CM Trailers: A True Success Story

Success Begins with Determination
Contract Manufacturer, L.L.C. began manufacturing trailers under the trade name CM Trailers in January of 1990. Founders Ronald and Kay Jackson saw a need within the industry for a quality built, economically priced trailer, that was also durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing; the Jacksons felt that they could produce a trailer to fill that gap. Today, the success of the company and the recognition and loyalty to the CM brand name testify to that fact.

Instill a Passion for Progress
Located in Madill, Oklahoma, the “trailer capital of the world,” CM prides itself on a trailer product line that fits all needs and wants. As one of the highest volume producers of diversified trailer lines in the industry, CM Trailers manufacturers an all steel line of horse, stock, cargo, and utility trailers; aluminum exterior steel frame horse and cargo trailers, all aluminum horse and stock trailers, and a complete line of truck beds. Optional equipment is available to customize each model to suit individual needs.

During mid-summer of 1998, CM Trailers began production in a new 243,735 sq. ft. manufacturing facility that streamlined the assembly process. However, never ones to stop continually researching better and more efficient manufacturing methods, in the spring of 2004, CM began implementing the "World Class Enterprise" philosophy throughout its entire corporate and manufacturing facility.

Provide a Wealth of Experience
CM Trailers’ President Ronald Jackson has been in the trailer manufacturing business for over forty years, and his expertise has become a considerable asset to both CM and to the trailer industry. Consequently, Ronald has served as President of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) for two terms. He has also served on the NATM Board of Directors and as chairman of the NATM Technical Committee. Ronald also played an active role in the production and implementation of the “Recommended Manufacturers’ Guidelines and Procedures Manual” published by NATM for its members, which emphasizes safety in manufacturing and hauling for the end user. In 2001, the NATM awarded Ronald with their prestigious "Bill Bernhardt Award" for his outstanding contributions to the trailer industry.

A Little Recognition Doesn’t Hurt
In the past, CM Trailers has proven that quality products, fair pricing, and a good working relationship with their dealer network promotes rapid growth. For the first four years of existence, CM Trailers was listed as a member of the INC 500 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in the United States as follows: 1991-37th, 1992-89th, 1993-58th, and 1994-140th. INC Magazine's September 1992 cover story, "Great Companies that were started with $1,000 or less" highlighted the "Secrets of Bootstrapping" and included the Madill, OK, based company in their article.

Various other accolades include a cover story in the February 1994 issue of Trailer Body Builders magazine, stories in Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, a letter of accomplishment from President Bill Clinton, and numerous articles in The Daily Oklahoman and local newspapers, as well as recognition on local television stations. Additionally, CM Trailers' products are regularly featured and highlighted in editorials and articles in various horse, stock, and manufacturing publications.

Don’t Neglect to Listen
CM Trailers attributes much of their success to a strong dealer network. CM owners and management insist on and maintain a good working relationship with their dealers. They value each dealer's input and consider each dealer to be part of the winning team. Along with their dealers, CM knows that the satisfaction of the end user is of primary importance. Consequently, the CM Trailers’ team also puts great importance on the feedback their customers give about the CM product. Since most of CM’s designs and new product ideas are inspired by the end user, CM attends various trade shows to keep in touch with the customer and their ever changing needs.

Have a Strong Backbone

Of course, no success could be obtained without a productive, loyal workforce. Accordingly, CM has strong family values and a strong commitment to their employees. This commitment comes in the form of competitive wages, lucrative benefits, and an encouragement of training and knowledge. All of these actions help attract and retain quality employees, thus providing for consistent, quality workmanship in each product. CM also has a commitment to the surrounding community, and they continually support and contribute to a multitude of worthwhile community projects in their area.

Never Forget to Reflect
CM Trailers has had an exciting history thus far, and they anticipate what the future will bring. With every success story, though, there are people to credit, and CM gives that credit where it’s due. In the words of one of their ads:

"Every once in a while, it’s nice to do a little bit of reflecting. To think back on where we’ve been, where we’re going, who has taken us along for the ride, and how to reach the next destination. At CM, we reflect a lot. Because we know that without our workforce, our product, and our customers, we would be nothing. So thanks – to everyone out there who has made us what we are, and to all those who’ll be on board with us for future journeys.”

Why buy a CM Horse or Stock Trailer?

Strength

Strength in the roof is important for overall strength of the trailer. That's why, on our steel trailers, we utilize 1" tubing set on 15" centers as well as corner gussets.

Strength is built in to every CM trailer. On our aluminum exterior horse trailers, all exterior aluminum sheeting is .050 aluminum; additionally, the top is made from one piece .040 aluminum sheeting with 1 3/8" x 2" aluminum tubing bows.

A trailer is only as good as its structure and support. Accordingly, CM's steel and aluminum exterior floor frames are built of structural grade angle iron and tubing. CM's horse and stock trailer floors are made of steel crossmembers and kiln dried pressure-treated lumber. The lumber and crossmembers are designed in a grid pattern for added strength and safety.

Safety

Tack and feed doors on CM horse and stock models are conveniently equipped with recessed latches for easy closing and a snug fit. This type of latch provides a smooth, safe exterior, eliminating the possibility of snagging tack or clothing. All tack and feed doors also feature a rubber edge trim to ensure a tighter, more secure fit.

We concentrate on trimming out our horse and stock trailers in all areas, inside and out, to keep sharp edges from injuring people or animals. Other safety elements we utilize are pads on dividers, bars, walls, and rear door; door hold-backs; gravel guard; striker plates for slant dividers with slam latches; and weather sealing, just to name a few. *

Safety is a primary concern for us, and we show it. Throughout all of our trailers, in strategic spots, you'll find labels. These labels are not just for looks; they inform on proper care and maintenance, caution on improper loading and hauling actions, and warn of misuse consequences.

CM trailers are equipped with an emergency breakaway switch for safety and peace of mind. This device is installed complete with battery and charger. If used properly, in the event of an accident where the trailer is dislodged from the ball, the breakaway switch will engage. This in turn will release the battery to activate the electric brakes, minimizing damage that may have occurred without such a device.

For user hauling assurance, all trailers are equipped with safety chains and hooks that exceed DOT specifications in the lower 48 states.

Versatility

Depending on the size and number of animals you're hauling, the region you live in, and the materials you prefer, CM gives you options: from the material (all steel, all aluminum, aluminum/steel), to load style (slant load, straight load, walk-thru, ramps), to pulls (bumper pull, gooseneck), to sizes (different widths, heights, lengths), and to a range of investment levels, CM trailers have whatever you need and want.

CM horse and stock trailers are eminently usable. But then, they have to be, because hauling horses and stock are ways of life. Our trailers feature removable rear center posts and swing away dividers to leave more room for loading moms and babies, as well as adjustable butt strap settings to accommodate all sizes.*

Style

One of the first things that you notice on a new trailer is its paint finish. At CM, we utilize a state-of-the-art finishing process that provides our trailers with a uniform, rich, glossy finish that is extremely eye-appealing.

Durability and Longevity

CM's aluminum exterior horse models feature bolt on fenders. If damaged, these fenders are easy to replace, which will keep the overall appearance of the trailer looking better, longer.

On horse and stock steel models, rear doors and gates feature greasable exterior hinges to allow easy lubrication for increased life and reduced squeaking.

CM trailers are equipped with Dexter rubber torsion axles with greasable hubs for easy lubrication. Rubber torsion axles provide a better ride and longer life than leaf springs. In addition, there are no u-bolts, shackles, or equalizers that need to be maintained or replaced, which makes the axle near maintenance free. The hub also has grease zerks to allow easy lubrication of the bearings without dismantling the hub or removing the wheel.

All CM trailers have DOT approved lighting and conspicuity tape requirements. Our sealed taillights are water resistant and protected from corrosion, thus elongating the life span. Clearance lights are also sealed to protect from corrosion and have two elements for a long-lasting light. Side marker lights are placed on the fenders for added safety.

* Some features may be optional.