Utility enters deal with Cargobull to distribute new reefer line

Utility Trailer Manufacturing on Monday announced an agreement with European trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull Corporation on the formation of Cargobull North America and unveiled new, state-of-the-art transport refrigeration units (TRUs).

Utility Trailer, on its 3000R line of trailers, will be the exclusive North American distributor of Schmitz Cargobull’s latest TRU technology.

“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. 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 Monday 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, the companies claim, is that the 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.