The 2024 Winners: Diversity and Innovation

The panel of 14 jury members, consisting of leading transportation journalists from various international magazines, selected seven winners from 51 groundbreaking innovations submitted by manufacturers across ten European countries. The winning entries were chosen in seven distinct categories: Body, Chassis, Components, Concept, Environment, Safety, and Smart Trailer. Each of these innovations represents significant advancements in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

A Closer Look at the Winners

The awarded innovations cover a wide range of solutions, from vehicle prototypes and new product launches to digital services and novel components. Each winning entry reflects the current trends and challenges within the trailer industry, and how companies are addressing them through creative engineering and design.

Here are the category winners for 2024:

Category Body: Schmitz Cargobull – S.KOe COOL

Schmitz Cargobull secured the top spot in the Body category with its fully electric refrigerated trailer, S.KOe COOL. This zero-emission cooling system integrates a high-voltage battery, an electric refrigeration unit, and a generator axle to ensure reliable performance under extreme conditions ranging from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius. The system eliminates the need for diesel, making it a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable refrigerated transport.

Category Chassis: Kässbohrer – 12-15 Flexi Curtainsider

Kässbohrer’s 12-15 Flexi Curtainsider, a telescoping curtain-sider trailer, impressed the jury with its versatility. It can extend from 12 to 15 meters, accommodating various regional regulations across Europe. This flexibility allows companies to optimize loading capacity and efficiently switch between long-haul and urban logistics without the need to transfer cargo to smaller trailers.

Category Components: Fliegl – Door Lock „D-Lock“

Fliegl’s D-Lock door stopper won the Components category for its simple yet impactful design. The D-Lock secures rear trailer doors to prevent damage to side tarpaulins during transport and maneuvering, protecting trailer branding and ensuring clear visibility for the driver. The robust, wear-free design increases the durability of the trailer and improves operational safety.

Category Concept: Kögel – Cool Liteshell

Kögel’s Cool Liteshell trailer introduces a world-first lightweight solution using innovative panel technology. The new production method significantly reduces the trailer’s unladen weight, cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without compromising load capacity. This concept aims to balance sustainability and efficiency, making it a noteworthy innovation in the refrigerated transport segment.

Category Environment: Thermo King – A-500e Spectrum AxlePower

Thermo King’s A-500e Spectrum AxlePower took the Environment category by storm. This fully electric, multi-temperature cooling system uses axle-generated energy to power the refrigeration unit. The setup eliminates the need for external charging and offers a fully self-sufficient solution, reducing the total cost of ownership and supporting a smooth transition to emission-free transport.

Category Safety: SDG Modultechnik – Folding Underrun Protection (TKU)

SDG Modultechnik’s Folding and Telescoping Underrun Protection (TKU) is an innovative safety solution that adapts to different container lengths in BDF (demountable) transport systems. It ensures compliance with the stringent European safety regulations (ECE R58.03) and offers easy manual adjustment, providing enhanced protection without compromising operational efficiency.

Category Smart Trailer: Krone – SmartAssistant

Krone’s SmartAssistant redefines trailer management through a user-friendly platform that utilizes QR codes and common messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. By simply scanning a QR code, drivers can quickly report the trailer’s status, making communication seamless without needing additional software or complex registration. This smart solution optimizes fleet operations and enhances transparency across logistics chains.

Award Ceremony at the IAA Transportation in Hannover

The official presentation of the ITA awards took place on September 16, 2024, during the VDA’s “IAA Stars of the Year” gala event at the IAA Transportation fair in Hannover, Germany.

The ITA jury is composed of 14 renowned journalists from leading industry publications across Europe and the United States, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation and fair assessment of the entries. We are proud to be a member of this jury and Christoph Koelbel brought a unique perspective to the evaluation process, considering the distinct needs and trends of the American market. The panel also includes representatives from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Slovenia, Finland, Austria, Turkey, Switzerland, and Romania.

Conclusion: ITA 2024 Sets New Benchmarks

The International Trailer Award 2024 has once again highlighted the diverse and forward-thinking nature of the trailer and bodywork industry. The awarded innovations are not just advancements in technology, but strategic solutions addressing the current and future needs of transport and logistics. As the industry moves towards greater sustainability and efficiency, these innovations pave the way for safer, more eco-friendly, and smarter transportation solutions.