It's a highly sophisticated piece of equipment that is designed and built to meet a customer's specific hauling needs. Putting a few more pounds of payload inside, being able to load and unload quickly, giving fragile cargo a more cushioned ride, or saving drivers a few steps are what the trailer industry strives for. To accomplish these goals, trailer manufacturers use computers to design and test trailers. New materials and components are constantly being developed to make trailers lighter, stronger and more maintenance and trouble-free. In addition, since the trailer has a profound effect on the operation of the tractor in front of it, truck and trailer manufacturers today are working more closely together on product questions in hopes of delivering vehicles that complement one another.
Trailers are a vital part of the American economy.
Each year they haul over two billion tons of freight between U.S. cities. In the summer of 1990 a small group of independent semi-trailer dealers established an organization to strengthen what the founders said was a neglected voice in the trailer industry. Since its establishment, NTDA has maintained a solid membership. Today NTDA has Dealer and Allied member companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. Purpose United under one professional and progressive organization, NTDA members benefit collectively from what no individual company could achieve on its own.