Mack Introduces Multi-Function Navigational Radio

The Navion R5000 navigational radio, available as an option on Mack Pinnacle and Granite Series trucks, integrates up to six separate functions, including safety-related devices, vehicle information and entertainment.

The navigational radio fits into a standard in-dash radio slot and features a 7-inch color LCD screen and large controls designed for easy use.

The unit features AM/FM/weather band radio, CD, digital audio inputs for MP3 players, iPods and USB memory devices and a satellite radio controller, with a 200-watt four-channel amplifier.

The unit also displays data from wireless tire-pressure sensors, providing warnings when tire pressure is off and real-time pressure readings for any tire on the truck or trailer. The unit will also display images from remote vision and blind-spot camera systems.

The R5000 is preloaded with street maps for North America and can provide both spoken and visual directions. The unit integrates with the truck's onboard systems to display vehicle performance data, trip information, fuel consumption and other information.

For more information, go to www.mack.com.

McLeod Software Takes Top Marketing Honors

McLeod Software recently received four 2007 Communication Awards from the Transportation Sales & Marketing Association (TSMA) and two 2007 Compass Awards from the Transportation Marketing & Communications Association (TMCA).

"McLeod Software is honored to have received these prestigious awards," said Caroline Lyle, director of marketing for McLeod. "We strive to be on the cutting edge in every area of our business, not just our software, so it is an honor to be recognized for our marketing efforts by these respected awards programs."

McLeod's offerings include enterprise management software products including LoadMaster, PowerBroker and LoadMaster Document Imaging.

For more information, go to www.mcleodsoftware.com

ALK Introduces PC*MILER Web Services

PC*MILER Web Services is a hosted application that provides map data and functionality regardless of a customer's IT infrastructure. ALK says virtually any other platform or operating system is compatible, including UNIX, Java, Perl and others.

The service addresses issues with sharing data across different computer platforms. It allows different applications from different sources to communicate, eliminating time-consuming and costly custom programming.

Access is provided to PC*MILER Web Services through four feature option levels, giving users the flexibility to gain access to the features of choice – Lite, Standard, Premium and Enterprise. The Lite option offers core PC*MILER functionality. The other three full-featured levels provide additional capabilities; for example, street-level routing, truck-specific toll costs and mapping.

ALK also announced an updated PC*MILER|Tolls 21. This update includes Canadian toll data and now integrates the tolls application with PC*MILER 21. The package contains the latest truck-specific costs from toll roads, bridges, tunnels and border crossings across North America. It includes information from 25 toll programs.

PC*MILER|Tolls 21 users will receive quarterly updates to keep all truck-specific toll data current.

For more information, visit www.alk.com.

SkyBitz Receives UL 913 Compliance

SkyBitz, a provider of trailer tracking technology was recently awarded the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 913 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus Compliance for its signature GLS 210 trailer tracking hardware.

This certification is the highest qualification necessary to track dangerous shipments that have ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors or liquids over road, rail or barge.

In addition to the UL 913 compliance, SkyBitz also holds the Department of Defense (DoD) Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) certification for transporting DoD munitions and ordnance. The HERO certification acknowledges that the SkyBitz hardware has been stringently tested and proven safe around electrically initiated devices (EIDs).

In other news, SkyBitz said that Averitt Express had selected the company's GLS-based trailer tracking technology for the fleet's 4,000 trailers.

For additional information, visit www.skybitz.com.

TripMaster Parent Merges with Matrix Vehicle Tracking

Control Instruments has signed an agreement to merge its fleet management interests with Matrix Vehicle Tracking Limited. This includes CI OmniBridge, CI OmniBridge's U.S.-based business Tripmaster Corp. as well as the recently acquired Datatrak and Siemens VDO Fleet Telematics businesses in the U.K.

CI OmniBridge is focused primarily on commercial vehicle fleet management and Matrix on consumer vehicle tracking and personal safety. The merged entity will enjoy a combined base of in excess of 165,000 subscribers, a global installed base of over 450,000 vehicles and a distribution network in more than 40 countries worldwide.

For more information, go to www.tripmaster.com.

PeopleNet and Magtec Announce Partnership

PeopleNet mobile communication systems will be compatible with Magtec Products truck security systems under an agreement announced by the two companies in July. The companies will integrate Magtec's M5K system with PeopleNet's g3 onboard computing and mobile communication system so PeopleNet customers can access Magtec functions through their PeopleNet web page interface.

MAGTEC authentication helps prevent truck theft, even when the driver leaves a truck running. Magtec's M5K system requires drivers to enter a personal authentication code on a numerical keypad prior to moving the vehicle. The system knows when a truck is left idling and will require the driver to re-enter the code before it will move.

M5K enables managers to set idling time limits, something increasingly mandated by various local and regional governments. Managers can also disable the system for set periods of time to accommodate vehicle maintenance and repairs.

Authentication codes, idling times, disablement and other system parameters can be changed remotely, over the air, without input from the driver. After integration, PeopleNet customers who use MAGTEC will be able to make those changes from their web-based PeopleNet screen on any Internet-connected computer.

For more information, go to www.magtecproducts.com or www.peoplenetonline.com.