NATM Honors Eli Hernandez with Ed Freel Membership Award
“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” — Aristotle
[Fort Worth, TX] — The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is proud to announce that Eli Hernandez, the CEO of Texline Trailers, is one of two recipients of the prestigious Ed Freel Membership Award. This honor recognizes Eli’s unwavering dedication to the association and his significant contributions to the trailer manufacturing industry.
Eli Hernandez, the CEO of Texline Trailers, is a family-owned manufacturer with more than four decades in the trailer industry and is currently transitioning into its third generation with his family.
Since joining NATM, Eli has been on a deliberate quest to build a strong internal culture while helping raise standards across the industry as a whole. He is widely respected for his attention to detail, collaborative leadership style, and belief that production volume should never dictate the level of quality a product is built under. His work reflects a long-term commitment to craftsmanship, accountability, and elevating expectations for manufacturers, dealers, and customers alike.
Eli aims to avoid pitfalls by focusing on durability, integrity, and affordability with practical improvements. His relationship-driven approach prioritizes genuine partnerships with dealers and OEMs, fostering collaboration, trust, and support. Eli exemplifies the future of manufacturing leadership through his principled, innovative, and relationship-oriented methods.
The award was presented at the 2026 NATM Bacon & Brilliance: Association Update and Awards Brunch. Join us in congratulating Eli Hernandez on this well-deserved recognition. His dedication to NATM and the trailer manufacturing community is truly commendable.
The Texline Standard
Discipline in Every Detail
“We believe a man who can’t control the small things can’t be trusted with big ones. That’s why every cut, weld, and bolt is done with intention. Our team shows up prepared, our shop runs with order, and our word means something. Discipline is the first thing we build – the trailers come after.”
Craftsmanship with Quiet Confidence
“We don’t chase trends or race to the bottom. We build clean, honest trailers that speak for themselves. From the way we select parts to the way a deck sits on its frame, we choose timeless quality over flash. Our work doesn’t need to shout – it stands out on its own.”
Respect on and off the Floor
Respect is non-negotiable at Texline. We treat welders, drivers, office staff, and dealers with the same courtesy. Our team leads by example: clear communication, firm standards, and genuine appreciation. That’s why people stay, grow, and bring us their business again and again.
Honour in Our Word
In an industry full of broken promises and missed calls, we’ve chosen a simpler code: if we say it, we do it. Deadlines, quality, pricing, and support – our reputation is built on keeping our commitments even when it’s inconvenient. Your name and ours are on that trailer, and we treat that seriously.
Built for Legacy, Not Just Today
Texline isn’t a quick venture – it’s a family name and a multi-generation story. We build and lead with our children in mind, knowing they may one day stand where we stand. That long view changes how we make decisions: we choose what will still look honorable ten years from now, not just what’s easy today.