The first unit in the UK from the production line in Vreden, Germany, has entered service with ambient and chilled logistics giant Fowler Welch.
Fowler Welch, which operates some 250 Schmitz Cargobull trailers, is to operate its new mono-temp trailer between Slough, Northamptonshire and Lancashire, transporting chilled foodstuffs.
"We've used Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated trailers since 2010 and we've always been very impressed with the quality of the product and after-sales support," comments Fowler Welch managing director Nick Hay.
"If [the new refrigeration unit] is anything like the quality of the trailers, we should be very happy."
Apart from the new fridge unit, Fowler Welch's new trailer has been equipped with a PIEK-certified multi-function floor, plus a rear roller compression barrier.
It also has Schmitz Cargobull's TrailerConnect interface, which uses internal temperature sensors and reports trailer conditions to Schmitz's European service centre in Germany – which, in turn, gives early alerts to drivers and transport managers.
"The telemetry is going to be very useful," states Paul Allera, head of fleet for Fowler Welch.
"We can track and trace everything, and it means that Schmitz Cargobull can pre-empt most faults. We're taking this unit for five years but we may well order more after the first 12 months."
As for the new fridge unit, with a compressor that runs on either two or four cylinders and includes variable speed control, it is claimed to offer "excellent" fuel efficiency.
Schmitz also says it "sets new standards" for cooling and heating performance.
Further, it is being produced alongside Schmitz Cargobull's reefer trailer line, meaning operators can now get the whole trailer – from fridge, to running gear, floor, chassis and body – from one manufacturer.
Maintenance will be provided by Schmitz Cargobull's service partner Michael Ward, whose technicians have been factory-trained by Schmitz in Germany.