It became clear during the discussions at the symposium that such opportunities are far from being fully exploited in practice. “In future, we will make greater use of the opportunity to share certain data with our subcontractors and customers,” said Adrian Pǎtrulescu, Fresh Transport Manager at Yusen Logistics in Romania – a statement that epitomised many of the discussions over the two days.

Around 100 transport professionals from across Europe accepted the invitation to Vreden in mid-March. What united them was their interest in connected transport – and their willingness not only to listen, but also to actively contribute their own experiences and requirements.

Attendees had ample opportunity to engage with participants from across the industry – not only during the breaks, but particularly in the four workshops that formed the heart of the event. These were attended in rotating groups to encourage new conversations. Experts from Schmitz Cargobull introduced each topic before engaging in discussion and an exchange of experiences with the participants.

From the intelligent service platform through supply chain security and refrigeration technology to regulatory developments such as VECTO. The topics were deliberately wide-ranging, but always focused on the same question – how can connectivity and data be used to operate trailers more efficiently, safely and economically?

In the “Secure Supply Chain” workshop, it became clear how the connected trailer becomes an active safety tool: alarm systems, immobilisers and interior monitoring can be controlled via the TrailerConnect® portal and documented for audits – particularly relevant for pharmaceutical and high-value transport. Whether it was electric S.CU refrigeration units or the refurbishment programme for curtainsiders: the focus was always on keeping an eye on total cost of ownership throughout the vehicle’s entire lifespan.

What distinguished the symposium from a traditional product presentation was the explicit aim of bringing customer experiences into the discussion. László Izsó, Key Account Manager at J&S Speed in Hungary, particularly appreciated the opportunity to experience the Schmitz Cargobull Roadmap exclusively and well ahead of the IAA TRANSPORTATION in the autumn: “AI and connectivity are no longer topics of the future,” he said. His company has been using TrailerConnect® from the very start – with the stated aim of always making new technologies available to its own customers at an early stage and optimising its own processes.

Alongside workshops and the concluding panel discussion on the topic of connected transport, the programme deliberately provided space for informal exchange. Mikkel Møller from the procurement department at DSV, Denmark, summed it up: “Apart from the opportunity to speak directly with the experts, the networking aspect of such an event cannot be overstated.”

The Cargobull Trailer Symposium at the Cargobull Event Campus Vreden demonstrated that trailer connectivity is already a reality – and the practical requirements raised by participants at the symposium are setting the direction for the future.