Increased payload in intermodal transport
September 2024 – The new rail-compatible S.CS MEGA curtainsider semi-trailer offers more payload and combines the volume of a roadworthy vehicle with the benefits of a robust body that can be used for rail transport.
In the European freight transport sector, semi-trailers that are transported by rail often cover long distances across multiple countries. While the use of high-volume semi-trailers is normal for South West Europe or Central Europe, they are slightly more unusual in Northern Europe due to different legal frameworks. For transport companies that are active in these regions and travel in both directions, this remains a constant challenge as they often don’t have a suitable tractor unit with the right fifth wheel height or axle configuration.
With the carefully designed overall concept of the new rail-compatible (or crane-liftable) S.CS MEGA chassis, combined with the Schmitz Cargobull Multi-Ride Height pneumatic suspension and height-adjustable VARIOS body, the S.CS MEGA offers haulage companies a high-volume trailer that can significantly improve the efficiency of their Europe-wide transport strategy.
With the low frame neck height, extended offset area and a corresponding landing gear position, the galvanised chassis can be used for a variety purposes. This means that the S.CS MEGA curtainsider semi-trailer can be used for combined transport across Europe and with electric or three-axle tractor units, while still complying with the various legal requirements.
Schmitz Cargobull has been successively installing its TrailerConnect® telematics system in all semi-trailers as a standard feature ex works since 2018. It offers a number of security functions, such as a new door contact switch for curtainsider semi-trailers. The smart door locking system ensures that freight is protected from unauthorised access, particularly in the semi-trailer’s hard-to-see rear area. This is only available in combination with the Schmitz Cargobull networked TrailerConnect® telematics solution.
Since early 2024, all trailers have been equipped with tyre pressure monitoring sensors as standard and now comply with the UN ECE R 141 standard, which has been in force since July 2024. This standard requires all newly approved semi-trailers to be equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for registering tyre pressures. Schmitz Cargobull’s TPMS monitors the tyre pressure in real time and warns of sudden or gradual loss of pressure or of overpressure.
Auto-location: Automatic assignment of the correct tyre position
With the help of the auto-location function, Schmitz Cargobull TPMS* sensors can be automatically detected and assigned to the relevant wheel position. As a result, the complicated and error-prone teach-in and assignment process is no longer needed. This saves time and money, both for customers and in the workshop. After a spontaneous tyre change or a trip to the workshop, auto-location offers maximum safety and transparency straight away via the TrailerConnect® portal, the status of the tyres and the entire semi-trailer can be easily and conveniently monitored in real time. In the event of abnormalities, alarm messages are issued by e-mail, SMS or app notifications (see also Press release 2024-154).
*The TrailerConnect® TPMS is also technically compatible with the majority of sensors available on the market (in the EU). Only the original Schmitz Cargobull sensors are compliant with UN ECE R 141 for the TPMS including auto-location function.
About Schmitz Cargobull
Schmitz Cargobull is the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods in Europe and a pioneer in digital solutions for trailer services and improved connectivity. The company also manufactures transport refrigeration machines for refrigerated semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight transport. With a comprehensive range of services from financing, spare parts supply, service contracts and telematics solutions to used vehicle trading, Schmitz Cargobull supports its customers in optimising their total cost of ownership (TCO) and digital transformation. Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 in Münsterland, Germany. The family-run company produces around 60,000 vehicles per year with over 6,000 employees and generated a turnover of around 2.4 billion euros in the 2023/24 financial year. The international production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia.
The Schmitz Cargobull press team:
| Anna Stuhlmeier: | +49 2558 81-1340 I anna.stuhlmeier@cargobull.com |
| Andrea Beckonert: | +49 2558 81-1321 I andrea.beckonert@cargobull.com |
| Silke Hesener: | +49 2558 81-1501 I silke.hesener@cargobull.com |
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Image: S.CS MEGA DB
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Press Release: Increased payload in intermodal transport
