I'm an American driver who occasionally gets a load to Alaska from the lower 48. A Canadian driver told me up in Yukon and BC they don't use regular CB radios to communicate with other drivers, but I can't remember what he said y'all use. Some research is leading me towards special radios for logging trucks. Is this correct? What about these marine radios that use VHF frequencies? I'm looking to purchase a handheld radio because I don't want to replace my CB with a special radio that will only be used a few times a year. Thanks!
Western Canada Logging Radios
Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Life on Wheels, Jan 21, 2026.
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Most of us with radios up here use VHF.
Our Ladd1 is akin to CB 19. Then you drop into Spokane and learn is a LEO channel there haha1999 C12 Thanks this. -
I believe VHF radios are what is used. Truckers have their own channel up in the north.
Life on Wheels Thanks this. -
So I need to look for a radio with VHF and LADD. Thanks for the response.
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You're welcome. You can buy a programmable unit to punch in frequencies on the fly.... the actual frequency of the common channels can and found online.
I bought a used "big" one that had all the channels programmed in here already... I think I paid $250. Theres probably 5 banks of 30 or so channels. All the highway maintenance contractors, chat ones, mill channels, main bush road etc
I believe you're technically supposed to have a permit... no one does, never been asked or had an eyebrow raised in 20 yearsLast edited: Jan 21, 2026
1999 C12 and Life on Wheels Thank this. -
Yes, just as sirjeff has stated!
I have several handhelds (Vertex, Yaesu). Kenwood handhelds are also excellent. I use magnetic mount antennas for the handhelds in the pickups/excavators etc; this allows a 'decent' range. For our larger trucks we use a Icom permanent mount, higher wattage unit.
Ladd 1 is 154.100 MHz, Here in BC the FSR (forest service roads) now have RR#'s posted at start of road. You can get all the RR frequencies online.Life on Wheels Thanks this.
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