Utility Trailer, Schmitz Cargobull Announce North American Joint Venture, Unveil New Refrigeration Unit Technology
“Cargobull North America” Joint Venture Unites North American, European Trailer Industry Titans of Innovation
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Sept. 11, 2023) – Today, among industry leaders and stakeholders at the International Foodservice Distributors Association’s 2023 Solutions Conference, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, LLC and European trailer manufacturer and market leader Schmitz Cargobull Corporation announced the inception of Cargobull North America and unveiled new, state-of-the-art transport refrigeration units (TRUs).
Utility Trailer is the exclusive North American distributor of Schmitz Cargobull’s latest TRU technology on its 3000R line of trailers, the best-selling reefer in North America. 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. Innovative elements reduce and eliminate emissions, realize up to 20% less fuel consumption, and allow for advanced trailer telematics to monitor and manage fleet logistics. The Utility TrailerConnect PRO telematics solution is factory installed and offers safe temperature-control management thanks to active monitoring and intelligent remote control of the refrigeration units. The telematics platform is furthermore designed so that transport companies can easily share the data with their partners.
“It was only natural for us to enter talks with Utility Trailer. 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,” Schmitz Cargobull Chairman of the Board Andreas Schmitz said. “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 revolutionize the market.”
Schmitz Cargobull is 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 today 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 maximizing cooling efficiencies.
“Our joint venture with Cargobull further positions Utility Trailer as a global leader in sustainability, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction,” Utility President and CEO 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.”
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.
About Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, LLC
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, LLC is America’s oldest privately owned, family-operated trailer manufacturer. Founded in 1914, Utility Trailer’s history of innovation and customer-value focus have helped it become the largest producer of refrigerated trailers and one of the largest dry-van, reefer, and flatbed manufacturers in the United States. With six manufacturing facilities and a network of more than 100 dealers across North and South America, the company produces more than 50,000 trailers per year and owns more than 50% market share among refrigerated trailer units.
About Cargobull North America
Cargobull North America (CBNA) is the all-new North American venture to supply Utility Trailer with Schmitz Cargobull transport refrigeration units and telematics. These products are produced by Schmitz Cargobull Corporation, Europe’s leading manufacturer of trailers and truck bodies for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo, and bulk goods. As a pioneer in the industry, Schmitz Cargobull developed a comprehensive brand strategy early on and has consistently established high quality standards spanning every level of European trailer and trailer component production, which includes TRUs and telematics. To learn more, visit cargobull.com/en.
For more information, or to coordinate further media availability opportunities, please contact Brett Olsen at brett.olsen@utm.com.
