Smart features for cool transport solutions

September 2022 – The Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL deep-freeze box body semi-trailer with the TrailerConnect® telematics system including a digital temperature recorder fitted as standard ex works has proven itself internationally in temperature-controlled transport.

It has now been provided with new security features that comply with TAPA TSR1 standards. The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) is an organisation made up of manufacturers, logistics service providers, freight forwarders and law enforcement authorities that applies proven methods and procedures to improve the security of valuable assets around the world. Its goal is to reduce losses in the supply chain. By complying with TSR1 standards, the Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL refrigerated semi-trailer meets TAPA’s highest benchmark.

In order to meet the TAPA TSR1 requirements, a connected, acoustic alarm system has been integrated into TrailerConnect® and triggers an alarm if the trailer is accessed by an unauthorised third party. Alongside this acoustic alarm system, the new TL4 electronic door locking system ensures that goods are protected from unauthorised access. This smart, safe, and innovative function enables users to automatically control the door locking system, increasing process and transport safety. This is available exclusively in combination with the networked TrailerConnect® telematics solution from Schmitz Cargobull. 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.

Geofence-areas only need to be configured once, simply and conveniently in TrailerConnect® portal. Furthermore, once the trailer door has been closed, a general automatic lock can be activated at the touch of a button in the TrailerConnect® portal or beSmart app.

The system offers a high standard of safety due to automating of the locking and unlocking processes. Once configured in the TrailerConnect® portal, risks are minimised and manual work as part of the transport process is reduced. This results in a higher level of control for dispatchers and lowers the demands on drivers. All of the locking and unlocking processes are fully documented and can provide proof that the trailer was locked continuously during the entire transport. Additionally, the trailer can be equipped with alarm wires in the side walls and roof in order to meet customer requirements that go beyond TAPA TSR1.

Customers can therefore receive all requisite hardware components and portal functions ex works and from a single source. Options that have been perfectly matched to one another help to prevent additional expenses and dual-invoice transactions.

The Schmitz Cargobull air distribution system has also been upgraded. The primary goal of these enhancements was to prevent ‘heat nests’ and to simplify handling to improve efficiency in everyday transport. This also applies to the semi-trailers extended to 17.80 m that are also offered by Schmitz Cargobull in Germany. This type-1 long truck is also equipped with the TrailerConnect® trailer telematics system as standard ex works and, with the Schmitz Cargobull air distribution system, has the same optimum cooling performance as the standard vehicles.

In the new air distribution system, hoods made of flexible and collision-resistant material ensure the connection between the cooling unit and the air duct and can protect against collision damage due to their flexibility. The air flow and air circulation in the trailer are optimised by the targeted guiding of primary and secondary flows in the air ducts. The air ducts have an enlarged cross-section and the optimum arrangement of the ducts directs the air to the rear of the body and then back to the front. The goods are reliably maintained at the correct temperature due to the uniform air flow throughout the entire body. Return air barriers above and on the sides of the circulation wall prevent hot and cold air from mixing. This helps ensure optimised air circulation.

The new distribution system also improves handling efficiency. For MultiTemp transport, the partition wall can now be positioned without any additional work. The partition wall effectively seals the air ducts, automatically distributing the air only in the front area up to the partition wall. The innovative mounting of the air ducts using quick release connections enables easy and hygienic cleaning. Reliability has been officially confirmed for the new air distribution system: DEKRA has certified the test procedure for the uniform air distribution when loaded. The efficient load securing also continues to be ensured. The vertical load securing beams can be positioned quickly and easily between the air ducts to secure the goods.