• Image

    TTMA Convention report: With business rebounding, trailer manufacturers have reason to rejoice

    June 1, 2011
    TRAILER manufacturers came to the annual Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association convention with renewed optimism. Orders had been increasing, backlogs

    TRAILER manufacturers came to the annual Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association convention with renewed optimism. Orders had been increasing, backlogs were strong, and by most appearances, the most devastating downturn in the career of everyone in the trailer manufacturing industry was being put to bed.

    After presentations by forecasters and consultants known for being realistic if not downright pessimistic, attendees left the convention with their optimism…intact. According to the speakers and those directly involved in building trailers, conditions are just that good.

    The 69th annual convention featured a trailer forecast by FTR's Eric Starks, which called for continued growth in trailer demand. Don Reynolds returned for an update on the global macroeconomic perspective, while futurist Jay Lehr provided a long-term outlook. In addition, 14 representatives of TTMA associate member companies reported details of new trailer-related products and services that their companies are introducing.

    The convention was held April 6-10 in Palm Springs, California. The 70th annual TTMA convention is scheduled for April 18-21 in Tucson, Arizona.

    About the Author

    Bruce Sauer | Editor

    Bruce Sauer has been writing about the truck trailer, truck body and truck equipment industries since joining Trailer/Body Builders as an associate editor in 1974. During his career at Trailer/Body Builders, he has served as the magazine's managing editor and executive editor before being named editor of the magazine in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.