A transportation refrigeration system (100, 200, 300) includes a refrigeration system component (110), a linear generator (104, 202, 310) electrically connected to the refrigeration system component (110), and a linkage (142, 214). The linkage (142, 214) is operably connected to the linear generator (104, 202, 310) to convert movement of the transportation refrigeration system (100, 200, 300) into electrical power for communication to the refrigeration system component (110). An electric transportation refrigeration system used to cool a trailer box are also described.