The New Standard of Efficient Transportation In Cold Chain Logistics

"Each year, there is a loss of nearly 30 percent in cold chain logistics due to improper transportation or inadequate equipment."

Cold Chain; is the healthy storage of products at proper and necessarily low temperatures through the process that extends from production to transportation, storage and all the way down to end consumption. Throughout that process, refrigerated vehicles constitute a significant leg of the cold chain system and offer services under cold chain logistics. Each year, there is a loss of nearly 30 percent in cold chain logistics due to improper transportation or inadequate equipment. This means losing over 20 billion TL in economy.

Due to the temperature sensitivity and high risk of spoilage of cold chain logistics products, it is considered to be one of the most special transportation areas. Even the smallest changes in temperatures may significantly affect the shelf life and safety of these products and this directly involves human health and national economy as stated earlier. That's why the vehicles used for the transportation of fresh foodstuffs, fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen products and sensitive pharmaceutical industry products; need to meet various standards.

Schmitz Cargobull's production does not differ for different countries or regions. Schmitz Cargobull sends all of its produced vehicles to all of Europe and around the world, in compliance with all the standards required by the sector. We offer all the advanced and innovative technologies in the Turkish market, at the same standards.

"Our patented FERROPLAST ® panel technology is an important product that prevents heat loss."

The isolation quality of the panels covering the vehicle is the most important indicator of efficient transportation for refrigerated vehicles. Throughout its 126 years of history since its foundation in 1892, Schmitz Cargobull has always been a pioneer of innovations and developments in the trailer sector and therefore, it has developed various patented products. In that sense, the company has made significant contribution to the cold chain logistics sector. Thanks to its patented FERROPLAST ® panels that are equipped with Schmitz Cargobull's own NX17 foam technology, the company can acquire all the necessary certificates for food and pharmaceutical transportation (ATP, HACCP, Pharma, etc.) and meet all sorts of demands of its customers.

As for the details of the properties of our product, it has been technologically improved each year since 1978 and both sides of the panel are covered with a metal coating. For isolated panels, the choice of coating materials is as critical as the isolation material itself and therefore, it affects the thickness of the isolation material, which also consequently affects its heat retention capacity. When you use a metal alloy coating, the surface coating thickness becomes thinner than products covered with other surface coating materials. That thinness results in a thicker isolation material. Therefore, this feature not only reduces the heat transmission coefficient but also increases the interior heat retention capacity.

"Superior insulation, longevity and hygiene - FERROPLAST® panel"

Thanks to its metal layered outer surface, the FERROPLAST® panels are durable against external impacts and prevent any hairline cracks on the surface. As a result, the product maintains its cold air seal throughout its lifetime while minimizing the energy and fuel consumption resulting from the heat loss. Again, thanks to the metal layer, the product ensures steam, humidity and diffusion proofing. It prevents humidity from reaching the isolation material within the panel and ensures that its isolation performance or the vehicle's load capacity can be maintained.  However, products with other surface coatings can sustain hairline cracks, even if they may not be visible at the time of the impact. That has certain disadvantages and negative results. As the hairline cracks absorb moisture in time, it increases the weight of the vehicle. This reduces its isolating properties while increasing the vehicle weight. That causes not just increased fuel consumption but also reduced product weight capacity, which causes a loss of product carrying capacity. In addition, there is also a hygiene aspect of the material. In time, these cracks may absorb moisture or steam and cause formation of microorganisms. As refrigerated vehicles are used to transport products like food and pharmaceuticals that directly affect human health, formation of any microorganisms can have a negative impact. With hygiene given so much priority in cold chain transportation, the HACCP food safety-certified FERROPLAST® is resistant against fast chemical reactions and odourless thanks to its body structure. It has been certified that the material is harmless for food products.

Aside from these features, the box body comes standard with a Code XL load safety certification and it meets the requirements of the ADR EXII (optional ADR EXIII) that is necessary for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods.

"We ensure homogeneous air circulation and efficient refrigeration thank to our circulation panel"

Constant and homogeneous internal air circulation is yet another important aspect that impacts the quality of the transportation performance and reduces the risk of product spoilage. The cold air received from the refrigeration unit is directed to different points inside the vehicle through air ducts that are available on the ceiling of our vehicles as standard. This means that the same temperature cold air can reach the vehicle's front, middle and rear sections. This is an important factor for achieving efficient refrigeration; however, blowing cold air from the ceiling is not enough to ensure proper refrigeration. It is very critical to ensure that the air can be circulated throughout the vehicle without any obstacles.  

Especially refrigerated vehicles are frequently used for pallet transportation and pallets have gaps underneath that ensure air circulation when placed inside the vehicle. The aluminium circulation panel we use on the S.KO Cool refrigerated vehicles as standard, has two features. First of all; this product provides efficient refrigeration as the cold air can circulate throughout the entire cargo without any interruption. The circulation panel that extends all the way down to the base, allows the cold air's circulation underneath the pallets. This helps ensure homogeneous refrigeration, which means that this homogeneous distribution does not just apply for fully loaded (high) pallet cargos but semi pallet cargos as well.

Another feature of our full-size circulation panel is that it protects the front panel and the front panel-mounted refrigeration unit against possible damages that may arise due to possible impacts during load/unload and drive.

"...we use a double lock system on each wing of the vehicles. This feature is offered as standard on our S.KO Cool refrigerated vehicles."

Like I said earlier, the lack of heat loss on the refrigerated vehicles, in other words, the high internal heat retention capacity of the vehicle, is highly important. Therefore; in order to minimize the loss, it is crucial to examine all the sections that may cause heat loss in detail and take necessary measures. For instance, if we look at the rear door, we offer a total of four locks, two lock systems on each wing of our S.KO Cool refrigerated vehicles, as standard.  This is important to maintain the heat. Thanks to this lock system, the Impermeability elements that cover the door can fully press against the rear side of the vehicle body to properly stick and minimize loss of air. Single lock systems are widely used in the Turkish market. Therefore, this standard application at Schmitz Cargobull provides economic benefits to the users.

"Our product can be easily cleaned with pressurised water."

We talked about the importance of hygiene in cold chain transportation and stated the sensitivity of our patented FERROPLAST® panels on this issue. In addition to the panels, the other materials and sections also have an impact on hygiene. We have an aluminium floor as standard on our vehicle. Therefore, it is easy to clean, odourless and doesn't allow any material to stick on the vehicle floor, which is very important. Our product can be easily and swiftly cleaned with pressurised water. In addition to the floor, we have an aluminium system called skirt that protects the side walls and prevent any damage on the side panels during load/unload and driving situations.

"Our vehicle has 5 LED lights on the ceiling."

Illumination also has a crucial place in refrigerated vehicles because due to their structure, these vehicles are light proof. That's why illumination is highly important during load/unload operations. Our vehicle has 5 LEDs on the ceiling which ensure optimum lighting inside the vehicle. These lamps are embedded into the ceiling. Thanks to their dust-repellent and water-proof structure, they also contribute to hygiene. Their low power consumption and longevity are also some of their other important advantages.

"Schmitz Cargobull gives top priority to innovative solutions that reduce the total cost of ownership"

So far, we talked about Schmitz Cargobull's differences in vehicle body. Thanks to the previously stated isolation and air circulation features, the S.KO Cool refrigerated vehicle improves its total cost of ownership (TCO) with its fuel and energy efficiency. The vehicle reduces its costs even more through its other innovative and smart solutions of its chassis and axle group components.

"We ensure longevity and easy maintenance with the hot-dip galvanized, bolt-nut connected MODULOS short chassis technology with"

Thanks to its self-supporting FERROPLAST® box body, the S.KO Cool is assembled on a short chassis and therefore, it doesn't require a full-size chassis like the other vehicles in the market. As a result, it provides maximum internal height (higher loading volume), higher ride height and lighter body weight (more cargo transportation).

Yet another one of Schmitz Cargobull's chassis technologies is its bolt-nut connected MODULOS chassis application. Thanks to the bolt-nut connected MODULOS chassis technology, all the components on the chassis are fixed using bolt and nuts. Compared to a welded chassis, this provides higher rigidity as it doesn't receive any heat treatments. Thanks to the bolt-nut connected chassis, it is easy to rapidly and accurately supply spare parts in case of an emergency. As the chassis comes pre-drilled with installation holes for all sorts of accessories that can be used on the vehicle, things like accessory installation and replacement can be conducted smoothly and rapidly.

At the beginning of our conversation, I stated that Schmitz Cargobull is the leader of innovations and developments in the trailer sector and that it has made significant investments in that regard. The features we've previously indicated have already proved that; however, these are not enough for Schmitz Cargobull. Again, thanks to Schmitz Cargobull's exclusive hot-dip galvanized chassis technology, the vehicle's galvanized components are under 10 years of warranty against corrosion and rust. Galvanize coating thickness is generally between 60-80 μm and depending on where the vehicle is used, this coating wears by 2 – 3 μm each year on average. As you can see, this actually provides over 10 years of durability; however, we give a 10-year warranty as standard. Thanks to the hot-dip galvanization method, the material and the zinc forms a metallurgical bond and it penetrates into the metal. Therefore, it provides the maximum possible protection against corrosion and external damages do not cause rust. The electrolytic processes of this self-healing technology ensure protection even when damaged; which indicates that it is protected against corrosion without requiring any maintenance.

"ROTOS® axle group with 6 year / 1.000.000 km of warranty"

As refrigerated vehicles approach towards a ramp when they are loading and unloading, the vehicle mustn't sustain any damage. Our ramp leaning mountings and integrated door hinge overall protection mountings prevent any damage to not just the rear frame of the vehicle but also the doors.

In addition, a forklift must swiftly and effectively load the pallets. Again, Schmitz Cargobull's patented ROTOS® axle group can be adjusted to different ride heights with the improved air suspension adjustment range provided by its MRH (multi-ride height) suspension feature. This provides flexible trailer height adjustment according to the load/unload ramp. As soon as the vehicle approaches the ramp, it has to be level with the ground to ensure that the forklift can pass through. Unfortunately, load/unload ramp heights can be different in our country. Therefore, there can be problems with the forklift's entrance and exit into the vehicle if there is an elevation difference with that ramp. This makes it harder to operate. Thanks to the ROTOS® axle group, we have eliminated this problem.

Yet another highly crucial feature of the ROTOS® axle group is its operation at low temperature levels according to the smart and optimum air circulation, which is under 100 °C.  This increases not only the disk brake service lifetime but also the braking power which directly affects safe driving. ROTOS® axle provides better handling/increased driving safety due to the precise axial treatment of the axle shaft. The axle is covered by a 6 year/1.000.000 km warranty.

Talking about other standard features of the Schmitz Cargobull would clearly show why Schmitz Cargobull is the most popular brand in the refrigerated vehicle markets across Turkey and Europe.

We offer the ventilation windows on the rear door and front panel as standard on all our vehicles. These windows allow ventilation of the inside of the vehicle, which eliminates problems like odour when our customers carry different products. In addition, the window also helps evacuate the humidity inside the vehicle or gasses resulting from the ripening of fruits during transportation.

In order to protect the body, the rear door frame should be impermeably and durably combined with the base plate. Vibrations caused by constant entry of a forklift may cause these connections to loosen in time. S.KO Cool refrigerated vehicle provides a much wider floor edge and it has very finely lined connections. This finer treatment prevents any loose connections. In addition, we use a special sealing elements on the same component to minimize the loss of heat.

Yet another solution we've produced to provide protection against impacts is located on the front side of the vehicle. The vehicle's configuration with the tractor truck is highly crucial. There mustn't be any damages while pairing. The friction plate of the S.KO Cool refrigerated vehicle located where the trailer pairs with the tractor truck, has been extended to cover the front sides and has a 45° angle. This reduces the impact force when the tractor truck pairs with the trailer and if the tractor truck's 5th wheel is a bit high; this angle allows the tractor truck's 5th wheel to slide underneath the trailer and prevent the body from sustaining damage.  Therefore, it increases manoeuvrability for the driver.

In addition to that, the fuel economy provided by the lightweight and the vehicle's operational facilities also make things more comfortable for the driver.

"Solutions for every need"

Aside from all of these standard features, we also offer different equipment options according to the demands and needs of our customers. We have equipment for all sorts of requirements like the flexible use load safety rails inside the body, double decker systems, transportation of different temperature products on the same vehicle using partitions, side doors etc.

"You can transport frozen food products at the front side at -18 degrees while carrying higher temperature products at the rear with our partitioned product"

When our customers want to transport different product groups, they make such demands. For example; you can transport frozen food products at the front side at -18 degrees while carrying higher temperature products at the rear with our partitioned product. What makes it possible is our sliding, roof-mounted partition wall that can be adjusted to any position required. Our customer can load a colder product at the front side where the refrigeration unit is located and transport the other product in the rear compartment. Due to the sensitivity of transporting these products, it is crucial not to have any heat transfer between the two compartments. At this point, Schmitz Cargobull has solved this problem with its solution. Thanks to Schmitz Cargobull's special mechanism, our partition walls press the sealing elements located on the partition wall, tightly into the side walls and completely cut off the air flow between the two compartments.

Yet another important thing to consider for partitioned transportation is providing a side door that would ensure flexible load/unload. As the partition wall closes off the vehicle, the customer needs to plan the logistics very well. For example, we offer a side door option if the vehicle is loaded from the rear but has to be unloaded from the front side.

As our customers transport various product groups, they demand numerous features to have that level of flexibility for their transports. Double decker system is one of such demands. Like I stated earlier, every inch of area and every bit of volume is very crucial in cold chain logistics with pallets.  This feature ensures transportation of more loads and helps load more pallets. Therefore, the double decker system gives our customers very significant economic benefits according to their load preferences.

As you know, load safety is highly important in Europe and there are very serious sanctions regarding it. So accordingly, Schmitz Cargobull offers different load safety systems that vary according to the cargo's features and loading methods.

As we can call meat and flower transportation as special transportation areas and these are also within the context of refrigerated vehicles. And we have solutions just for such requirements.

"Schmitz Cargobull began producing its refrigeration unit as well."

Schmitz Cargobull began producing its refrigeration unit as well and there is a significant level of demand for it in Europe.  This will help you receive the refrigerated vehicle and the refrigeration unit together from a single company. So, you will take care of everything from a single company. We offer this as a package deal in Europe. The package includes the refrigeration unit, Telematics service and the long-term maintenance of the vehicle and the refrigeration unit. This package provides significant advantage for the users and makes Schmitz Cargobull their sole respondent. We will introduce the same package content in Turkey as soon as we complete the necessary infrastructure.

"TrailerConnect® Telematics is a Schmitz Cargobull product."

Telematics is a part of a series of value added services we offer at Schmitz Cargobull that include finance, second hand, spare parts and service shop services. TrailerConnect® Telematics is a Schmitz Cargobull product. Currently we're not offering it in Turkey. We have a Telematics system on our European vehicles. The telematics system used on refrigerated vehicles transmit various data to its users; it offers data services like the open/closed state of the rear door, real time location of the vehicle, malfunctions of the refrigeration unit, fuel consumption, brake pad status, tonnage of the load, covered distance, temperature values and tractor truck pairing. In addition, you can use these features remotely through the beSmart Apps application. There are also new smart solutions about Schmitz Cargobull's telematics and refrigeration systems and we will share these innovations with our customers at the IAA fair.

While we're on the subject, we should also talk about one of Schmitz Cargobull's biggest advantages, its service network. There are nearly 2 thousand service points across Europe. We have 15 service points in Turkey. We have our own spare part warehouse and service shop at our factory. As our vehicles are manufactured with a modular system, their parts are pre-determined. We can immediately supply and replace in case of any damage or replacement.

The disruption of cold chain in transportation poses significant negative affects to economy and human health.  In order to prevent such disruptions, our vehicles meet the requirements of the ATP certification for transportation of foodstuffs and the PHARMA certification for transportation of pharmaceuticals.

Certain things are a bit behind in Turkey. In 2012, Turkey became a part of the Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be Used for such Carriage that has already been in force in Europe since the 1970s. However, the agreement did not even come into effect in our country until 2017.

Likewise, the pharmaceutical transportation certification PHARMA is also a bit behind. In addition to food, pharmaceuticals are the most essential and most sensitive product group among logistics services. Refrigerated vehicles that will be used for the transportation of pharmaceuticals must be manufactured according to the European Union and World Health Organization's GDP (good distribution practice) protocol. Our country is a signatory of this protocol; however, we have some drawbacks.

The spoilage in logistics can be said for the transportation of pharmaceuticals as well.  Due to incorrect delivery, cold chain is broken for 20 percent of the vaccines. 30 percent of all the disposals at pharmaceutical companies are due to the deficiencies in logistics procedures. These are the data from Parenteral Drug Association and World Health Organization.

As a result; this clearly shows the importance of manufacturing the vehicles used for transporting such sensitive products according to certain standards. Being market leader by several lengths, shows how much Schmitz Cargobull is accepted in the cold chain logistics sector and how our customers trust in SCB's compliance with the necessary standards and regulations in the transportation of food and pharmaceuticals.