATDA has the sources to turn your dealership
into a profit machine. From the free Dealer Network to the easy-to-implement Tire &
Wheel Road Hazard Protection plan, NATDA’s programs will create a new profit for your
dealership with minimal hassle.
In NATDA: Year In Review (p.10), Sara Hey with Bob Clements International looks back
at how 2018 affected the dealers involved in the NATDA Dealer Success Groups. Even
with the changes this year in the industry, the dealerships she connected with found
nothing short of success.
We also look forward to returning to St. Louis, Missouri for the 2019 NATDA Trade Show &
Convention from September 5-7, 2019. Since we’ve begun the process putting the show
together, we’ve received nothing but positive feedback not only on the city itself, but
the prospect of heading to the America’s Center. St. Louis is an incredible city and we’re
confident the trailer industry can put on a show to match.
Great strides were taken in 2018, both by our association and the trailer industry. This
year will undoubtedly mark another growth opportunity. We look forward to what 2019
holds for dealerships everywhere!
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NATDA Magazine
www.natda.org