ALK Technologies Updates Routing Software for Trains

October 25, 2011 Alex Woodie

Railroad companies that use ALK Technologies software to route their trains will appreciate the new AutoRouter function available in PC*MILER|Rail 18, which enables companies to avoid or favor certain railroad interchanges.

PC*MILER|Rail is a Windows-based routing, mileage, and mapping application that’s used by many of the largest railroad companies in North America. The software automates many aspects of routing and scheduling railcar deliveries–such as fuel calculations, managing equipment, rail car mileage auditing, carrier selection, rate determination and negotiation, and ad valorem tax reporting.

PC*MILER|Rail has six routing methods, including shortest, practical, fuel surcharge, auto racks, intermodal, and coal/bulk. With Release 18, the software features a new AutoRouter function that gives customers the capability to avoid or favor junction interchanges in their routing calculations. The feature will suggest junctions and railroad connections that match the customers’ preferences.

New capabilities added to the Rail-BatchPro module enables carriers to process large volumes of origin-destination pairs and interline routes with specific origin and destination railroads, the company says.

ALK Technologies has also updated its map of the North American rail network, which covers nearly a quarter million miles of rail line. The company has added 14 new railroads, bringing the total to 743 railroads. The maps have information on than 49,500 active freight stations, nearly 3,750 unique junction interchanges, and many recent track abandonments.

ALK Technologies sells other versions of PC*MILER that provide routing for trucking companies, detailed street mapping, and hazardous materials routing. The software features standard connections to IBM i, Unix, and mainframe servers. For more information, see the company’s website at www.alk.com.