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Basic Guide and Information For New Trailer Manufactures
WMI (World Manufacturing Identifier)
Every manufacture must obtain a WMI number from SAE (Society Of Automotive Engineers www.sae.org). Each manufacture is assigned a unique number that consists of alpha and/or numeric characters. Your WMI Number will become part of the Vin (Vehicle Identification Number) assigned to each trailer. The WMI numbers are used by the government as a means to identify the manufacture. The length of the number assigned is determined by the number of trailers you will produce annually as follows:
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Number Of Digits Per WMI
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Annual Production
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Annual Production Effective 5/1/09
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3 Digits
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500 or more
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1000 or more
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6 Digits
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Less than 500
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Less than 1000
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Vin Codes & Code Names
Vin Codes and Code Names are used by the manufacture and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.dot.gov) to identify specific attributes of the trailer such as:
Attribute Types
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Plant Location
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The plant where the manufacture affixes the vin. |
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Trailer Type
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A class of vehicle distinguished by common traits. |
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Body Type
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Configuration or shape distinguished by cargo-carrying features, roof line, etc.
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Length
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The actual length of the trailer. |
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Axle Configuration
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The number of axles per trailer. |
Each manufacture is responsible for creating their own codes and code names by using alpha or numeric characters, except for the letters i, o and q. Each attribute type must be assigned at least one code.
Examples
The codes that you assign to each trailer attribute type will become part of your vin number. Each attribute has a character limit and a suggested or designated position by NHTSA as follows:
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Trailer Attribute
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No. Of Characters
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Vin Position No.
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Plant Location
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1
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11
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Trailer Type
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1
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4
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Body Type
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1
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5
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Length
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2
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6 & 7
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Axle Configuration
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1
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8
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For further clarification, we have created a video titled “How A Vin Number Is Calculated” that is included on our Software Tutorial Disk and on our website under the Tech Support/Tutorial section.
Each manufacture is required to submit a listing of their vin codes and code names to NHTSA. The FedCert Suite software provides a Vin Calculation Report preformatted and ready for submission. The report includes a complete listing of all the vin codes and code names along with other required information. Anytime a manufacture creates an additional code or makes any changes, a new report should be submitted.
Why does NHTSA need the vin codes and code names?
NHTSA uses your code information to “decode” your vin numbers and to verify that the trailer and certificate of origin (or mso) match.
Along with the submission of your vin codes and code names, you will need to provide NHTSA with a sample of a:
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Federal Certification Label
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Tire Placard/Tread Label
(required for trailers that are 10K or less GVWR, optional for all others)
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Certificate Of Origin (MSO)
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We hope this has provided you with a basic understanding and helps to guide you as you are starting out. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Wishing you a prosperous future in your new endeavor.
