Please explain to a rookie trucker like me why i need a CB radio.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by lonewolfgringo, Apr 5, 2026.

  1. FLHT

    FLHT Road Train Member

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    Beats the hell out of sitting in Beaumont Tx for 3 to 4 hours and you can see the exit ramp out your passenger window.
     
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  3. KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    No, I'm not having one in my truck anymore.

    I ripped it out about 2022. Had one since I started driving in 1998.

    Somewhere in the shop I've got a newish 2020 Cobra 29 with the bluetooth...

    When I bought this truck I didn't put it in.

    message me and give me shipping and I'll send to you when I get home next time. It's just gathering dust and taking up space.
     
  4. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    When I was pulling hopper bottom and dump bucket pretty much needed one to talk to the loaders.

    Unless I see a large car or owner op I don't even bother hollering on 19 anymore. Gave up on the tupperware torpedoes, foreigners, and mega fleeters a long time ago.
     
  5. KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    That's exactly why I gave up on the CB...
    O/Ops , Large cars, Tuperware Torpedos, Foreigners, mega's

    Truckers don't respect anybody anymore.

    Nobody respects anyone anymore. Truckers feel the need to talk down to other truckers.

    Truckers don't help anymore, they just spew racism and bullying.

    Used to hear " You OK on the shoulder there Schneider, or JB Hunt?"

    Now it's get out of my way.
     
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  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Another key point I forgot to mentioned, I do skateboards, when we go to job sites, at times theres not enough room so we have to stage elsewhere close by, we communicate thru the radio when your next or to hear what’s happening at the site. And like mentioned, even with the rear door slammers, some guard shacks do the same and communicate on the radio on a quieter or there preference for a channel. ……
     
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  7. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    Most of them aren't truck drivers anyway. Nothing more than steering wheel holders filling a seat. Take away the auto shift, GPS, and smart phone most would be out of the industry...
     
  8. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    How else would you talk to the lot lizards at the truck stop ? CBs are still worth having if stuck in traffic jams or bad weather. They used to be only form of entertainment. You use to have local people giving directions to pick or deliver. Drivers joking on CB at truck stops.

    They got replaced by cell phones and GPS
     
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  9. KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    I disagree with your position.

    At least they know how to drive an Eaton Ultra or DT12 and get 8 MPG average, use a GPS, and can compose an Email with proper punctuation.

    I'll tell you one thing I've learned in 20 years of driving, we're ALL steering wheel holders.
     
  10. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    All too often this is too true....

    :( :crybaby: :cry:

    -- L
     
  11. OdderThan

    OdderThan Light Load Member

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    my two big factors.

    some customers are still a bit old school and allow you to call in on your CB when you arrive and these customers usually fast track you atleast from my experience they fast tracked me when I radioed in.

    i ran the east coast alot maine NY PA. Many times some old boys have called over the radio giving alternate routes to anyone with a cb so we're not stuck on the interstate due to traffic, accidents, or shutdowns.

    my petty factor is hearing all the truck stop banter, no ones a really tough guy but they love to talk sauce. at the end of the day, most truckers would help another trucker in need in that same lot.
     
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