Utility Trailer and Cargobull North America announced innovations to their ultra-low emission transport refrigeration units (TRUs). These enhancements include a newly designed TRU with microchannel condenser and the introduction of the Load-Dividing Bulkhead as a new option.

Utiliity and Cargobull announced last year that the two companies would be collaborating on new trailer technologies for the North American market.

The announcement came at a joint press conference held by Utility Trailer and Cargobull North America at the 2025 TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville on March 11.

High-Efficiency Microchannel Condenser 

According to Jeff Bennett, CEO, Utility Trailer, the “cutting-edge” microchannel condenser is set to further enhance efficiency, increase output, and boost overall performance of the 625 and 655MT Hybrid TRUs.

Building on that theme, Andreas Schmitz, president and CEO of Cargobull North America, said that the new microchannel condenser features a more compact design.

This makes it easier to integrate into the TRUs. And it allows for improved airflow, Schmitz noted. 

Despite its size, Schmitz said the new microchannel condenser improves heat transfer and increases the already-high cooling capacity.

With Cargobull’s variable-speed engine control, Schmitz said the TRU maintains optimal thermal performance at all times.

“Our microchannel condenser offers better thermal efficiency, ensuring optimal cooling capacity even in elevated ambient temperatures,” Schmitz added. “At high outside temperatures, the condenser maintains reliable performance, crucial for consistent refrigeration. By reducing the refrigerant charge by 3 pounds, we enhance sustainability and lower both upfront and replacement costs.”

The Cargobull 625 and 655MT TRUs are both California Air Resources Board-certified as ULETRU (ultra-low-emissions TRU) Evergreen units. Featuring additional hybrid shore power as a standard feature, these revolutionary TRUs are exclusively available on Utility Trailer 3000R reefers.

Flexible Temperature Management Zones

Schmitz said the latest option for Utility’s 3000R multi-temp reefer is a new Load-Dividing Bulkhead. 

This is a moveable, track-mounted bulkhead that Schmitz said enhances energy efficiency and allows flexible temperature management by enabling different compartments with varying temperatures and volume capacities. 

The unit’s efficient sealing system forms an airtight seal, preserving optimal temperatures within compartments. This feature significantly reduces air flow and thermal transfer between compartments, optimizing thermal efficiency for partial loads. 

“The partition wall is designed to be strong and reliable, eliminating the need for a mattress partition. It is easy to operate, with no shrinking during up and down movement,” Schmitz said. “The wall features automatic pressure equalization through the retraction of side and bottom seals when opening and is operated by a central locking lever. Additionally, it includes an angle-dependent brake for one-hand operation and automatically locks in the parking position, whether the wall is in the upper or lower position.”

In a conversation with HDT after the press conference, Bennett said Utility Trailer and Cargobull North America will continue to expand and enhance their product offerings in North America. 

The companies stand apart as refrigerated transport leaders through substantial performance benefits, environmental impacts, and significant cost-savings, Bennet said. 

And Bennett said he believes that together, Utility and Cargobull will be able to offer North American fleets more technology options for TRUs in the future.