Reliable cooling with low operating costs – the S.CU transport refrigeration units from Schmitz Cargobull

• S.CU dc90: high efficiency and low consumption
• New S.CU mt-DualEvap for multi-temp transports with longitudinal partition wall in the food sector
• All Schmitz Cargobull transport refrigeration units optional ePTO ready
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June 2026 – Temperature-controlled transport meets the highest standards of reliability, transparency and operational safety. Whether it's fresh or frozen food, pharmaceuticals or sensitive chemicals, an uninterrupted cold chain, transparent data and a high level of operational reliability are crucial. Schmitz Cargobull offers a coordinated overall system that combines all the relevant components - from the S.KO COOL refrigerated semi-trailer to the S.CU transport refrigeration units, and the TrailerConnect® telematics system - as well as tailor-made service offers for trailers and transport refrigeration units.

Integrated solutions from a single source

The interaction of all components ensures maximum operational reliability, optimum energy efficiency and complete temperature documentation. For transport companies, this means more planning security and lower overall costs in operation. With a market share of around 50 per cent, Schmitz Cargobull has been one of the leading manufacturers in the refrigerated semi-trailer segment in Europe for years. Since the introduction of the first transport refrigeration unit S.CU in 2012, more than 40,000 units have been produced. Today, around one in four S.KO COOL refrigerated trailers is delivered with a S.CU transport refrigeration unit. Schmitz Cargobull makes use of a modular system for its transport cooling units, which include diesel-powered and ePTO (Electric Power Take Off) capable options, thus enabling an economic transformation strategy from conventional diesel applications to electric operation. Pure electrically operated transport refrigeration units are used in conjunction with the all-electric S.KOe COOL refrigerated box.

Transport refrigeration unit S.CU dc90: More performance with less consumption

With the S.CU dc90 transport refrigeration unit, Schmitz Cargobull is further improving efficiency, sustainability and future-proofing in temperature-controlled transport. The unit offers up to 6% higher cooling capacity and up to 10% lower fuel consumption compared to the previous model, the S.CU dc85.  In practice, this means a significantly shorter pull-down time; the cargo space is cooled down from +30 °C to -20 °C up to 21 per cent faster, which means time savings of around 30 minutes. This is technically possible thanks to the newly developed, hermetic two-stage reciprocating compressor, the design of which significantly reduces maintenance and repair costs in the refrigeration circuit. In addition, the reduced noise level – especially in partial load operation – leads to noticeably more comfort in the cab.

Schmitz Cargobull is reacting to the stricter EU F-Gas Regulation at an early stage with the introduction of the R454A refrigerant in the S.CU modular system in Europe, thus underlining its commitment to low-emission transport solutions. The refrigerant R454A is a future-proof alternative and has a significantly lower direct Global Warming Potential value. This reduces the CO2 equivalent by 89% compared to the previously used refrigerant R452A.

New transport refrigeration unit, S.CU mt-DualEvap, for multi-temp transport with longitudinal partition wall

For urban food and distribution transport, Schmitz Cargobull offers an economical solution for longitudinally divided multi-chamber operation with the S.CU mt-DualEvap. Two temperature zones can be implemented longitudinally in the trailer – without an additional ceiling evaporator. This preserves the full interior height. The S.CU dc90 mt-DualEvap supports longitudinal partitions with predefined transverse partition options from 830mm to 1,250mm, thus enabling the trailer to be precisely adapted to different routes and loads.

Thanks to the final transverse partition wall, the sizes of the temperature-controlled chambers can be adjusted according to the load, thus enabling an economically sensible return of empties. In combination with the optimal air flow from Schmitz Cargobull, this means more for the user: flexibility in use and better utilization of the trailer. At the same time, the temperature control remains stable even with frequent door openings.

S.CU d80: robust, quiet and reliable

The S.CU d80 impresses with its maximum robustness and particularly quiet operation. The durable 4-cylinder diesel engine is low-maintenance and works reliably even with fluctuating fuel quality. Variable speed control, the efficient scroll compressor and a hermetically sealed refrigeration circuit reduce fuel consumption and downtime – a clear advantage in daily food transport. The S.CU d80 is also supplied with the R454A refrigerant in Europe.

Flexible and ready for transformation, all transport refrigeration units are optional ePTO ready ex works

All transport refrigeration units are optionally prepared ex works for an ePTO, and thus also for purely electric operation if an electric semi-trailer tractor is used. The energy comes from the high-voltage battery in the truck, and an additional battery in the trailer is not required. This means maximum flexibility in the mixed fleet, regardless of the tractor type of drive (diesel, electric, etc.), and maximum operational reliability, thanks to the automatic switch from electric to diesel operation. For fleet operators, the transport refrigeration unit S.CU ePTO ready is an economical entry into electrification.

Transport refrigeration units for the US market

With the successful market launch of its transport refrigeration units in the USA, Schmitz Cargobull is setting an important milestone in its international growth strategy. With the joint venture Cargobull North America, the company is expanding its presence in North America and tapping into new potential in the temperature-controlled transport segment.

The combination of Schmitz Cargobull's technological expertise in refrigeration units and telematics and the market knowledge of the US market leader Utility Trailer enables the development of suitable solutions for temperature-controlled transport in North America. A key success factor is the modular system, which combines globally uniform components with market-specific requirements.