Do truckers use ham radios?

CB or Not CB

Truckers have long been associated with Citizens Band (CB) radio. A section of the 11-meter amateur radio band was set aside by the FCC in 1958 as a poor man's business radio band, and by the 1970s CB rigs were in every truck.

Do truckers still use ham radio?

Even with modern technology, most truckers still have a CB radio in their truck. Although most truckers still own and maintain a CB radio in their cab, they certainly don't use them like they once did.

What kind of radio do truckers use?

In fact, you'll find some truck drivers who use CB radio to communicate when they are in a certain part of the country. For the most part, CB radios remain in use because they are the norm for truckers who have been working in the industry for the last 10 or 20+ years.

What do truckers use instead of CB?

Several truck drivers now find themselves using trucking apps on their smartphones to communicate, like Next Trucking, for example. Some use a more evolved radio system, such as a satellite radio service like Sirius or XM, to replace their CB radio.

What CB radio do most truckers use?

Ham Radio Truckers

Can you get CB channels on a ham radio?

Can a Ham Radio Talk to a CB Radio? The short and quick answer to whether you can talk to CB radio with your ham radio is: Yes, you can. CB radios operate in the HF range on the 11m band. Ham radios can communicate in the HF range on the 10m and 12m band, both of which are pretty close to the citizen's band.

What frequency do truck drivers use?

CB radios use a set of 40 discrete channels in the 27 MHz band for communication. However, most truckers typically use only two of these 40 channels, although usage may depend on your location in the United States.

What does Rubber Duck mean in CB talk?

"Rubber duck" – the first vehicle in a convoy. "Rubbernecker" – Vehicles that further slow down or impede already congested traffic by rotating their heads 180 degrees to view the accident or traffic incident and not paying attention to the road ahead.

Can you talk to truckers on a CB radio?

In its early years, CB radio was just another way for people across the country to connect with one another. But, when it was introduced to truckers in 1958, it changed the industry forever. CB radio finally gave truckers the ability to communicate with their fellow drivers while on the road.

Why do truckers have CB radios?

WHY? According to today's truck drivers, CB Radios are necessary in order to communicate with other drivers on the road. The #1 reason professional drivers still use the CB is for safety and communication. The age of smartphones does not help if you do not have the fellow drivers' number.

What do truckers use to communicate with now?

Truckers rely on their CB radio to communicate essential information with other drivers while on the road, whether it's to chat about their favorite truck stops, pass on critical weather info, or discuss the best routes to avoid accidents and delays.

Do all truckers use CB radios?

While CB radios are almost synonymous with the commercial trucking industry in the public imagination, trucking companies are not actually required by law to have one in each of their trucks.

What frequency do truckers use ham radio?

Truckers in North America use CB radios, operating on 27 MHz. Channel 19 is their home, 27.185 MHz.

What is better than a CB radio?

Wide-band FM modulation means clearer audio and less static. Better range than CB under most circumstances – Up to 30 miles. Able to use repeaters for even more coverage. Shorter, more powerful antenna than what CBs use.

How can I listen to truckers?

Radio programs such as Red Eye Radio are tailored to drivers. Other truckers prefer to download apps such as iHeart Radio for their music needs. You simply subscribe to your favorite local station and you can listen to it anywhere you go. It's free and easy!

How can I listen to a truck driver?

SXM is widely used by drivers. Despite the monthly fee, a lot of truckers choose this as their go-to for music, talk-radio, etc. when driving. Two of the top stations they recommend are Road Dog Trucking Radio and Willie's Roadhouse.

What does the phrase 10 4 Good Buddy mean?

10-4 is an affirmative signal: it means “OK.” The ten-codes are credited to Illinois State Police Communications Director Charles Hopper who created them between 1937–40 for use in radio communications among cops.

Why do truckers say breaker 19?

You see, when a trucker says this, he or she is asking permission to break into the conversation other truckers are having on their Citizen Band (CB) radios, on Channel 19.

What are the CB 10 codes?

Is CB channel 9 still monitored?

"We do not routinely monitor Channel 9," he added.

What is the trucker channel?

Channel 19 is the most commonly-used channel by truck drivers on highways, to the point that some radios even have a dedicated button to bring up channel 19 instantly. In many areas of the US, other channels have been used in the past for similar purposes including 10, 17, and 21.

What UHF channel do truck drivers use?

The accepted 'Highway Channel' used by most truck drivers throughout Australia is Channel 40. However, if travelling on the Pacific Highway and Pacific Motorway in northern NSW and southern Queensland you may find channel 29 is used more frequently by truck drivers and others travelling in that area.

Can ham radios pick up police?

Yes and no -- many ham radios are "wide band receive" capable, meaning they can receive outside of the ham bands. These extra receive frequencies sometimes include police frequencies. In some states, it is illegal to listen on those frequencies, but an exception is made for amateur radio operators and some others.