This article was published in the May 2024 edition of NTEA News.
NTEA’s technical services department is a vital resource for members. Staff engineers with more than 70 years of combined commercial vehicle industry experience provide in-depth solutions to technical questions and issues, including
- Body and equipment installation
- Commercial vehicle design and conformance
- Department of Transportation regulations (NHTSA and FMCSA)
- Federal Excise Tax (FET)
- OEM upfitter guidance
- Vehicle certification
In addition, NTEA offers a variety of vehicle engineering and compliance tools, publications and resources, with most available to members at a discount or as complimentary downloads.
Commercial Vehicle Certification Guide
This reference guide captures the latest regulatory information in U.S. and Canada. Content addresses safety certification and labeling requirements vital to conformance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada regulations. Learn more at ntea.com/certguide.
Federal Excise Tax Guide
This publication takes a comprehensive look at the 12% tax that applies to work trucks, tractors and trailers. Sections include information on the suitable for use standard, six-month rule, 75% rule, tax-free sales, and more. Find more details at ntea.com/fetguide.
Member Verification Program
NTEA’s Member Verification Program (MVP) recognizes eligible companies in the work truck industry for outstanding business practices and successful implementation of quality standards. Association members are encouraged to apply for consideration. Candidates must provide documentation that they meet or exceed a given set of criteria. Once qualified, companies receive MVP status for a three-year term. Upon renewal, MVP members must again document compliance, ensuring their ongoing commitment to professionalism, industry knowledge and high performance.
There is no charge to apply as NTEA underwrites the cost of MVP — part of an ongoing effort to enhance the core competencies of its members. Visit ntea.com/mvp for more information.
OEM Chassis Considerations Guide
In 2023, NTEA released the first edition of OEM Chassis Considerations Guide, designed to help inform OEM product development communities of the work truck industry’s needs from their chassis products, both now and into the future. Provided from the perspective of vocational body and equipment manufacturers and upfitters, this guide offers strategic recommendations and considerations for key industry segments. Topics covered include chassis features and functions, electrical needs, regulatory and safety considerations, and vocational market and design challenges. The Guide is available free to NTEA members. Visit ntea.com/chassisguide for additional details and report access.
Rear Visibility F/CMVSS 111 Field of View Conformity Manual
NTEA’s Rear Visibility F/CMVSS 111 Field of View Conformity Manual captures the latest regulatory information in the U.S. and Canada — providing a more complete representation of field of view requirements for commercial vehicle companies in North America. It’s designed to support anyone upfitting light vehicles. Visit ntea.com/shopntea to order.
TE101/201
NTEA’s Truck Equipment 101 and 201 online courses provide an introductory look at the work truck industry (TE101) as well as a deeper dive for those with technical knowledge of specific commercial vehicle topics (TE201). Courses are a free benefit to NTEA members; nonmembers can purchase access to TE101 (15 modules) for $199 and each TE201 module for $49. Get additional info at ntea.com/onlineeducation.
TE Electrical Basics
Truck Equipment (TE) Electrical Basics is a series of online training modules, developed in partnership with e-learning platform Electude, to provide a fundamental understanding of electrical theory and concepts in automotive applications. The program is designed to help industry upfitters, engineers, technicians and purchasers of OEM chassis increase functional knowledge of commercial vehicle electrical systems and components, but not to the depth required to design systems and components. Courses are free to NTEA members (visit ntea.com/onlineeducation); nonmembers can purchase access to the modules (TE Electrical Basics Measurement, Safety and Fundamentals and TE Electrical Basics DC and AC Voltage) for $49 each.
Truck equipment glossary
Search this free resource for terms commonly used in the work truck industry. Visit ntea.com/glossary.
Truck Equipment Handbook
NTEA’s Truck Equipment Handbook (17th edition) is the work truck industry’s most comprehensive pocket guide for commercial vehicle components and equipment.
“Whether you’re new to the truck equipment industry or a long-time veteran, the handbook is a handy, condensed reference guide for all commercial vehicle professionals to cover a broad range of technical subjects,” said Steve Spata, NTEA senior technical assistance director.
The latest version includes updates to U.S. and Canadian regulations, along with an expanded set of industry definitions. This edition also covers the vehicle certification process and regulatory standards applicable in Canada. Learn more at ntea.com/handbook.
U.S./Canada Federal Lighting Guide
This laminated wall chart – ideal for use on shop floors – provides illustrations indicating specific lighting requirements for commercial vehicles. An enhanced online interactive version of the lighting guide is available to NTEA members as a complimentary tool. Access at ntea.com/lightingguide.
Webinars
NTEA offers webinars, offered free to members, on targeted industry topics, including technical and engineering issues. View a schedule, find past webinars and register for upcoming at ntea.com/webinars.
Weight calculators
NTEA’s Vehicle Center of Gravity and Axle Weight Calculator is a web-based, interactive tool that provides vehicle specification and weight information. This resource is a free benefit of membership at ntea.com/weightcalculator. For companies seeking a next-level solution for more complex project needs, NTEA partnered with TruckScience to offer their cloud-based Axle Weight Calculator app to members at a discounted annual subscription rate. Visit ntea.com/truckscience to learn more.
Whitepapers and articles
NTEA regularly publishes articles (ntea.com/technicalresources) and whitepapers (ntea.com/whitepapers) to provide industry professionals with information on multistage commercial vehicle regulations, safety and efficiency. Member login is required.
WorkTruckCert
This cloud-based program streamlines the completion and printing of vehicle certification labels and second stage manufacturer’s statements of origin. The system archives vehicle records and helps companies document conformance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-required safety standards — offering a secure, convenient way to store vehicle data. Subscriptions are free to the industry, and NTEA members receive discounted pricing on certification labels and products sold in the WorkTruckCert Shop. Learn more at worktruckcert.com.
For more information, visit ntea.com/technicalresources.