Aerodynamic cargo transport

Since Schmitz Cargobull launched the EcoGeneration range in early 2021, the aerodynamic curtainsider semi-trailers have become a real success story. Amid the high fuel prices and the need to reduce carbon emissions, transport and logistics companies require practical vehicles and technical solutions that help them to reduce consumption in their fleets and decrease their environmental footprint. With the aerodynamic curtainsiders from the EcoGeneration range, Schmitz Cargobull offers an innovative and sustainable trailer concept, which is both kind to the environment and reduces costs for the transport sector.

At the 2023 transport logistic trade fair, Schmitz Cargobull is showcasing the S.CS EcoVARIOS curtainsider semi-trailer. It will demonstrate how transport companies can use the aerodynamic EcoGeneration curtainsiders – EcoFIX, EcoFLEX and EcoVARIOS – to create sustainable transport processes.

The S.CS EcoFLEX is equipped with an adjustable rear, whose aerodynamic setting is 50 cm lower than the standard setting and reduces turbulence behind the semi-trailer. In the volume position, the full capacity of the load compartment can be used and, when extended to the maximum position, the trailer has an internal height of 2.7 m. In the rear position, the height of the side tarpaulin can be adjusted. The S.CS EcoFLEX is ideal for general cargo and beverage transport. To create the perfect package, it can be combined with the POWER CURTAIN, which is completely free of support laths. The POWER CURTAIN impresses with its simple and safe handling and saves time during day-to-day transport tasks.

The S.CS EcoVARIOS offers an internal height of 3 m and a total height of 4 m. It is particularly well-suited to high-volume and automotive transport jobs where three pallet cages have to be transported on top of one another, for instance. Both the front and rear sections of the body can be flexibly adjusted.

The aerodynamic trailers reduce drag, thus lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions. In practice, users have been able to achieve savings of way above 5%. This concept offers high savings potential, particularly for payload-intensive goods. The lifting function for the rear enables the trailer to be raised easily if the entire cargo area is required. And this is achieved without any significant change in trailer functionalities, transport performance and the usual handling. The effectiveness of the aerodynamic body in providing excellent sustainability through maximum fuel savings does not come at the cost of expensive, easily damaged attachments.

Telematics system detects changes in height

Thanks to the built-in TrailerConnect® telematics system, users enjoy more transparency in their fleet/trailer data. This improves the utilisation of trailer capacity and reduces the number of empty journeys. Another benefit is that the telematics system is able to monitor the height of the trailer – sensors can detect whether the roof is raised or set to aerodynamic mode. This reveals specific ways that trailer use can be optimised.

EcoPack – Aerodynamic storage box for even greater fuel savings

Both the S.CS EcoFLEX and the S.CS EcoVARIOS can now be equipped with a new aerodynamic storage box, known as the EcoPack – a feature currently available exclusively from Schmitz Cargobull. Thanks to the optimised air flow resulting from the special aerodynamic design, this box not only contributes to further fuel savings, but also offers even more storage space, especially for spare wheels. In practical tests, savings of up to 3% have been achieved. As well as the aerodynamic benefits, the EcoPack also impresses with its low unladen weight and quick, easy handling.

Improved interior lighting for added occupational safety

Another new feature is the semi-trailer’s interior lighting. The LED lights offer increased brightness and therefore improve safety during loading and unloading.