NTEA’s technical services department is a vital resource for members. Staff engineers with extensive commercial vehicle industry experience provide in-depth solutions to technical questions and issues on topics 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.
Articles and guides
NTEA regularly publishes articles and guides to provide industry professionals with information on multi-stage commercial vehicle regulations, safety, and efficiency. Learn more at ntea.com/technicalresources (member login required).
Canada Regulatory Compliance Guide
Developed to help multi-stage manufacturers understand and comply with vehicle regulations in the Canadian market, this digital reference guide covers topics including the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, National Safety Mark requirements, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and more. Learn more at ntea.com/canadaguide.
Commercial Vehicle Certification Guide
This reference guide captures the latest regulatory information in the 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.
Guiding Principles for Developing Commercial Vehicle Specifications
This introductory guide establishes the core fundamentals of vehicle specification development — the what and the why behind creating effective, reliable specifications for commercial fleets. It emphasizes the importance of a methodical and collaborative approach that integrates input from all key stakeholders in the spec’ing process. Learn more at ntea.com/specguides.
Federal Excise Tax Guide
This publication takes a comprehensive look at the 12% tax that applies to work trucks, tractors, and trailers. Topics covered include the suitable for use standard, six-month rule, 75% rule, tax-exempt and tax-free sales scenarios, and more. Find more details at ntea.com/fetguide.
Member Verification Program
NTEA’s Member Verification Program (MVP) recognizes work truck industry distributors/upfitters and manufacturers that have showcased their commitment to quality, safety and compliance. Achieving MVP status means your company has successfully demonstrated an understanding of defined business principles and applicable government regulations.
There is no charge for members to apply as NTEA completely underwrites the cost of this program. Visit ntea.com/mvp for more information.
OEM Chassis Considerations Guide
Developed for OEMs and truck-mounted equipment designers, this guide offers strategic recommendations for upfitters and body manufacturers on chassis design for vocational markets such as ambulances, cranes, snowplows, and vans. Core topics include chassis features and functions, electrical needs, regulatory and safety considerations, and vocational market and design challenges.
Available to NTEA members only, access this resource and find additional details at ntea.com/chassisguide.
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/mvss111rearvisibility to order.
TE101 & 201
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
Developed in partnership with e-learning platform Electude, Truck Equipment (TE) Electrical Basics is a series of online training modules that 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/electricalbasics); 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 at ntea.com/glossary.
Truck Equipment Handbook
NTEA’s Truck Equipment Handbook (19th edition) is the work truck industry’s comprehensive pocket guide for commercial vehicle components and equipment. Designed for both industry newcomers and seasoned veterans, this guide covers commercial vehicle systems, weight calculations, certification processes, and lighting standards across the U.S. and 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.
U.S./Canada Mud Flap Requirements Guide
This guide provides a consolidated, searchable summary of current regulations for mud flaps, mudguards, and splash/spray suppression devices for commercial vehicles in all 50 U.S. states, Washington, DC, and all 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories. This resource is available free to NTEA members. Learn more at ntea.com/mudflaps.
Webinars
NTEA offers webinars (free to members) on targeted industry topics, including technical and engineering issues. View a schedule, find past webinars, and register for upcoming webinars at ntea.com/webinars.
Weight calculators
The Vehicle Center of Gravity and Axle Weight Calculator is a web-based, interactive tool that provides vehicle specification and weight information. This resource is available as 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.
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.
Vehicle Specification Process Guide
Building on the foundation of Guiding Principles for Developing Commercial Vehicle Specifications, this resource provides a more advanced, structured, and practical framework for planning and collaboration throughout the specification process. It helps spec’ writers and industry professionals determine when to engage key stakeholders, how to coordinate input across the value chain, and how to keep decisions aligned with organizational objectives. Free to NTEA members, learn more and access the guide at ntea.com/specguides.