Are CB radios still worth it?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by PE_T, Sep 15, 2019.

  1. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    I’ve been driving for over 6 years and have never used one. I decided early on not to when one of my OTR trainers was arguing on it all the time. Hahaha. I’ve been thinking if I ever get really tired of trucking, I’ll get one just for the fun of it. I haven’t gotten to that point, fortunately.

    I should add that I use The Weather Channel app, Waze, and Google maps for traffic alerts. I always have Google maps running in the background. I’m thinking about using Waze specifically during winter as it gives more details on the road than Google. The Weather Channel app has videos and maps showing how the weather is moving. Then many northern states (particularly in the northwest) have websites providing information on winter road conditions.
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2019
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  3. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    What would you do in areas that you don’t have phone or data service? If you stray off the interstate it’s still not uncommon to not have phone service for an hour or more. Sure you can check everything beforehand, but having a cb will give you real-time info on conditions because most of us running those areas still use cb radios.

    Some states like ID and MT run cb’s in the plow trucks and will give you instant info on mountain conditions, etc.

    But if you’re the kind of guy that rarely gets off the big road then I suppose all the apps on your phone will be fine.
     
  4. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    You pull a Van? For flatbed I couldn't see not having one as you need it for lots of shippers to communicate with the scale etc etc...
     
  5. stayinback

    stayinback Road Train Member

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    im actually dissappointed you don't have one, Really?

    That thing will save your life- No Phone APP will give you real time emergencies that pop up right in front of you!!!

    Go get yourself a radio if you plan on staying in the game......A must Have.

    Plus it allows you friendly conversation, On those Long drives.

    You got all your tools now to fix your truck? Now go get one of the most important Tools- A Good Radio
     
  6. BIF MALIBU

    BIF MALIBU Heavy Load Member

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    Most of our customers require CB radio
    I like to know what's the problem with the traffic up ahead and possible detours
     
  7. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Get a Cobra 29 at least you can listen if their is traffic accident. They are good in snow storm and bad weather
     
  8. Hotplate

    Hotplate Medium Load Member

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    CB radios are not the go-to communication devices of yore, but they're still a very valuable tool to have out on the road. Let's say you have a bad trailer tire, another driver could tip you off on the CB before it really starts smoking like a tar kettle and catches fire. But where CBs are really worth their weight in gold is in bad weather conditions that hit fast: pounding snow/rain, fog as thick as pea soup, flooded roads, etc. None of those newfangled technologies can give you instant alerts to unseen danger up ahead that just happened like the good ole' CB can. Some shippers/receivers still use CB channels for check-ins, hailing the security hut, and letting you know when you're empty/loaded at the dock, etc.

    If you're a young guy/gal starting out, just get yourself a stock Cobra 29 or something along those lines. No need to get fancy or to get it peaked and tuned. You can even get one basically for free using your accumulated fuel points.
     
  9. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    My truck might as well have a rod hanging out of the block as not having a working cb, it is not going anywhere either way, period. That is unless it goes out while I am getting close to home.
    I even carry a spare, especially when I am hauling oversize, have had to loan it to pilots multiple times.
     
  10. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    I remember a few years ago data coverage was a problem even with AT&T. Now, as long as you have AT&T or Verizon and a legit smartphone, the coverage will be more than enough. I have primarily used those two for OTR, but I experimented with T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless in the past. They were no match for OTR.
     
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  11. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    I have only pulled reefer. It is rare nowadays to be asked by the shipper or receiver if I have a CB. When I say no, they ask for my number. I have never had problems not having one. I think I remember at least one instance where they told me to wait in the lounge because I didn’t have a CB.
     
  12. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Lmao, come follow me, and you will be just looking at blank screens all day. lol
     
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  13. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    No, it’s not more than enough. Run north Idaho and NW Montana and you’ll go 3 or more hours at a stretch with nothing. Like I said, stick to the big roads and your apps will be fine. But if you run backroads a lot you’ll want a radio.
     
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