CB Codes: Mastering the Language of Truckers
The popularity of CB radio among truckers began in the 1970s, although the service itself originated in the 1940s. CB radio provided an essential means of communication for truckers, particularly those driving semi-trucks, before the advent of other technologies like cellphones. Alongside CB radio came a unique form of communication known as trucker lingo, which encompasses various terms, codes, and slang that truckers use to communicate with one another. Understanding CB codes remains important, even though technological advancements have made CB radios less necessary for semi-truck drivers. If you’re pursuing your CDL or considering a career in driving semi-trucks, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the main CB lingo used on the road.
Essential CB Codes
Although it’s not possible to provide an exhaustive dictionary of CB codes, there are a few essential ones worth highlighting, especially for semi-truck drivers. Familiarizing yourself with these codes is crucial for effective communication on the road. If you’re interested in delving deeper into CB lingo, we recommend referring to a comprehensive list of CB slang, which will provide you with a broader range of terms and phrases commonly used among truckers, including those driving semi-trucks.
- Ace – Important CB operator
- Alligator – Chunk of blown tire on the road
- Ancient Mariner – AM or FM user
- Backdoor – Vehicle behind
- Bear – Cop
- Black Eye – Headlight out
- Boat Anchor – An old tube rig or a radio that’s unrepairable
- Chicken Coop – Weigh station
- Double Key – Two stations talking at the same time
- Four Wheeler – Any passenger vehicle
- Fox Charlie Charlie – FCC
- Gallon – 1000 watts of power
- Greasy – Icy or slippery
- Haircut Palace – Overpass with low clearance
- Lollipop – The small reflector or marker poles on the sides of the highway
- Mud Duck – Weak radio signal
- Pay the Water Bill – Bathroom break
- Play Dead – Standby
- Prescription – FCC rules
- QRM – Noise or interference on the radio
- Smile and Comb Your Hair – Radar trap ahead, slow down
CB 10 Codes
In addition to the trucker slang mentioned earlier, truckers also use CB 10 codes as a part of their communication. While you may be familiar with the commonly used “10-4” code, there are many other codes that are less frequently heard. These codes play a significant role in the communication between truckers, including those driving semi-trucks. Understanding these CB 10 codes can enhance your ability to effectively communicate and stay connected with other truckers on the road.
- 10-1 – I can’t hear you
- 10-2 – I can hear you
- 10-3 – Stop transmitting
- 10-4 – Message received
- 10-6 – Busy/on hold
- 10-9 – Repeat message
- 10-10 – Done transmitting
- 10-13 – Weather/road conditions
- 10-17 – Urgent business
- 10-20 – Your current location
- 10-23 – Stand by
- 10-27 – I’m moving to channel [insert channel number]
- 10-33 – Emergency traffic at this station
- 10-38 – Ambulance needed at [insert location]
- 10-42 – Traffic accident at [insert location]
- 10-45 – All units within range please report
- 10-62 – Unable to copy, please use phone
- 10-99 – Mission completed
- 10-100 – Bathroom break
- 10-200 – Police needed at [insert location]
Now that you’ve got a handle on the trucker lingo, you can join in on the CB talk while you’re on the road. The only thing left is to buy a truck, and our experienced team in North Bergen, New Jersey is on-site to help you find the right used truck for sale. We have the biggest inventory in North America, we have a very large selection of different brands and models. Please contact us to learn more. Grow your fleet affordably – and with confidence. Buy a used truck from DRS, and gain peace of mind with your extended warranty.