PC*Miler Gets Least-Cost Routing Option

June 22, 2010 Alex Woodie

Trucking outfits that use the PC*Miler software from ALK Technologies could be saving a lot of money by using the new “least cost” routing option that debuted this month with the 24th release of the product.

PC*Miler is a suite of routing software that helps truckers and trucking companies operate efficiently. The software includes a database of detailed information about variables on our nation’s roadways that are important to truckers–things like the price of diesel fuel, the location of low bridges, which lanes to drive in, where to avoid paying tolls, and how to navigate city streets.

One of the most promising new features in PC*Miler 24 is the new least-cost routing feature. This feature allows users to generate routes based on custom fuel-efficiency settings, operating cost settings, or other corporate priorities, the company says. This release also gets a greenhouse gas emissions estimator that factors a route’s carbon footprint into routing calculations.

Another exciting new feature is the addition of custom vehicle profiles. Customers can now categorize their fleet based on the type, size, or weight of the vehicles, or other variables, such as its cost per hour to operate or the amount of time a fleet can use it. This feature in PC*Miler 24 makes it easier for planners to gauge which vehicles to use for a given route.

This release also gets more detailed toll information, as well as a way to compare shipping via truck or via intermodal (i.e. train) across a variety of factors, including distance, fuel consumption, and carbon emissions. Thousands of other updates made it into this suite, including trucker allowances, ZIP Codes, and other points of interest to truckers.

PC*MILER integrates directly with i/OS- and Windows-based dispatching software from TMW Systems and other vendors, and runs on i/OS, Unix, Linux, and Windows operating systems. For more information, see www.pcmiler.com.