Between version releases of PC*MILER, software patches are periodically made available to fix any issues noted by customers or detected by our internal technical teams. PC*MILER patches are cumulative, meaning they include items from previous releases of the same type and for the version identified. PC*MILER 37 was originally released in June 2023.


In this article:


In This Release

Version No: 37.1.10.0

PC*MILER 37 software patch updates options for routing trucks with 53-foot trailers

With this software patch, PC*MILER 37 users now have two ways to generate routes for trucks with 53-foot trailers, including an additional option that creates more direct routes by taking advantage of state exemptions to the U.S. National Network. This option reflects a reduction in enforcement of the U.S. National Network and State Extensions in many states. 


The two options are:

  1. (Recommended) Set the truck’s Length to 53 ft. in Vehicle Dimensions or select the Heavy Duty Semitrailer vehicle routing profile before running a route. With this option, the routing algorithm takes into account state-by-state exemptions to the requirement that 53-foot trailers adhere to the National Network. This option was introduced in the June release of PC*MILER 37, and it produces more direct and sometimes shorter routes that are safe and legal.
  2. Select State + National Network as one of your routing options. With this option, the routing algorithm always adheres to the National Network and does not take advantage of the state exemptions. This matches the behavior of PC*MILER 36 and lower. It was added in this patch release and not available in the June release of PC*MILER 37. It resolves some differences users may have seen in mileage calculations between PC*MILER 36 and 37, when using the National Network setting alone, without entering the vehicle’s length.


Who should install this patch?

We recommend all customers install this patch for consistency, whether or not you have used the State + National Network setting in past versions to route 53-foot trailers. 


What will this patch change?

The patch ensures that when the State + National Network setting is selected, truck routes will obey U.S. National Network rules for 53-foot trailers—regardless of whether the vehicle’s length is set to 53 feet.


What is enhanced 53-foot routing?

The PC*MILER 37 routing algorithm takes into account state-by-state exemptions to the requirement that 53-foot trailers be routed along the National Network. This produces more direct routes that are safe and legal.


Can we still use the enhanced 53-foot routing after installing the patch?

Yes, but you must also either set the truck’s Length to 53 ft. in Vehicle Dimensions or select the Heavy Duty Semitrailer vehicle routing profile. (See instructions below.)


What is the best way to set vehicle dimensions and options? 

In most cases, we recommend selecting a preset (default) vehicle routing profile before creating a route. Preset profiles are based on the dimensions of the most common types of commercial vehicles, and they have been thoroughly tested with PC*MILER map data. 


You can also edit the settings in a preset profile to create a custom profile based on your fleet’s needs.  


How to route 53-foot trailers in PC*MILER 

These steps should be taken if you are able to change the routing profile and vehicle dimensions, and you want to take advantage of enhanced 53-foot routing in PC*MILER 37.


PC*MILER user interface

Option 1: In a route window, select the Heavy Duty Semitrailer routing profile from the drop-down. This profile automatically sets the vehicle dimensions to 53 feet x 102 inches.


Option 2:  Under Route Options > Vehicle Dimensions, set the Length to 53 ft and Width to 102 inches. Select Save to finish.


PC*MILER Connect Windows DLL

PC*MILER Connect is coded into other applications, and it is often not possible to change vehicle dimensions or routing profiles. If you can change those settings in the code, there are two APIs you can use to apply 53-foot routing:

  • PCMSSetVehicleConfig sets vehicle dimensions. To set a 53-foot trailer, the API call would be: 
    • PCMSSetVehicleConfig(trip, 0, 0, 120, 102, 53, 100000, 5, 0)
  • PCMSSetRoutingProfileName sets a specific routing profile. To set a 53-foot trailer, the API call would be: 
    • PCMSSetRoutingProfileName( tripID, Heavy Duty Semitrailer)


How to Install the Update

PC*MILER is equipped with a web-based update tool to facilitate the download and installation of software patches and updates. To access this feature, use the following steps:

  1. Close all open instances of PC*MILER and its connectivity products. If a third-party program that accesses any PC*MILER component is running (for example, PC*MILER Connect), it must be closed before updating. 
  2. Confirm the computer has an active Internet connection.
  3. Open PC*MILER again, then select Help > Check for Updates. After a few moments, the PC*MILER Updater window is displayed. The Updater first checks for valid license information and then begins checking for available updates.
  4. If no updates are listed in the Available Updates window, PC*MILER is up to date. Stop here and close the Updater window.
  5. If updates are listed in the Available Updates window, use the remaining steps below to update PC*MILER.
  6. In the Download & Install drop-down menu next to each available update, select either Download & Install to download and install right away, or Download to download now and install later. Selecting either option will begin the download process. The progress of the download will be displayed in a progress bar.
  7. If Download & Install was chosen, the InstallShield Wizard will open when the download is finished. Follow the instructions to complete the installation. After installing, the update is listed under “Installed Updates” in the Updater window.
  8. If Download was chosen, the button to the right will read, “Install” when the download is finished. The installation can be completed as described above at any time in the future by opening the Updater window and clicking Install.
  9. Check to make sure the update installed properly. Select Help > About… and look for the Software Version number under “This Product is Licensed To”. It should match what you downloaded.