Utility Trailer and Cargobull North America Announce Major Cooling Technology Enhancement
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company and Cargobull North America have announced a major performance upgrade to their line of ultra-low emission transport refrigeration units (TRUs). Going forward, all newly manufactured TRUs will come equipped with an advanced microchannel condenser and radiator, a significant leap forward in refrigeration efficiency and sustainability.
The new condenser system is now a standard feature on the Cargobull 625 and 655MT Hybrid TRUs, already known for their ultra-low emission performance and compliance with the strict 2030 emissions standards. With this integration, Cargobull is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transport refrigeration without sacrificing performance or reliability.
What Is a Microchannel Condenser—and Why It Matter
At the core of this upgrade is the microchannel condenser, a compact and lightweight component engineered for greater thermal efficiency and durability. Unlike traditional tube-and-fin condensers, the microchannel design uses multiple small flow channels to maximize surface contact between the refrigerant and the air, enhancing heat transfer while reducing energy loss.
This innovation provides several key benefits:
- Improved airflow and optimized system layout
- Reduced refrigerant charge by approximately three pounds (1.3 kg), contributing to sustainability
- Lower cost of initial refrigerant fill and future maintenance
- Simplified integration due to its smaller footprint
- Superior cooling performance, even in high ambient temperatures
“The microchannel condenser boosts thermal efficiency, ensuring our 3000R refrigerated trailers maintain peak cooling performance even in high ambient temperatures,” said Steve Bennett, President & COO at Utility Trailer. “Its ability to perform reliably in extreme conditions is essential for continuous refrigeration.”
Designed for Performance and Sustainabilit
This system upgrade aligns with broader industry trends toward decarbonization and stricter regulatory requirements, particularly in states like California. The Cargobull 625 and 655MT TRUs are already certified as ULETRU (Ultra-Low-Emission Transport Refrigeration Unit) Evergreen models by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
With the addition of microchannel technology, these TRUs now deliver not only compliance but also higher energy efficiency and enhanced cooling performance. The upgrade complements other advanced features such as:
- Variable-speed engine control for optimized fuel use
- Integrated hybrid shore power, allowing units to run electrically while parked or docked, reducing emissions further
- Hybrid technology that reduces engine runtime and improves total lifecycle performance
These features are particularly valuable for long-haul and temperature-sensitive cargo, where maintaining a consistent environment is critical.
Expanded Product Options: Introducing the 620 Hybrid TRU
In addition to the 625 and 655MT models, Cargobull is now offering a new option: the Cargobull 620 Hybrid (Single-Temperature) TRU. While this model doesn’t fully meet ULETRU certification criteria, it still provides strong energy efficiency and performance and can be equipped with embedded shore power as an optional feature.
The 620 Hybrid offers fleet operators a lower-cost alternative for specific applications, without compromising on reliability or efficiency. It expands Cargobull’s product lineup, giving logistics providers greater flexibility to meet both regulatory demands and operational needs.
A Commitment to Innovation in Refrigerated Transport
As Utility Trailer and Cargobull North America continue to expand and evolve their product offerings, they remain leaders in the refrigerated trailer market by prioritizing:
- Advanced engineering and system integration
- Sustainable refrigerant management
- Low-emission technologies
- Operational cost savings for fleets
The companies’ focus on performance-driven innovation is evident in these latest enhancements, which reflect not only the changing demands of the logistics industry but also growing environmental responsibilities.
By equipping their TRUs with microchannel condensers, Utility and Cargobull are helping to ensure that refrigerated transport fleets remain efficient, regulatory-compliant, and future-ready in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.
ABOUT CARGOBULL NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Cargobull North America LLC (CBNA) is a joint venture between Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company LLC and Schmitz Cargobull. CBNA offers advanced transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and telematics solutions to the North American market. Designed by Schmitz Cargobull and exclusively distributed by Utility Trailer, these products aim to enhance sustainability, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction.
CBNA currently provides two ultra-low emission TRU hybrid models, the 625 Hybrid for mono-temp and the 655MT Hybrid for multi-temp operations, as well as the high-efficiency 620 Hybrid for mono-temp. The UTILITY TrailerConnect telematics systems are integrated with Utility’s 3000R refrigerated trailers with Cargobull TRU and compatible with other models. CBNA has an extensive dealer network that includes over 130 Utility dealers and more than 700 Aurora Parts dealers across North America
