To say that communication is essential in the transportation industry is an understatement. Supply chain and logistics involve various people working together to ensure that goods and materials reach their destination in time.
CB (citizen band) radios are a part of that journey, especially for truckers. It is a communication tool that allows them to keep in touch regardless of the route and destination. This article will discuss how CB radios are helping people in the supply chain and logistics industry.
1. CB Radios Keep Truckers In Constant Communication
Problems can arise for truckers who are always on the go to get their deliveries made. Stagnant or late deliveries, for example, can lead to unhappy customers. Since truckers are always on the road, they need a way to get information to help them get to their destination promptly.
Cell phones may be the obvious choice, but sometimes they don’t work in remote areas. That’s why CB radios have assisted transporters for years because you can count on them even in locations with a low cellular signal. CB radio services provide short-distance communication with fellow drivers to be informed on road conditions and other real-time information.
It would help if you also had a CB radio that would allow your workforce to be on standby regardless of whether they work on-site or remotely at home. They can use the two-way radio to communicate with their customers and teams. Supervisors and managers at home can also easily make contact to make information sharing possible.
2. CB Radios Are Cost-Effective
Smartphones are affordable, but you may need extra purchases after buying one for work. There can also be signal problems in certain areas you must pass when following a specific route. Transceiver radios require licensing, and they are costlier than CB radios.
But CB radios range from USD$70 to USD$200 in price. After buying the equipment, there’s no need to make another purchase after installing the radios and antennas. CB radio frequency is set at 27 megahertz (MHz). The settings and keys are located at the front of the radio, where you can adjust the volume, make background noises disappear, and search for channels.
CB radios also have longer battery life than cell phones do. Some models come with portable batteries for emergency cases like power outages. They also have rechargeable versions and can last from 18 to 24 months.
3. CB Radios Protect Your Employees
Being in a clear line of communication helps keep your fleet drivers safe on the road. As they are always on the road, they should focus on carefully navigating roads, especially where there are many lanes. Texts and emails will have to wait until a routine truck stop. But when your drivers are equipped with CB radios, you can reap life-saving benefits that will improve your fleet’s workflow.
CB radios allow other truckers to communicate with fellow drivers. There have been countless situations when drivers have been able to avoid speeding tickets, avoid traffic jams, roadblocks, collisions, or smoke from behind the vehicle. The CB radio community or users of CB radios can communicate with one another using the 40 frequencies and channels available for truckers, off-roaders, RVers, and more.
CB radios are also safer than mobile phones, and it is federally illegal to hold one while driving. They’re safer to use as a communication channel because there is no danger of a security breach, network breakdown, or being bugged. Drivers are also less likely to be distracted when using the two-way radio for short communication.
4. CB Radios Make Traveling Easier
Driving on a tight schedule can be difficult for truck drivers. Their enemies on the road are often exhaustion, drowsiness, and unpleasant weather. When they have a CB radio, navigation becomes more accessible, as they can contact channels and ask for information about where they can stop to rest at a particular route.
Experienced drivers can offer the information they need and help newbies be safe on the road. It also supports new truckers to avoid areas where they can meet trouble, such as police officers looking for violators.
At the same time, CB radios can provide a bit of entertainment for drivers to some extent. Long hours of continuous driving can affect drivers psychologically, and they may feel lonely on the road. If used right, CB radios can also serve as a way for fleet drivers to get the latest news from other truckers as long as their focus remains on driving.
5. CB Radios Give You Access To A Community
CB radios can help fleet drivers become more alert on the road. They get access to a community of CB radio users who are truckers like themselves.
Compared to smartphones that only allow you to converse with one person, CB radios allow truckers to talk to a group. You can engage anyone in a conversation within proximity of your radio. You can also scan channels and look for a group to join. Fleet drivers working together can keep in constant communication by using their own medium to inform each other of developments on their journey.
CB radios are the best communication channel for truckers always traveling. Fleet drivers won’t experience communication troubles because these radios don’t experience disappearing network signal strength. You can quickly contact your drivers no matter the route. Invest in CB radios and equip your trucks with a unit to help your drivers travel easier.
Takeaway
CB radios benefit the supply chain and logistics industry by helping fleet drivers travel easier. They are two-way radios that work despite having no cellular signal in the area.
They are safer because there is no possibility of a security breach. Truckers have access to a community of fellow fleet drivers who can let them in on helpful information when on the road.
Fleet drivers can also become informed on real-time traffic, roadblocks, accidents, and weather data. The radios are perfect for emergency cases, especially when there is a dedicated channel for truckers. When fleet drivers are safe and can navigate easily, they can complete timely transportation tasks.