System provides System from Visteon Corp. combines CD-ROM maps with GPS (global positioning system), a gyroscope, and dead-reckoning technology to provide digital maps with turn-by-turn directions on a dash-mounted color display, as well as spoken directions.
The system calculates the quickest route to any destination in the U.S. when provided with a street address, intersection, point of interest, or Interstate exit. The display shows road names, vehicle route indicators, and other cartographic features as well as the vehicle's current location within 10 meters. If a driver digital maps and talks, too
The NavMate Navigation misses a turn, it will automatically recalculate the route, according to the company.
Maps for the entire continental U.S. are available on three CDs. The suggested retail price for NavMate is $1,799 with one CD. Additional map CDs are $150 each.
One of the first business tools developed by the new Nextel Online wireless Internet service is a subscription-based dispatch application for regional, construction, and field-service fleets.
Nextel Online provides immediate Internet access whenever one of its "Plus" model wireless phones is turned on. The integrated portables also provide digital cellular service, digital two-way radio voice communications, and text/numeric paging.
The new wireless dispatch tool, eDispatch, allows fleets to assign and track work orders, as well as get status reports in real time. Service rate plans for the new service start at $39.95 per month per unit, according to Nextel.
The company's wireless Internet service is currently available in 43 major markets that include 750 cities. It is scheduled to be up in all Nextel markets later this year.
Web-based routing and scheduling services from Descartes Systems Group are now available through Teletrac Inc., a provider of regional wireless vehicle tracking and data services. Under a new distribution agreement, Teletrac subscribers will be able to run route optimizations over the Web on a fee-per-transaction basis.
The routing service offers planning for next-day routes using location information provided by the Teletrac system. It is designed for national companies with dispersed operations or smaller fleets with less than 20 vehicles, according to Descartes.
Sea Box Inc. has launched ISOContainers.com, an Internet marketplace for selling intermodal equipment worldwide. The international shipping containers will be available at strategically located sites in over 200 international inland and port cities, according to Sea Box president Jim Brennan Jr.
An agreement with Telcel, Mexico's nationwide cellular carrier, gives Aeris.net seamless North American coverage for its MicroBurst short-packet data messaging service. MicroBurst transmits wireless data over the control channel of cellular telephone systems, providing low-cost service for applications such as trailer tracking.
Pre-paid Load Card from DAT Services provides over-the-road drivers access to the trucking industry's largest real-time load lead list. Available at 877-LOAD-NOW, the $20 card offers six searches, with up to four leads each. The card is rechargeable via major credit cards, ComCheck, EFS, T-Chek, and TIC. Check www.dat.com or call 800-547-5417.
Collision estimates for medium- and heavy-duty trucks can be automated with TruckEst, a new software package from Mitchell International. The estimator is updated quarterly and can store customer information, as well as export data to e-mail systems and other software applications. It also provides a worksheet for parts and materials ordering.
Transportal Network has announced the addition of three key executives. Bob Sneed has been appointed vp-business development; Kevin L. Sullivan has been named director-marketing; and W. Evan Bledsoe is the new operations support services product manager.
