Portable Audio & Video

CB Radios – What Makes Them So Valuable?

The CB radio has always proven to be a valuable communication tool.  For many truck drivers, they are essential equipment necessary for conducting business.  It’s also important to realize that RV and pickup truck owners make use of them for both on and off-road use.

HISTORY

According to Wikipedia, the US Government established a 55 mph speed limit after the 1973 oil shortage. At that time, fuel shortage and rationing was nationwide and the CB, Citizen’s Band, radio was widely used by truckers wanting to find gas stations with the lowest gas prices and tell other drivers of speed traps.  They were also used to organize blockades and convoys to protest the speed limit and other trucking regulations.

On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacked New York and Pennsylvania and emergency services relied heavily on CB radio operators to communicate vital information. While the internet was unavailable and cell phone service was disrupted, CB radio owners were still able to communicate with one another.

In my opinion, our economy faces similar issues today.  Gas prices have skyrocketed and there are more trucking regulations than ever before. In addition, we need to be ready for future terrorist attacks and CB radios will continue to provide public access to communication channels necessary for helping those in need.

CB RADIOS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS

While many trucking companies make it a standard practice to include a CB radio in every vehicle, others may require drivers to buy their own. Most companies use a designated channel to let the driver know when the load is ready for pick up at their destination. Since only one station may send at a time, this is a very effective way for companies to communicate with the drivers.

In addition, truck drivers rely on them as a way to communicate with other drivers.  They are able to ask other drivers for directions and get valuable information about upcoming traffic problems helping them avoid accidents and delays.

Some truck drivers may also find them as a form of entertainment when the noise of the truck makes it hard to hear the local radio channels.  Similar to the internet chat rooms, operators are usually anonymous which is both good and bad. But overall, this technology remains an effective communication tool.

CB RADIOS FOR RV AND PICKUP TRUCK DRIVERS

For many RV and pick-up truck owners, CB radios are an invaluable communication tool.  Whether you are driving across country in an RV or heading into the hills for a day of fun, they can offer communication links in dead zone areas with limited or no phone or radio coverage. Another major benefit is that there are no other subscription costs as required by other service providers.

CB CHANNELS

CB radios offer 40-band channels.  All channels, except Channel 9 are used for normal communication. Channel 9 is reserved for emergency and roadside assistance.  Channels 17 and 19 are the preferred channels for truckers and are commonly known as the “trucker’s channels”.  Companies may also choose a channel specifically for their employees use.

In summary, truck drivers, RV, and pick-up truck owners have found CB radios invaluable.  There are a number of styles available and the cost ranges from $100 – $200 per unit making them one of the most valuable and affordable communication tools on the market today.

About the Author

Maggie Smazal, owner of MHS Marketing, lives in central Wisconsin.  She is married and has two children and two grandchildren and currently works at-home on her online business. She welcomes the new challenges that e-commerce has to offer as there is something new to learn each day. Her company offers a variety of police scanner, radar detector and CB radio products on their website.

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