Nextel Communications Inc. announced a new location and routing service targeted at fleet management in conjunction with ALK Technologies and Motorola Inc.
ALK’s PC*Miler|Mobile service, which provides spoken turn-by-turn routing information, is now available on some Nextel Java- and global positioning system-enabled handsets for a subscription. The solution is delivered on Nextel handsets powered by Motorola’s ViaMoto technology.
The solution provides truck drivers with truck-legal directions and provides fleet managers with truck location, speed and heading information on a secure Web site.
The solution can be mounted in the truck cab for hands-free operation.
Using the solution, drivers hear spoken turn-by-turn directions on the phone’s speaker. Directions can be filtered to select truck-safe roads away from low overpasses and to select routes that are compliant with hazardous materials and certain trailer restrictions.
The solution offers several destination input options and provides information on truck-specific points of interest, such as truck stops, weigh stations and rest areas.
The service runs on Motorola i58, i88, i605 and i860 handsets. Service is planned for the i355, i265 and i275 models.
The navigation service starts at $25 per month per driver or truck. The company offers volume discounts for larger fleets.