NTEA Introduces New Criteria for Member Verification Program

The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) announces new criteria for its Member Verification Program beginning July 1, 2008.

In 2005, the Member Verification Program was introduced as a formal process that would recognize member companies who commit to following good business practices and who comply with certain government regulations.

Since the program’s inception, 363 companies have achieved MVP status. Companies earning MVP status demonstrate they have taken the extra steps to differentiate themselves from their competition by implementing programs such as quality control, warranty and safety programs and training for employees.

“The businesses that participate and meet NTEA’s MVP criteria are making an investment in long-term, rewarding and prosperous relationships with their suppliers, distributors and customers,” said Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. The program was developed by the NTEA as a means to formalize and recognize companies who are dedicated to following business practices that every firm should strive to have in place.”

Periodically requirements are modified and criteria are updated to ensure that the program is relevant and higher standards are set. These changes are additional areas for management to concentrate on and should be viewed as opportunities to further improve their business.       

To qualify, NTEA distributor and manufacturer members that upfit must meet the following outlined criteria and submit documentation verifying they meet this criteria. Effective July 1, the new requirements are that they must qualify in five of six of the following criteria:

1. Manufacture Registration (required criteria)
2. Vehicle Certification (required criteria)
3. Product Liability Insurance (required criteria)
4. Certified Employees (NEW required criteria as of July 1)
And one of the two optional criteria:
5. Quality Assurance Program
6. Safety Program (NEW Criteria)

Effective July 1, manufacturers (those who manufacture a product but do not install bodies or equipment requiring an Intermediate, Final or Altered State Certification Label) must qualify in five of six of the following criteria:

1. Product Liability Insurance
2. Certified Employees (NEW required criteria as of July 1, 2008)
3. Installation and Operating Instructions (NEW required criteria as of July 1, 2008)
4. Warranty Program (New required criteria as of July 1, 2008)
And one of the two optional criteria:
5. Quality Assurance Program
6. Safety Program (NEW Criteria)

Applications are accepted throughout the year and those qualifying for designation are announced on a quarterly basis.  Once designated, companies are recognized through various NTEA publications,
media and are promoted to both dealers and fleets as organizations who
have attained MVP status. 

For more information about the program and the new eligibility criteria, visit www.ntea.com, or call 800-441-6832.