Rand McNally, the world's premier provider of mapping, routing and travel solutions, released the new 2003 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas with expanded information on hazardous materials regulations. The extra information is a response to recent security concerns affecting the commercial transportation industry.

In the new 2003 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas, the hazardous materials (hazmat) section highlights and explains regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Special Programs Administration and Office of Hazardous Materials Safety. The section is expanded to three pages in a re-designed, easy-to-read format. The new information covers:
· Registration
· Training
· Classification of materials
· Shipping papers
· Labeling and marking requirements, including new placard images
· Spill procedures and reporting
· Hazmat resources, with telephone numbers and Web sites

"We work hand-in-glove with truck drivers to understand their need for accuracy and efficiency on the road," said Michael K. Hehir, president and CEO of Rand McNally. "Due to heightened security concerns, it was vital to include more security and Hazmat information in the 2003 edition."

Other features in the atlas include a new fuel tax rate chart. A U.S. state and Canadian province contact directory has been put into an easy to read chart as well, featuring information on vehicle registration, operating authorities, state police, overweight and oversized loads, and radioactive materials.

The web site www.mcra.randmcnally.com has more details on Hazmat resources, plus fuel tax updates from the International Fuel Tax Association, current road construction, federal agencies requirements, federal bridge gross weight formula and area code maps.

Beyond the new security related material, the 2003 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas includes thousands of map updates as well as major road changes. Here are some changes in the new edition:
- Arizona: The Scottsdale section of Loop 101 was completed and now the entire Loop 101 is open around Phoenix.

- California: New exit numbers on the maps. California is installing exit numbers on freeway exit signs.

- Florida: Re-numbered exits on highways. Plus the Central Florida Greeneway Loop has been completed around Orlando.

- Michigan: U.S. 27 through central Michigan was re-numbered to U.S. 127.

- New York/New Jersey: The maps have more detail of Newark and the New York City metro area, including lower Manhattan and the boroughs.

For truckers using software products, the map page and locator grid references in the 2003 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas cross-reference Rand McNally RouteTools™ products and MileMaker® and IntelliRoute® software.

Rand McNally offers basic and deluxe versions of the 2003 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas. The basic edition has a suggested retail price of $19.95. The deluxe edition features heavy-duty, laminated pages that enable easy on-page route marking, a stay-flat spiral binding, and has a suggested retail price of $79.95. The 2003 Motor Carrier's Road Atlas is available at major truck stop chains, Rand McNally Map & Travel stores or at www.mcra.randmcnally.com.