“We are thrilled that they have brought their leading cutting-edge TRU and telematics technology to North America,” Utility’s Amanda Bennett says. (Karen Foote/ATA)
March 17, 2026 2:58 PM, EDT
Key Takeaways:
- Utility Trailer introduced new hybrid refrigeration units featuring updated Cargobull technology and telematics.
- The TRUs are built exclusively for the Utility 3000R Refrigerated Trailer as part of an expanding partnership.
- Utility’s dealership network continues to grow, with all dealers authorized to support Cargobull systems.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. launched its new hybrid transport refrigeration technology March 16 as part of its partnership with German trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull.
The announcement was made during American Trucking Associations’ 2026 Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting.
The transport refrigeration units improve on earlier iterations by incorporating the latest advancements in Cargobull refrigeration technology.
“Schmitz Cargobull is one of the world’s leaders in trailer manufacturing, transport refrigeration unit manufacturing and trailer telematics,” Utility Trailer Director Amanda Bennett said. “They have a proven footprint in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and more. So, we are thrilled that they have brought their leading cutting-edge TRU and telematics technology to North America with Utility exclusively.”
The new units are developed exclusively for the Utility 3000R Refrigerated Trailer. The Cargobull technology includes the 625+ Mono-Temp Hybrid and 655MT+ Multi-Temp Hybrid TRUs. The units also feature microchannel condensers and new hermetic two‑stage compressors. They also are supported by a Body Control Unit telematics system that is designed to track operational performance and streamline fleet management workflows.
“This is two great family businesses working together,” Cargobull CEO Andreas Schmitz said. “We are combining the best technologies and really bringing them together.”
“We are combining the best technologies and really bringing them together,” says Schmitz Cargobull’s Andreas Schmitz. (Karen Foote/American Trucking Associations)
The joint venture was named Cargobull North America when it was formed in September 2023. The integration includes the brand and technologies entering the Utility dealership network as part of an overall expansion.
“This has been the most active period of expansions and investment dollars in any 12-month span in the past 32 years I’ve been with Utility,” Chief of Sales Mark Glasgow said. “Doing this in a significant downturn in our business is more impressive as we press on to service our industry customers for the future.”
“These investments in expansion fuel innovation,” says Mark Glasgow of Utility Trailers. (Karen Foote/ATA)
The network expansion has included acquisitions, new construction and strategic relocations with the aim of strengthening service coverage across North America. Southeast Utility Trailer became the latest example of this effort with the opening of a new full-service dealership in Chilhowie, Va. Dealers across the network also are authorized Cargobull providers, enabling them to offer fleets related technology and telematics support.
“Utility and the dealer network are investing aggressively to meet the evolving needs of today’s fleets,” Glasgow said. “These investments in expansion fuel innovation, they broaden our capabilities and ensure customers have access to the advanced resources they need to run smarter, more efficient operations.”
