PRINCETON, N.J. — Nextel Communications Inc, ALK Technologies and Motorola Inc. have announced the launch of ALK’s PC*MILER|Mobile, a service that provides spoken turn-by-turn, street-level, truck-specific routing information.

The service also provides fleets and customers a real-time view of truck and shipment locations – delivering a cost-effective tool to improve operational efficiency. Drivers can now access truck-legal directions through the same select Nextel handsets they use for calls, Direct Connect walkie-talkie communication and messaging. These Java- and assisted GPS-enabled phones also can provide fleet managers with truck location, speed and heading information on a secure Web site.

“PC*MILER|Mobile is the first and only truck-specific navigation product of this kind. It’s a major development in the convergence of transportation technologies and mobile phones,” said Craig Fiander, director, marketing, for ALK Technologies. “PC*MILER|Mobile combines routing and mapping with state-of-the-art communications and off-the-shelf hardware to deliver a solution that will quickly pay for itself in operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction.”

The hands-free service gives the driver spoken turn-by-turn directions on the phone’s speaker and is routed on truck-safe roads and away from low overpasses. Users can also select routes compliant with hazardous materials and 53’/102″ trailer restrictions.

For example, if the driver misses a turn, PC*MILER|Mobile immediately recalculates the route to provide directions from the new location to the selected destination. Destinations can be entered by using the handset keypad, by selecting a previously entered address on the handset, by searching a directory of businesses and other points-of-interest, or by selecting destinations from the Address Book that have been entered by dispatchers on the PC*MILER|Mobile Web site at www.pcmilermobile.com.

PC*MILER|Mobile also includes eight categories of truck-specific points-of-interest, such as truck stops, weigh stations and rest areas.