Schmitz Cargobull is the winner of the renowned "Trailer Innovation" award in the "Environment" category with the S.KO box body semi-trailer featuring the electronically controlled generator axle and the company’s own electric cooling unit including integrated power electronics and battery system. “With this environmentally-friendly alternative drive system, Schmitz Cargobull makes an important contribution to CO2 reduction and takes responsibility for optimised ecological transport and logistics concepts. We see this award as confirmation of our forward-looking technology and many years of industry expertise,” says Roland Klement, Board Member for Research & Development at Schmitz Cargobull.

With this vehicle, Schmitz Cargobull has developed an equipment concept that will make a significant contribution to reducing pollutant emissions. The purely electrically-powered S.CUe cooling unit with integrated power electronics omits a combustion engine, and is designed to cool and heat without generating any emissions. Instead of a diesel tank, batteries are now installed on the landing gear. In addition, the system is equipped with an electrified Schmitz Cargobull trailer axle, which recuperates energy during braking, for example, reducing the time required to recharge the battery via mains power. 

Schmitz Cargobull was also able to take top placings in further categories. For example, the TrailerConnect® door locking system took an excellent second place in the "Safety" category. This ensures that the goods are protected against unauthorised access. Via the TrailerConnect portal, users can define loading and unloading locations where the door locking system automatically unlocks the trailer on arrival or locks it when leaving. 

In the "Components" category, the new air distribution system in the S.KO COOL SMART box body semi-trailer took third place. Preventing "heat nests" and simplifying handling to improve efficiency in everyday transport were the primary goals.


Schmitz Cargobull won a further third place in the "Concept" category with its EcoDuo transport concept, which has already won multiple awards. The EcoDuo system consists of two standard curtainsider semi-trailers connected via a dolly trailer and coupled to a tractor unit. With this vehicle combination, Schmitz Cargobull is advocating for the Europe-wide introduction of a transport concept that reduces the demands on existing infrastructure, reduces CO2 emissions and takes into account current transport industry standards.

“We are very proud of all of the placings as they show that we are the leading trailer manufacturer when it comes to reliable transport solutions and innovations and that we are working on the right mobility concepts and innovative vehicle solutions to extensively support and continue advancing future transport and logistics activities for our customers with our products and services,” says Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull.

The jury for the prestigious industry awards was made up of journalists from 16 specialist transport publications in Europe. The “Trailer Innovation” platform covers interesting new developments in the field of trailers and bodies and has been awarding prizes every two years since 2002. It showcases a wide number of trailer innovations, no matter how big or small they may be. Now in their tenth year, the awards honour trailer manufacturers in a total of seven categories.