In The News
CB Radios - A Tool for Safety and Convenience
Having a CB radio in your truck is not only handy, but is also ideal as an added safety feature. Not only can you communicate with other drivers to warn them about traffic backups or weather situations, but you can also call out to find out if there’s a parking spot at the truck stop. Even in this era of cell phones and e-mail, radio communication is still a viable means of communicating on the open road. When there’s a backup on the Interstate, you can find out about the backup quicker with a CB than you would by calling someone on a cell phone. Think of it as crowdsourcing. When you transmit, usually on channel 19 (which is the road channel), everyone who has a CB on within about a mile or so (sometimes further) will be able to hear you. And someone will eventually respond.
Not just for the highway
Even when you are not on the highway, the CB can be used to contact trucks parked at the truck stop to find out if there is a place to park. Or it can be used to guide another truck that is backing up to a parking space in the lot. I have heard another driver saying he has an extra shower credit for anyone who needs it. Some shippers and receivers even use CB radio to communicate to a driver as to what dock to go to and when it will be ready.
There are 40 channels on CB radio. Channel 19 is the one most truckers use while going down the highway.
Some like to have conversations on the CB. They should use other channels beside 19 if they are going to be chatting with each other so channel 19 doesn’t sound so crowded with transmissions
Easy to set up and use
CB radio is on the 11-meter band which does not require a license to operate. Many truck stops sell CB radios, antennas, and accessories. A new CB can cost between $100 and $150 dollars. And the antenna, mounting kit, and Coax Cable can cost an average of about $40 to $100 dollars. The 11-meter CB band uses the AM band to transmit. But recently, the FCC allowed the CB band to also use the FM band. The FM band sounds clearer. And it is less susceptible to interference from buildings, bridges, or some devices that emit electromagnetic signals.
CB radios usually are made with 5 watts output power. However. Some people peak and tune them to 10 watts or more for greater transmit power. The FCC only allows CB radios to be at 5 watts. Anything over that may interfere with other channels and can be annoying to other channels. There are CB shops at or near many truck stops that can help drivers install, fix, and upgrade CB radios.
A great tool for emergencies
A CB radio can come in handy in the event of an emergency. Whether your truck is involved in an accident, or you have broken down, you can use it to contact other drivers who may be able to help. You can also alert other drivers about a security situation that may be present.
In conclusion, a CB radio is still a great tool for essential communications.