The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) added 16 members to its growing list of companies that have achieved Member Verification Program (MVP) status. As of Oct. 1, 2007, there are a total of 334 MVP Manufacturer and Distributor companies.
The Program, initiated in May 2005, recognizes members that have implemented minimum business processes and have taken steps to comply with certain government regulations.
The newest MVPs are (July 1-Sept. 30, 2007):
- Adscom Corp. (Glen Burnie, MD)
- Cirus Controls LLC (Minneapolis, MN)
- Dealers Truck Equipment Co., Inc. (Shreveport, LA)
- Dealers Truck Equipment Co., Inc. (Buda, TX)
- Donovan Equipment Co., Inc. (Londonderry, NH)
- Eastern Wrecker Sales, Inc. (Clayton, NC)
- Harbor Truck Bodies (Brea, CA)
- Knapheide Truck Equipment-Southwest (Red Oak, TX)
- Morgan Corporation (Morgantown, PA)
- OG Hughes & Sons, Inc. (Knoxville, TN)
- Supreme Corp. (Goshen, IN)
- Tebco of Kentucky, Inc. (Richmond, KY)
- Unicell Body Co. (Buffalo, NY)
- Unicell Body Co. (Schenectady, NY)
- Utilimaster Corp. (Wakarusa, IN)
- Vanner, Inc. (Hilliard, OH)
Applications for verification status are accepted throughout the year. Those qualifying for MVP designation are announced on a quarterly basis.
To qualify, NTEA Distributor and Manufacturer members must meet criteria that are key to providing quality products and vehicles. For example, vehicle upfitters must provide proof that they are attempting to comply with specific regulatory requirements necessary for the manufacture of trucks.
They also must demonstrate that they have adequate liability insurance coverage, a quality program and ASE-certified mechanics or certified welders.
Body and equipment manufacturers have similar requirements for insurance coverage, quality programs and certified employees. They also must verify that they provide installation instructions for their products and have a warranty policy to address product defects.
In total, all verified members must provide proof that they meet four of five criteria whether they are a vehicle upfitter or body and equipment manufacturer.
To make the program increasingly more meaningful to the industry, the NTEA can add new criteria or modify existing criteria. The most recent modification to the program was requiring insurance for distributors and manufacturers applying to the program. For a complete listing of MVPs, or to learn more about the program, visit www.ntea.com.