In 2024, trailer manufacturing industry leaders met to address widespread safety concerns and needs within the sector. This collaboration resulted in the creation of a 501(c)(4) organization, the Georgia Association of Trailer Manufacturers (GATM).

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The Problem

Currently, the trailer manufacturing industry has zero regulatory oversight in Georgia. This has led to a significant number of unsafe products placed in the marketplace and on Georgia roads, threatening the safety of Georgia families and consumers.

  • Trailers are frequently being assembled by residents at their homes with no oversight by the state to ensure the manufacturer is qualified to produce safe, quality trailers.
  • The state does not capture revenue from many of the low quality products sold in Georgia.
  • The absence of oversight and accountability has resulted in a significant disparity in the quality of trailers produced by Georgia manufacturers to a level where many produced are considered unsafe, placing consumers and families at risk.

State Regulation

  • With the passage of legislation, a state board would require licensing of trailer manufacturing facilities each year.
  • The board will ensure all trailer manufacturers comply with current state and federal requirements from the USDOT and OSHA, along with industry best practices through NHTSA and NATM.
  • Highly qualified inspectors would perform inspections on behalf of the state board.
  • GATM will be closely engaged with the state board, providing input into the regulatory framework executed by the board.
  • Members of GATM will utilize decals identifying each trailer produced by licensed manufacturers.
  • The licensing process will instill greater public confidence in the integrity of our industry and the quality standards of the companies that manufacture trailers.

Member Commitment

  • GATM is an incorporated, nonpartisan, not-for-profit 501(c) [4] with a board of directors governing its activities.
  • All trailer manufacturers in Georgia are encouraged to become members of GATM to strengthen its voice on this issue.
  • Edy Leverette is the Director of GATM, who will manage GATM activities, host board meetings, execute needed administrative tasks, and other public functions.
  • Troutman Strategies serves as the lead lobbyist of the organization, coordinating strategy, advocacy, and legislative outreach.

Lead, Educate, Advocate

  • Educate the public, elected officials, and the media about the problems in the manufactured trailer industry.
  • Advocate for reasonable and equitable legislative safeguards that balance the ability to manufacture trailers free from government interference to ensure bad actors cannot place unsafe, poorly constructed products into the stream of commerce.
  • Support state candidates who favor implementing safety measures in the industry through political giving.
  • Grassroots and grasstops engagement - identify key company “ambassadors” around the state willing to meet with executive and legislative leadership to support this issue.
  • Membership – our goal is for each manufacturer in this state to join GATM, along with other verticals within the industry, like dealers, insurers and other vendors.