ALK Technologies, Nextel and Motorola this week announced the launch of ALK’s PC*MILER|Mobile, a break-through service available, with a subscription, on select Nextel Java- and GPS-enabled routing information, such as avoiding roads with height restrictions. The service also provides fleets and customers a real-time view of truck and shipment locations – delivering a cost-effective tool to improve operational efficiency.
The GPS solution is delivered on elect Nextel handsets with Motorola’s VIAMOTO technology. Using ALK’s PC*MILER|Mobile on Nextel Communications’ all-digital network, truck drivers can access truck-legal directions through the same Nextel handsets they use for calls, Direct Connect walkie-talkie communication and messaging. These Java- and assisted GPS-enabled phones also can provide fleet managers with truck location, speed and heading information on a secure web site.
Assisted GPS can also provide 911 emergency operators with a calling handset’s location.
“PC*MILER|Mobile is the first and only truck-specific navigation product of this kind. It’s a major development in the convergence of transportation technologies and mobile phones,” said Craig Fiander, director of marketing, for ALK Technologies. “PC*MILER|Mobile combines routing and mapping with state-of-the-art communications and off-the-shelf hardware to deliver a solution that will quickly pay for itself in operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction.”
PC*MILER|Mobile is easily mounted in the truck cab for completely hands-free operation. A driver will hear spoken turn-by-turn directions on the phone’s speaker and is routed on truck-safe roads and away from low overpasses. Users can also select routes compliant with hazardous materials and 53’/102” trailer restrictions.
If the driver misses a turn, PC*MILER|Mobile immediately recalculates the route to provide directions from the new location to the selected destination. Destinations can be entered using the handset keypad, by selecting a previously entered address on the handset, by searching a directory of businesses and other points-of-interest, or simply by selecting destinations from the Address Book that have been entered by dispatchers on the PC*MILER|Mobile website at www.pcmilermobile.com. PC*MILER|Mobile also includes eight categories of truck-specific points-of-interest, such as truck stops, weigh stations and rest areas.
“The customer can track their driver, whether in the truck or at a customer location. At the other end, the driver gets truck-specific directions plus all the benefits of a rugged, cost-effective Nextel handset, manufactured by Motorola,” said Mike Bordelon, corporate vice president, Seamless Mobility, Motorola.
ALK’s PC*MILER|Mobile is available to Nextel customers over the Motorola iDEN network. The service currently runs on Motorola i58, i88, i605 and i860 phones. It will soon be available for i355, i265 and i275 models.
To use PC*MILER|Mobile, customers must subscribe to a Nextel voice service plan, have a compatible Java- and GPS-enabled Motorola phone and a Nextel data service plan. ALK’s PC*MILER|Mobile navigation service begins at $25 per month per driver/truck. Volume discounts apply for larger fleets.
For more information on PC MILER|Mobile go to www.alk.com.





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