‘Cargobull North America’ Joint Venture is reported to unite North American and European trailer innovation.
Among industry leaders and stakeholders at the International Foodservice Distributors Association’s 2023 Solutions Conference on 11 September, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company and Schmitz Cargobull announced the inception of Cargobull North America and unveiled new, state-of-the-art Trailer Refrigeration Units (TRUs).
Utility Trailer is the exclusive North American distributor of Schmitz Cargobull’s latest TRU technology on its 3000R line of trailers. Combined with Utility’s proven innovations and its powerful dealer network, Cargobull is primed to help TRU technology take a giant leap forward in North America.
“It was only natural for us to enter talks with Utility Trailer,” said Schmitz Cargobull Chairman of the Board, Andreas Schmitz.
“They have in-depth market knowledge and a comprehensive dealer network, and, as we’re both family-owned-and-operated companies, Utility and Schmitz Cargobull share many of the same values.
“I am very much looking forward to our collaboration. Above all, I am convinced that together we will provide added value to North American customers and revolutionise the market.”
Schmitz Cargobull claims to be the market leader in TRU technology in Europe, with 30,000 TRUs currently on the road and a proven track record of success. The new lineup coming to North America on Utility’s 3000R reefers includes the 625 single-temperature and 655MT multi-temperature hybrid TRUs. Fully electric, TUV-homologated models with battery-recuperation axles are coming soon.
The TRU technology unveiled this month already meets California’s stringent emission standards for 2030. It’s also compliant with California Air Resources Board (CARB) ultra-low-emission TRU (ULETRU) regulations without using a problematic diesel-particulate filter (DPF) or exhaust-gas-recirculation valve. Because the units can be plugged in at a loading dock, operators will lower emissions while maximising cooling efficiencies.
“Our joint venture with Cargobull further positions Utility Trailer as a global leader in sustainability, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction,” said Utility President and CEO, Jeff Bennett.
“We don’t just want to be the biggest, but also the best, holistic destination for everything reefer customers need, from strong and lightweight boxes to energy-efficient TRUs and high-tech telematics—all in one trailer.”
Additional advantages of the new Utility and Cargobull North America TRUs include a Hatz industrial diesel engine with fuel-sipping common-rail injection, a reliable hybrid powertrain, fully embedded shore power, and noise-dampening options that come standard for quieter loading docks and the quietest diesel operation available in North America.
“Both Utility Trailer and Schmitz Cargobull rely on the same recipe for success: Our company culture as family-run trailer manufacturers drives us to continuously develop the best trailer technology and supply customers with an entire eco-system, including services, telematics, and optimum cargo space availability,” said Andreas Schmitz.
“The fact that Utility Trailer selected our energy-efficient units in competition with other global transport refrigeration unit suppliers confirms the quality of our products and development work.”
With the Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect telematics system, CBNA is entering the North American market with the most advanced offering available. The system allows customers to monitor and control the temperature, fuel consumption, vehicle position and other important parameters of their refrigerated vehicles in real time. The advanced telematics unit with LTE communications and global roaming is integrated as standard on every TRU from CBNA.
The technology enables a state-of-the-art front end and the use of mobile applications for iOS and Android smartphones from drivers to dispatchers to fleet owners. As an open system with extensive cyber security, it gives customers the choice of how they want to utilise their data. From ERP systems to truck telematics to third-party providers or even their transportation management systems, the customer is a data owner and can choose to route their data via a simple API.
In addition, telematics offers monitoring of the premium ABS modulators with all fault codes, tire pressure, door status and predictive maintenance, as well as intelligent remote control of the CBNA refrigeration unit.
In other news, DSV is taking delivery of a bulk order of Schmitz Cargobull trailers via TIP Group.