Do Truckers Still Use CB Radios?

How Are CB Radios Used Today?

In today’s world, most semi-trucks will have a built-in navigation system that allows drivers to find their destination or location quickly. If this fails, then drivers can fall back to their smartphones for GPS tracking.

CB radios are now used as a backup device. When cell coverage is spotty or the navigation system goes out, the CB radio can be used to check with other drivers or locals in the area. Even more so, we see truckers tuning into their CB radio when traffic stops either due to a lane closure or a major traffic accident.

Many times, when an accident occurs, it is not always found on social media, maps, or other navigation systems. This holds even more true if the accident just occurred, emergency services are on their way, and traffic is beginning to pile up.

Checking in on the CB radio will give drivers a firsthand account of what is occurring as well as determining alternative routes. Even if it is just a simple heads up on the radio to get off the interstate and take a detour to avoid a wreck, it can really save a driver who is already running on a tight schedule.

Apart from traffic accidents and lane closures, CB radios are also used during inclement weather such as blizzards, ice storms, severe thunderstorms, or significant windspeed. Weather it's driving in winter or hurricane season, having the knowledge of the weather ahead of time will allow drivers to plan and adapt accordingly.

It is because of these situations that you will notice most CB radio channels are quiet – Until something occurs such as a traffic event or weather event. This is why so many refer to CB radio nowadays as the "backup radio."

If you are driving through clear skies on an empty interstate with little to no traffic, then chances are you may not hear much on your CB. You may hear from a local hobbyist, perhaps some chatter from an oversized load and its pilot vehicles, or even about a small dump or quarry fleet nearby.

What Channels Do Truckers Use on CB Radios?

27 MHz frequency CB radios have 40 different channels to select from. However, not all of them are widely used. If you are a driver and looking to get in touch with others, then the suggested channels are below:

• Channel 19 – Information on highway traffic and overall trucker chatter for those on east and westbound roads.

• Channel 17 – Information on highway traffic and overall trucker chatter for those on north and southbound roads.

• Channel 10 – Open to everyone, used for regional roads mostly.

• Channel 9 – Emergency Communications

Do Fleets and States Allow CB Radios?

There have been discussions from some trucking companies to ban the usage of CB radios in their vehicles. The rationale behind this is it will help prevent distractions for drivers. However, after some research we were not able to find any specific companies that have implemented this policy.

Some states have also begun passing what’s known as a "Hands-Free" law. These laws aim at making it illegal to use your cell phone or other device while driving. This includes texting, making calls, facetiming, or scrolling.

The good news though is that in most cases commercial CB radios have been added to an exemption list. Please check your local state’s laws to ensure you are one hundred percent compliant.

How Far Can CB Radios Broadcast?

This is not an easy question to answer due to just how many variables there are that can expand or shrink your broadcast distance. If we are assuming just a very basic CB setup on your truck, then we can expect a range somewhere between three to seven miles. However, you could increase this upwards to ten miles depending on the antenna that you are using.

Factors that can cause distance to fluctuate are:

• Antennas

  • Longer antennas will increase broadcast.

  • Antennas mounted higher on the truck such as on mirrors or even on roof.

  • Tuning the antenna to ensure maximum efficiency.




• Terrain

  • Forests, hills, mountains, buildings, and even other vehicles can all impact broadcast length.

  • Flat open terrain will give you the best range.

  • Mountain roads or urban environments will significantly shrink range.




• Weather & Atmospheric

  • Solar activity, temperature inversions, and ionospheric conditions can all impact range.

  • Every once and a while you can have a "skip" or skywave propagation that can carry your wave for hundreds of miles. However, this is unreliable and unpredictable.

CB Radio Etiquette

So, what is the proper way to chat over a CB radio? What are the other areas that you should know before starting in on a CB conversation?

The most important thing to remember when using a CB is just like any other normal conversation and that is listening. Understand where the conversation or topic is going and try not to interrupt ongoing conversations. Wait for breaks for you to jump in.

Speak clearly and with a normal tone of voice. Avoid shouting or yelling and be respectful. It is also important to keep your communications brief so you can give others a chance for input or to reply.

When you do begin a conversation, it is best practice to identify yourself with a call sign or some other identifier so that others can refer to you. It is also courteous to acknowledge responses from others as there are times a response may be difficult to understand.

Over and Out: Key Takeaways

We can safely say that CB radios are still used today, but the type of usage has evolved and changed over the decades. In the past, you would have whole conversations with strangers from miles away. It helped bring a sense of connection to those lonely roads. Some truckers even called it an early form of social media.

In today’s world though, CB radios are used mostly as backups and emergency alerts. While there still lies a true niche of truckers out there that use them regularly their numbers are shrinking.

However, if you keep your radios on you may find some of the infamous CB radio character actors. They can be elusive, and it all depends on where you are located, but when you find one, it can either be an enjoyable experience or a memorable one.