DC Velocity - August 2011

PC-Miler 25: ALK Technologies Inc. has announced enhancements to its PC-Miler routing, mileage, and mapping software. One core enhancement of PC-Miler 25 allows users to specify a route’s departure or arrival date and time to calculate an estimated time of arrival (ETA) at stop-off points or an estimated time of departure (ETD) to help meet delivery schedules. In addition, PC-Miler 25 provides users with real-time traffic maps and traffic forecasts for calculating the best routes, as well as more precise transit times and ETAs.

Through a partnership with Inrix, an international provider of traffic information and driving services, ALK has added real-time and historical traffic speeds to its routing network. Users can see real-time traffic maps as well as access traffic forecasts for more than 1 million miles of roads across the United States and Canada.

PC-Miler 25 also has an expanded capability to calculate toll costs for both heavy and light vehicles. Users can now calculate toll costs based on time of day, vehicle weight, axle configuration, and single or multiple trailer designation. The system can also take into account the 31 discount toll programs in the United States and Canada. ALK has also updated its toll plaza abbreviations for easier toll cost reporting, verification, and auditing.

In addition, the new release includes map tools to create “geofences.” When a route crosses a geofence, PC-Miler 25 either displays a warning in the route itinerary or avoids the geofenced area altogether, depending on user preferences.

PC-Miler 25 integrates nationwide routing improvements, including the verification of truck-designated routing attributes, the realignment of the existing road network to GPS standards, and the addition of newly constructed roads along with their exit interchanges.

With these and other improvements, PC-Miler 25 includes nearly 220,000 new and updated truck restrictions and allowances in addition to more than 3. 74 million road-specif-ic attributes that affect truck travel. These include height, length, width, and weight restrictions and allowances. ALK has further enhanced the system so that it includes 53-foot trailer and state oversized routing restrictions. 2011 U.S. ZIP and Canadian Postal Codes as well as over 28,300 Mexican Postal Codes are now included in the database.

PC-Miler runs on Microsoft Windows, UNIX, and Linux platforms as well as IBM AS/400 and mainframe computers. (ALK Technologies, www.pcmiler.com)

PWT15 and PWT18 walkie stackers: Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has introduced the PWT15 and PWT18 heavy-duty electric walkie stackers. The new models feature an AC-powered drive motor and electric power steering option, giving operators precise control when traveling at any speed.

Several features help extend the new vehicles’ battery life and increase efficiency. The stackers can be easily powered-up by using a key or an optional keyless access pad. An optional auto-shutdown feature powers down the walkie stackers after a set amount of time of inactivity, which conserves energy and allows for more run time. The advanced regenerative braking system also enhances efficiency and control by smoothing out directional changes and reducing brake pad and component wear.

The forklifts’ AC-powered drive motor features a brushless design that significantly diminishes noise levels and improves operating efficiency. The electrical system’s emphasis on power and efficiency makes the vehicles suited for repetitive stacking applications where travel distances are relatively minimal, such as storage and staging areas, skid, cart, or work-table applications.

The new walkie stackers are equipped with both pinwheel and crawl speed functions. The pinwheel function allows the operator to pinwheel the forklift with the handle in a completely vertical position while pressing the crawl speed button. This function also provides better utilization of space and helps increase productivity, says Mitsubishi.

The walkie stackers offer features geared toward operator security as well. The emergency reverse button will stop and reverse movement of the stacker if the operator is traveling in the forward direction and gets caught in close quarters. (Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, www.mit-lift.com)