How often is the CB used?

I like to say "10-4 Good Buddy" into mine even though it's off.

 

Don't own one and have no plans to buy one until my employer makes ownership a condition of employment.

The few times it was on in trainer's trucks it was either nonsense being spewed on politics or current affairs or mindless chatter about lane closure causing a back up.

Easily 10 participants in the lane closure discussion and none of them could agree on which lane was closed when others keyed up to ask.

 

I love the CB, it's great to get a heads up on what's ahead.
It's rare to hear music or politics anymore.

 

Since I'm never on the "Big Road" for any amount of time and usually stay in town, I've never bothered with running a radio as a P&D driver. But if I ever do linehaul I'll get it set up again. It can truly be a lifesaver, especially in the winter time.

 

As a new driver I wouldn't be without it. It's just another tool to use. Everything from directions to accidents to loading in yards to asking for help. Even if it averages out to twice a month I've "needed" it, sorry, thats still twice a month I'd rather have it and put up with the other 28 days. How else does the steel mill or lumber yard talk to drivers?

I could see in a couple years with more experience, I wouldn't NEED it. But I would still want one.

I don't get it. You're a trucker, own an atlas, a GPS and a CB. Obviously cell phone now too. Use the tools available. Shrugs. Do what you want.

 

CB is how I line up all my lot lizards. Couldn't live without it. I've got my Cobra 29 running about 45 watts. It won't launch ICBM's when I roll by an airforce base but it will get your attention within 10 miles or so. I loathe despise drivers who don't carry a radio. Walmart has the cobra iv for $39 dollars. There is no excuse for not having a radio. If my trailer is on fire I want you to be able to let me know and vise versus.

 

When I drove in the early 2000's it was usually off unless I was at shipping, back highways or in a construction zone. There's too many people cussing at each other, trash talking, lying to feel big, faking southern accents or in big cities there are religious loops telling you that hell awaits unless you change your ways and on and on... It isn't what it was when I was a kid and my uncle drove back then it was equivalent to a cell phone and people used it to help each other and talk.

That said there are just as many good people I have had some great travel companions when I felt like turning it on. One guy " locomotive " if I remember right was two years till retirement and we chatted all the time until he retired. We ran the same routes often and he was intelligent as well as just a good guy. Always helping others ect...