Talk CB Now

Here are a few examples of typical CB radio conversations using common CB radio codes and language to help you get started. You can find the explanation for the key terms used in the conversations at the end of the TALK CB NOW section.

For the sake of this exercise, we will name the CB Radio Handle for Unit 1 "Silver Fox" and the CB Radio Handle for Unit 2 "Thunderbird".

 

Disclaimer: The handle names used in the following conversations are entirely fictional and do not represent any real individuals. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

 

Please note a conversation often starts with a Breaker 1-9 request. This is a request to use channel 19, the most commonly used channel for truckers.

Also, conversations should be kept to less than 5 minutes and be respectful at all times.

 

Silver Fox: "Breaker 1-9, Breaker 1-9, this is Silver Fox, got your ears on? Come back."
Thunderbird: "10-4, Silver Fox, this is Thunderbird. I got you loud and clear. What’s your 20?"
Silver Fox: "10-4, Thunderbird. I'm at the 25-mile marker on I-75, heading northbound. What's your 20?"
Thunderbird: "I'm at the 45-mile marker, same direction. Be advised, heavy traffic starting around the 30. Over."
Silver Fox: "10-4, appreciate the heads up. How bad is it?"
Thunderbird: "It's pretty jammed up. Bumper to bumper for about 10 miles. Over."
Silver Fox: "Roger that. Any accidents or just volume? What's the smokey report?"
Thunderbird: "Just heavy volume from what I could see. No accidents reported. No bears. Over."
Silver Fox: "10-4, appreciate the info, Thunderbird. Drive safe. Silver Fox out."
Thunderbird: "Thunderbird out."

Silver Fox: "Breaker 1-9, Breaker 1-9, anybody got a copy on this? This is Silver Fox. Over."
Thunderbird: "Roger, Silver Fox, this is Thunderbird. I got a good copy on you. What’s your 20?"
Silver Fox: "10-4, Thunderbird. I'm at the 25-mile marker on I-75, heading northbound. What's your 20?"
Thunderbird: "I'm at the 45-mile marker, same direction."
Silver Fox: "How's the weather up ahead?
Thunderbird: "We've got clear skies and dry roads up until the 30-mile marker. After that, it's heavy rain. 10-4?"
Silver Fox: "10-4, appreciate the heads up. Any fog or other issues to watch for?"
Thunderbird: "Negative on the fog. Just watch out for that rain after the 30. Over."
Silver Fox: "Roger that, Thunderbird. Thanks for the info. Over and out."
Thunderbird: "Over and out"

Silver Fox: "Breaker 1-9, Breaker 1-9, this is Silver Fox, got your ears on?"
Thunderbird: "10-4, Silver Fox, this is Thunderbird. I got you loud and clear. What’s your 20?"
Silver Fox: "10-4, Thunderbird. I'm at the 25-mile marker on I-75, heading northbound. What's your 20?"
Thunderbird: "I'm at the 45-mile marker, same direction. Heads up, there's a big accident around the 30-mile marker. Over."
Silver Fox: "10-4, thanks for the heads up. Is traffic backed up?"
Thunderbird: "Affirmative. Traffic was crawling for a couple of miles. Multi-car pileup. Over."
Silver Fox: "Roger that. Any detours or ways around it?"
Thunderbird: "Negative on detours, just gotta tough it out. Keep your eyes peeled for emergency vehicles. Over."
Silver Fox: "10-4, appreciate the info, Thunderbird. Stay safe out there. Silver Fox out."
Thunderbird: "Thunderbird out."

Silver Fox: "Breaker 1-9, Breaker 1-9, this is Silver Fox, who’s out there? Over."
Thunderbird: "Roger, Silver Fox, this is Thunderbird. What’s your 20?"
Silver Fox: "10-4, Thunderbird. I'm at the 25-mile marker on I-75, heading northbound. What's your 20?"
Thunderbird: "I'm at the 45-mile marker, same direction. You are looking for something specific? Over."
Silver Fox: "Yeah, 10-4. I'm running low on fuel. Any good stops ahead? Over."
Thunderbird: "10-4, Silver Fox. There's a truck stop with diesel at the 40-mile marker. Good prices and clean facilities. Over."
Silver Fox: "Roger that, appreciate the info. Any idea how busy it is right now?"
Thunderbird: "Not too bad last I checked. Should be in and out quick. Over."
Silver Fox: "10-4, thanks for the heads up, Thunderbird. Catch you on the flip side. Over and out."
Thunderbird: "Safe Travels. Over and out."

Silver Fox: "Breaker 1-9, Breaker 1-9, this is Silver Fox, anyone on this channel? Over."
Thunderbird: "Roger that, Silver Fox, this is Thunderbird. What’s your 20?"
Silver Fox: "10-4, Thunderbird. I'm at the 25-mile marker on I-75, heading northbound. What's your 20?"
Thunderbird: "I'm at the 45-mile marker, same direction. Watch out for construction around the 35-mile marker. Over."
Silver Fox: "10-4, thanks for the heads up. How bad is it?"
Thunderbird: "They've got it down to one lane. Expect some slowdowns and delays. Over."
Silver Fox: "Roger that. Any detours or just have to wait it out?"
Thunderbird: "No detours marked. Best to just stay patient and keep it slow. Over."
Silver Fox: "10-4, Appreciate the info Thunderbird. Drive Safe. Silver Fox out."
Thunderbird: "Thunderbird out."

Breaker 1-9: Request to use channel 19.
10-4: Message received and understood. A popular 10 code.
What’s your 20?: Asking for the other person's location - Short for the 10-20 code.
Bear: Refers to a police officer.
Smokey report: Asking for information about police presence.
Over: Indicates the end of a transmission but expecting a response.
Roger that: Acknowledgement of the information received.
Affirmative: Yes or confirming information.
Heavy volume: Refers to heavy traffic conditions.
Running low on fuel: Needing to refuel.
Truck stop: A rest stop that provides fuel, food, and other services for truckers.
Construction: Road work that may cause delays or changes in traffic patterns.
Catch you on the flip side: Good bye.
For more keywords and 10 codes, please go to the Glossary section.