Fort Worth, Texas, USA: Schmitz Cargobull and the US trailer manufacturer Utility Trailer Manufacturer Company have founded a joint venture, Cargobull North America.
As a first step, the partners have developed two transport refrigeration units based on the Schmitz Cargobull unit. The 625 Hybrid and 655 multi temp are meet the emissions requirements of California. The units have Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics installed in Utility Trailer’s refrigerated trailers.
US retailer Kroger will be the new company’s first customer, starting with refrigerated trailers from Utility Trailer’s 3000R series and the 625 Hybrid and 655 multi temp hybrid transport refrigeration machines.
“This joint venture gives us access to the American market and is an important step for the growth of Schmitz Cargobull,” says Andreas Schmitz, chief executive, Schmitz Cargobull. “We are pleased to be working with Utility Trailer, the US-market leader in temperature-controlled transport vehicles. We are convinced that Cargobull North America will create real added value for our new American customers as well as customers worldwide. The same units will eventually become available in other markets, including Germany and Europe. By pooling our resources and expertise we can continue our technology leadership on transport refrigeration units and telematics.”
“Our joint venture with Cargobull further positions Utility Trailer as a global leader in sustainability, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction,” Utility Trailer chief executive, Jeff Bennett said. “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.”
Cargobull North America’s first offering includes two energy-efficient transport refrigeration machines. The 625 Hybrid and 655 MT (MultiTemp) Hybrid models are specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of North American refrigerated freight haulers. Both refrigeration machines are equipped with a common rail diesel engine and a hybrid-power-trail. They even meet the emissions requirements of the California Air Resources Board. The next step will be the introduction of fully electric models with a battery-powered recuperation axle – which are already in use in Europe.
“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,” Andreas Schmitz. said.
“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 customers can monitor and control the temperature, fuel consumption, vehicle position and other parameters of their refrigerated vehicles in real time. The advanced telematics unit with communications and global roaming is integrated as standard on every TRU from Cargobull North America.”
