Twenty-one National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) member companies achieved Member Verification Program (MVP) status in the first quarter of 2006, ending March 31, 2006.
Since the Program was initiated in May 2005, 225 companies have qualified for MVP status. The program recognizes members that have implemented minimum business processes and have taken steps to comply with certain government regulations.
"We welcome these members that have demonstrated compliance with key strategic objectives for building better partnerships between distributors and manufacturers, and between suppliers and their customers," said NTEA Executive Director Jim Carney.
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.
In the future, the NTEA will increase program requirements to encourage even higher standards through set criteria that must be met in order to continue to qualify for MVP status.
The Newest MVPs are (Jan. 1-March 31, 2006): Access Tools & Equipment (Miami, FL); Carnegie Body Co. (Cleveland, OH); Coach & Equipment Mfg. Corp. (Penn Yan, NY); Daleiden's, Inc. (Kalamazoo, MI); Donovan Enterprises (Stuart, FL); Harsc; Track Technologies (Fairmont, MN); Intercon Truck Equipment, Inc. (Boothwyn, PA) ; J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers, Div. Somerset Welding & Steel, Inc. (Somerset, PA); Jensen International (Coffeyville, KS); Keehn Service Corp. (Coatesville, PA); MARL Technologies (Edmonton, AB); Ox Bodies, Inc. (Fayette, AL); PB Loader Corp. (Fresno, CA); Rugby Mfg. Co. (Rugby, ND); Sabre Equipment, Inc. (Coraopolis, PA); Schmidt Engineering & Equipment, Inc., Div. of Wausau- Everest LP (New Berlin, WI); Tom's House of Hydraulics (West Sacramento, CA); Truck Engineering Ltd. LLC (Fort Wayne, IN); Truck Equipment, Inc. (Des Moines, IA); Truckers Equipment, Inc. (Corpus Christi, TX); West-Mark (Ceres, CA). For a complete listing of MVPs, or to learn more about the program, visit www.ntea.com.