NAVTEQ, a Chicago-based provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, has released a new data set, specifically tailored for the trucking industry.

The data provides truck access restriction and recommended truck route information linked to the NAVTEQ map of North America.
This data enables transportation and logistics solution providers that leverage NAVTEQ maps to enhance routing solutions, multi-vehicle optimization applications and truck navigation products. The first version of this data set is available with the Q3 2005 release of the NAVTEQ map of North America.
The NAVTEQ North American truck attribute data provides both restriction and recommended route information. The restriction attributes include legal, height, weight, length and width specific information for segments of roadway.
The data set also offers Surface Transportation Assistant Act (STAA) routes: Federal Highway Administration designated highway networks that can best accommodate truck traffic. State designated truck routes for 12 states (Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia) are also included in the product. These two types of information will allow solution providers to develop more 'informed' routes, optimized for fleets.
The use of NAVTEQ North American truck attributes in conjunction with the NAVTEQ map has the potential to deliver multiple benefits to solution providers including: cost savings (less damage to trucks and gas used due to detours); improved safety (fewer accidents involving bridges and overpasses); and planning efficiencies (specifically better 'last five mile' route calculation.)