Cargobull eBrief
Current topics:
VECTO: CO₂ targets also apply to trailers
What the new EU regulation really means
Under EU Regulation 2024/1610, CO₂ targets now apply to trailers for the first time, even though they do not generate emissions themselves. It also requires manufacturers of semi-trailers to achieve a calculated CO₂ reduction of 10 per cent through design changes, measured against the theoretical impact on the fuel consumption of the towing lorry. For other trailer types, a reduction of 7.5% must be achieved. Failure to comply will result in fines of €4,250 per vehicle and g CO₂ per t-km from 2030 onwards.
Taking a three-axle semi-trailer as an example, this corresponds to a fine of approximately €15,300.
The calculation is based on the VECTO (Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool), which, whilst evaluating theoretical optimisations positively, downgrades practical equipment such as tail-lifts, on-board forklifts or intermodal capability. This is even though they can prevent empty runs and increase efficiency. This leads to CO₂ savings on paper, whilst on the road there is a risk of additional journeys and higher emissions.
Facing high costs, tough targets and the threat of substantial fines from 2030, several European manufacturers, including Schmitz Cargobull, have filed a lawsuit and are campaigning for regulations that take real-world transport conditions into account.
Modern trailers are already achieving measurable efficiency gains through aerodynamics, lightweight construction and optimised rolling resistance. With solutions such as the long-haul truck concept ‘EcoDuo’ – two standard semi-trailers connected by a dolly and pulled by a single tractor unit – Schmitz Cargobull has demonstrated how practical concepts can increase transport capacity, reduce the number of journeys and cut CO₂ emissions.
In the ongoing legal dispute involving the European trailer industry before the European Court of Justice, a ruling on admissibility is expected in the second quarter of 2026.
Service Partner of the Year 2025
34 service partners honoured
Schmitz Cargobull works with 1,400 authorised service partners across Europe to ensure maximum vehicle availability.
We are delighted to honour 34 service partners from 33 countries with the “Service Partner of the Year 2025” award.
The award-winning workshops impressed with particularly reliable and successful breakdown assistance, outstanding workshop quality and dedicated customer service. Another key factor in their success is the smooth collaboration in handling service contracts and warranty claims. Thanks to high spare parts availability, the trailers are quickly back in service, significantly reducing downtime.
A heartfelt thank you to all Service Partners of the Year 2025 for their outstanding performance and commitment.
How Aryzta Food Solutions is optimising its frozen food logistics
From outsourcing to an in-house fleet, including full service
At Aryzta Food Solutions, a leading distributor of frozen convenience baked goods and food service products, maintaining the correct temperature, punctuality and quality are paramount.
This was precisely the decisive factor in realigning the company’s logistics strategy. Instead of continuing to rely on external service providers and hired trailers, the company decided to build up its own fleet of refrigerated semi-trailers as part of a contract-lease model with a full-service agreement from Schmitz Cargobull.
Today, Aryzta Food Solutions benefits from significantly greater predictability, calculable costs and a delivery reliability of more than 98 per cent. Maintenance, repairs and replacement vehicles are contractually guaranteed – a crucial factor in the sensitive field of frozen food logistics.
The close, partnership-based collaboration with Schmitz Cargobull ensures that logistics processes are optimally tailored to the requirements of the growing business.
New Body Control Unit
Maximum availability through intelligent networking
The new Body Control Unit (BCU) on the front wall of the S.KO COOL refrigerated semi-trailer is the central element for maximum uptime in temperature-controlled transport.
It connects all relevant systems and lays the foundation for intelligent functions and a future-proof fleet solution. In conjunction with the S.CU refrigeration unit, the BCU enables higher availability of the trailer and refrigeration unit. The S.CU’s battery charge level can be viewed transparently at any time via the TrailerConnect® portal – for planned maintenance instead of unplanned workshop visits.
For less downtime and greater operational readiness.
Proximity that pays off
New assembly plant in Oradea
With our new assembly plant in Oradea, Romania, customers in Central Europe can benefit from even greater proximity to the market. Local assembly reduces transport distances, speeds up processes and ensures that vehicles are delivered to you more quickly and in a way that is tailored to your requirements.
In Oradea, we assemble S.CS curtain-sided semi-trailers and S.KI tipper semi-trailers specifically for the Central European market. This enables short response times, high flexibility in configuration, and the precise fulfilment of individual requirements.
The new production plant in Oradea, together with our existing sites in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England and Turkey, strengthens our production capacities where they are needed.
For you, this means: shorter delivery times, higher vehicle availability and maximum flexibility in vehicle production.
Back up easily. Work securely.
The new centre section for all semi-trailer curtainsiders
In the demanding day-to-day of transport, efficiency and ease of use are key.
The new centre section design from Schmitz Cargobull has been specifically developed to make securing loads easier and to reduce physical strain during daily use. Thanks to improved handling, an optimised slat pocket layout and a lighter yet robust construction, the centre section can be operated more quickly and safely. This saves time during loading and unloading processes and promotes more ergonomic working.
Your benefits:
- Easier handling: The optimised height adjustment makes work easier and helps ensure correct load securing.
- More flexibility in use: The improved slat holder allows flexible adaptation to different load situations.
- Less physical strain: Up to 17% less weight per stanchion supports more ergonomic working in daily operations.
- Robust and durable: High-quality materials and a well-thought-out design ensure a long service life in demanding transport applications.
Regulatory requirements: Ready for SUMS
Ready for the future
From July 2026, SUMS (Software Update Management System) will be a legal requirement. The aim of the regulation is to ensure the secure, traceable and documented management of vehicle software throughout its entire lifecycle.
Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect® telematics and digital services solutions help fleet operators to implement these requirements efficiently. Software versions and relevant vehicle information can be recorded transparently and managed in a structured manner.
For fleet operators, this means: greater transparency, legally compliant processes and early preparation for upcoming regulatory requirements.