Before cell phones and GPS apps, truckers relied on CB radios (Citizens Band) to communicate. And they didn’t just talk — they spoke their own language. Even today, CB radio slang is alive and well on the highways, and knowing the lingo is part of the culture.
Whether you’re a new driver or just rusty on the phrases, here’s a quick CB slang translator to help you talk like a trucker.
Common CB Slang Terms Every Trucker Should Know:
| CB Slang | Meaning |
| 10-4 | Message received / Okay |
| Breaker 1-9 | Request to speak on channel 19 |
| Bear | Police officer |
| Bear Trap | Speed trap |
| Back Door | Behind you (rear view) |
| Hammer Down | Speeding up / Going fast |
| Lot Lizard | Person soliciting at a truck stop |
| Smokey | Highway patrol with a radar gun |
| Chicken Coop | Weigh station |
| Alligator | Shredded tire on the road |
| Evil Knievel | Motorcycle cop |
| Cash Register | Toll booth |
| Four-Wheeler | Any non-commercial car |
| Comeback? | “Can you repeat that?” |
CB radios aren’t just about nostalgia. They’re still used for quick updates on traffic, weather, accidents, or “smokeys” ahead. Knowing a little CB lingo can help you stay in the loop—and maybe even get a few friendly honks from fellow drivers.
Plus, it’s just part of what makes trucker culture unique.
At Logrock, we know independent drivers have their own code, their own way of doing things—and their own language. Whether you’re hauling in a dump truck, a semi, or running your own show, we’re here to support your journey with helpful tools and info along the way.
Written by Daniel Summers
My goal is simple: Help people start trucking companies, and keep them rolling. With my experience in transportation, I quickly decided to specialize in trucking insurance. It’s much more my speed and comfort zone: demanding, hectic, stressful…all the necessary ingredients to maintain my interests.
Reviewed by Justin Barrow
Posted by
4 Min
Finding affordable trucking insurance that still protects your business doesn’t have to be a gamble. Use this step‑by‑step guide to compare options confidently, lower costs, and keep the commercial truck insurance coverage you truly need. Who this helps: owner‑operators, small fleets, safety managers, and anyone shopping trucking insurance quotes. Step 1: Define Your Must‑Have Coverages […]
Daniel Summers
3 Min
Every trucker has a story—and some roads seem to collect more than their fair share. Over the years, a kind of trucker folklore has emerged: highways that bring good luck, backroads to avoid, and stretches of pavement where strange things tend to happen. While there’s no GPS for superstitions, we mapped out some of the […]
Daniel Summers
3 Min
You can have the cleanest rig on the road, but if you don’t have the right documents in your glovebox (or your document folder), one quick inspection can turn into a major headache. Whether you’re a dump truck driver, semi owner-operator, or run hotshot loads, being organized means being prepared—and legal. Here’s a go-to checklist […]
Daniel Summers
Start saving money today
Submit the application and get results within minutes