CB calls

CBF slang is the distinctive anti-language, argot or cant which developed amongst users of citizens band of friends radio (CBF), especially truck drivers in the USA during the 1970s and early-1980s.

Popular terms

Law enforcement officers and their equipment

"Bear"

a police officer. The terms "Smokey" & "Bear" are both direct references to Smokey Bear, a character image commonly seen along U.S. highways, as part of warnings not to cause wildfires. He wears a campaign hat very similar to that included in many highway patrol uniforms in the U.S. It also refers to their attitude toward most law enforcement officers in general.

"Checkpoint Charlie"

Old CBF slang for a police checkpoint placed to look for drunk drivers, etc. This looks like a roadblock.

"Evel Knievel"

a police officer on a motorcycle.

"Gum ball machine" / "bubble gum machine"

A popular style of rotating mirror light used by many state police and some other law enforcement agencies at the time, however can also refer to any law enforcement vehicle. It looked somewhat like the round style of 'penny' gumball machines. It was basically a clear cylinder, like an upside down jar, with lights and a spinning mirror system inside. It was usually mounted on the center of the roof.

"Miss Piggy"

a female law enforcement officer.

Trucks and other non-police vehicles

"Aircraft carrier"

Truck carrying a disassembled aircraft, helicopter or a small plane.

"Bulldog"

a Mack Tractor, noted for the bulldog hood ornament.

"Bullfrog"

An ABF truck

"Buster Brown"

a United Parcel Service truck.

"Pregnant Rollerskate"

a Volkswagen Beetle.

"Pumpkin"/ "Pumpkin roller" 

a Schneider National, Inc. truck.

"Thermos Bottle"

Driver pulling a chemical trailer

Destinations

"Bean Town"

Boston, Massachusetts

"Disney Town"

Anaheim, California and the surrounding areas (After the Disneyland Resort)

Other popular terms

"01"

The first stop on a load, or first pick up location.

"02, 03, 04, etc."

The stops in order of their occurrence on a load. 02 would be second stop, 03 is the third, and so on.

"4-10"

A reversal of the ten code "10-4", when asking if someone agrees with something said, or to ask if one's transmission was received. ("That was a nasty wreck. Four-ten?")

"10-4"

Affirmative. Can also be used to denote agreement ("That's a big 10-4.")

"10-6"

The rear. As in "I've got your six!" (I've got your back.) Drawn from the "six o'clock" directional orientation.

"10-7"

Out of commission.

"10-9"

Repeat. Usually used to ask for a repeat.

"10-10"

CBF operator will stop broadcasting, but will continue to listen ("I'm 10-10 on the side.")

"10-20" (more often simply "20")

Denotes location, as in identifying one's location ("My 20 is on Main Street and First"), asking the receiver what their current location is ("What's your 20?"), or inquiring about the location of a third person ("Ok, people, I need a 20 on Little Timmy and fast").

"10-33"

An emergency situation ("You got a 10-33 at yardstick 136, they got 4-wheelers all piled up")

"10-36"

The correct time ("Can I get a 10-36?")

"10-51"

"I'm headed your way." ("I'm 51 to you.")

"10-100" (polite)

Taking a bathroom break, especially on the side of the road. Referencing the use of showing one finger to denote the need to urinate.

"10-200"

Taking a bathroom break, especially on the side of the road. Referencing the use of showing two fingers to denote the need to have a bowel movement.

"99"

The final stop or destination of a load.

"Affirmative"

Yes.

"Bear Bait"

An erratic or speeding driver.

"Breaker"

Telling other CBF users that you'd like to start a transmission on a channel. May be succeeded by either the channel number, indicating that anyone may acknowledge (e.g. "Breaker One-nine" refers to channel 19, the most widely used among truck drivers), or by a specific "handle", which is requesting a particular individual to respond.

"Good Buddy"

In the 1970s, this was the stereotypical term for a friend or acquaintance on a CBF radio.

"Handle"

The nickname a CBF user uses in CBF transmissions. Other CBF users will refer to the user by this nickname. To say "What's your handle?" is to ask another user for their CBF nickname.

"Jabber / Jabbering Idiot / Babble / Babbling Idiot"

Someone using foreign language on the CBF. US law does not forbid other languages on the radio.

"Sandbagging"

Not participating in conversation but listening only, despite having the capability of speaking. This is not the same as listening in using a simple receiver, as the person doing this activity can transmit using the two-way radio, but chooses not to.It is done to monitor people for entertainment or for gathering information about the actions of others. Often, CBFer's will sandbag to listen to others' responses to their previous input to a conversation, sometimes referred to a "reading the mail."

 

CB Radio Code & Lingo: What's Your 20?, 10 Codes, Trucker Talk

Before we dive in, let’s have a little fun with CB lingo!

Cledus Maggard's Rundown of CB Lingo

Jay Huguely, the man behind Cledus Maggard & the Citizen's Band, was an interesting man. Outside of dabbling in recording and songwriting, he was an stage actor, advertising and television executive who built his reputation in the 1970s. In this video, he brings humor to commonly used CB Radio Lingo. 

Get a Grip on 10 Codes Used in CB Lingo & Radio Code

The Most Commonly Used 10 Codes

When getting started, remember at least the following 10 codes:

• 10-1 Receiving Poorly
• 10-4 Ok, Message Received
• 10-7 Out of Service, Leaving Air (you're going off the air)
• 10-8 In Service, subject to call (you're back on the air)
• 10-9 Repeat Message
• 10-10 Transmission Completed, Standing By (you'll be listening)
• 10-20 "What's your location?" or "My location is..." Commonly asked as "What's your 20?"

And maybe also this code... 10-100 Need to go to Bathroom. Also, remember that the code 10-4 only means "message received". If you want to say "yes", use "affirmative". For "no", use "negative" or “negatory”.

The Complete List of CB 10 codes

• 10-1 Receiving Poorly
• 10-2 Receiving Well
• 10-3 Stop Transmitting
• 10-4 Ok, Message Received
• 10-5 Relay Message
• 10-6 Busy, Stand By
• 10-7 Out of Service, Leaving Air
• 10-8 In Service, subject to call
• 10-9 Repeat Message
• 10-10 Transmission Completed, Standing By
• 10-11 Talking too Rapidly
• 10-12 Visitors Present
• 10-13 Advise weather/road conditions
• 10-16 Make Pickup at...
• 10-17 Urgent Business
• 10-18 Anything for us?
• 10-19 Nothing for you, return to base
• 10-20 My Location is ......... or What's your Location?
• 10-21 Call by Telephone
• 10-22 Report in Person to _____
• 10-23 Stand by
• 10-24 Completed last assignment
• 10-25 Can you Contact ______
• 10-26 Disregard Last Information/Cancel Last Message/Ignore
• 10-27 I am moving to Channel ___
• 10-28 Identify your station
• 10-29 Time is up for contact
• 10-30 Does not conform to FCC Rules
• 10-32 I will give you a radio check
• 10-33 Emergency Traffic at this station
• 10-34 Trouble at this station, help needed
• 10-35 Confidential Information
• 10-36 Correct Time is _____
• 10-38 Ambulance needed at _____
• 10-39 Your message delivered
• 10-41 Please tune to channel ___
• 10-42 Traffic Accident at _____
• 10-43 Traffic tie-up at _____
• 10-44 I have a message for you (or ____)
• 10-45 All units within range please report
• 10-50 Break Channel
• 10-62 Unable to copy, use phone
• 10-62sl unable to copy on AM, use Sideband Lower (not an official code)
• 10-62su unable to copy on AM, use Sideband Upper (not an official code)
• 10-65 Awaiting your next message/assignment
• 10-67 All units comply
• 10-70 Fire at _____
• 10-73 Speed Trap at _____
• 10-75 You are causing interference
• 10-77 Negative Contact
• 10-84 My telephone number is ____
• 10-85 My address is _____
• 10-91 Talk closer to the Mike
• 10-92 Your transmitter is out of adjustment
• 10-93 Check my frequency on this channel
• 10-94 Please give me a long count
• 10-95 Transmit dead carrier for 5 sec.
• 10-99 Mission completed, all units secure
• 10-100 Need to go to Bathroom
• 10-200 Police needed at _____

10 codes originated in the USA and are CB radio lingo mostly used in English-speaking countries. However, no matter which codes are used in your country, be aware that there are local dialects in every urban area and region. You have to listen to others to learn the phrases and codes in your area. And not everyone knows or uses 10-codes, so be prepared for some people to not understand you.

Be aware that the use of codes specifically to obscure the meaning of a transmission is probably illegal in most countries. The difference is this codes which are well known and make communications shorter or more efficient are normally allowed.

Familiarize Yourself with Q codes Used in CB Radio Code & Lingo

Some of the More Common Q Codes

Q codes are used in many kinds of radio communications, including CB sideband but not typically on CB AM. (If your radio doesn't have sideband, don't worry about Q codes.) Q codes originated with amateur radio but their use in CB radio lingo varies even more than 10-codes.

The following is an abbreviated list of Q codes borrowed from amateur radio:

• QRM man made noise, adjacent channel interference
• QRN static noise
• QRO increase power
• QRP reduce power
• QRT shut down, clear
• QSL confirmation, often refers to confirmation cards exchanged by hams
• QSO conversation
• QSX standing by on the side
• QSY move to another frequency
• QTH address, location
  

The following is from a list of Q codes used by the X-Ray Club (a sideband-users club headquartered in Paradise, California):

• QRL Busy, Stand By
• QRM Man Made Interference
• QRT Stop Transmit or Shutting Down (same as 10-7 on AM)
• QRX Stop Transmit or Standing By
• QRZ Who Is Calling?
• QS Receiving Well
• QSB Receiving Poorly
• QSK I have something to Say or Station breaking QSM Repeat Message
• QSO Radio Contact
• QSP Relay Message
• QSX Standing By (same as 10-10 on AM)
• QSY Changing Frequency
• QTH My Location is _____ or What's your location? QTR Correct Time

Q codes may be used to ask questions (QTH?) or to answer them (QTH is 5th and Ivy Streets.)

The ARRL Handbook and the ARRL operating guides have more complete listings of those used for amateur radio. (ARRL is an amateur radio organization.) Historically, the Q signals were instituted at the 'World Administrative Radio Conference' (WARC) in 1912. Because of their international origin, Q codes may be more accepted outside English-speaking countries than 10-codes are.

Some Tips for Communicating with Others on a CB Radio

The following is a list that is generally considered proper procedure or polite when using a CB radio. It can also be considered a beginner's survival guide. This list was compiled from common problems that have plagued beginners since CB radios first became popular.

Conduct on the radio is guided by two principles: respect for users and respect for the CB channel.

Other users are people trying to use the CB channel just like you, and the only reason any of us is able to do so is because we all respect one another. The CB channel is a shared limited resource. When it’s not being used, you have more leeway to use more. When the CB channel’s in demand, you have to yield it to others.

When two people are talking, essentially they temporarily "own" the CB channel.

US FCC regulations say that they have to give other people opportunities to use the CB channel if they're going to use it more than several minutes. But it is not up to an outsider to "take" the CB channel from them.

Take care not to "step on" other units (i.e. transmitting at the same time as they are, thereby making both your transmissions unreadable.)

This usually means that you should adjust your break squelch level so that you can hear the other unit and then only begin to transmit when you can't hear anyone else.

NEVER deliberately key over someone else.

Nobody likes that.

If you hear one unit break for another unit, give some time for the unit to respond before you say anything yourself.

Keep in mind that they may have to fumble for a CB microphone in a moving car or dodge furniture en route to a base station. Remember, the calling unit has the CB channel.

If you want to talk on a CB channel that is in use, it is very likely that your initial transmissions will accidentally "walk over" someone else's.

So you must keep them short. The word "break" is generally accepted as both a request for the CB channel and an apology for stepping on others. Try to time it in a pause in the conversation.

Even when your "break" has been recognized, keep your next transmission short.

For example, "Break one-seven for Godzilla" if you're on Channel 17 and looking for someone whose handle is Godzilla. If Godzilla doesn't answer in a reasonably short amount of time, it doesn't hurt to say "thanks for the break" to the units that stopped their conversation for you and give them permission to resume their conversation.

If you break on an open (unused) CB channel, you don't have to be as brief.

For example, "Break 17 for Godzilla. Are you out there Godzilla?" However, the short form is perfectly acceptable, too. Use what fits your style.

If someone speaking to you gets "walked over" so that you can't understand the message, you basically have two options.

You can tell the person you were listening to, "10-9, you were stepped on", or you can find out what the breaker wants, "Go ahead break", before returning to your original conversation. You should eventually recognize the breaker and find out what they want. If two people are talking and you would like to interject a response, you will probably just walk over someone. Use the procedure above to properly break into the conversation.

What should you do if someone doesn't answer your breaks after two or three attempts?

Stop and wait for several minutes or, in mobile units, for several highway miles or city blocks. Others may have their radios on and don't want to listen to the same break more than three times in succession.

In unforseen circumstances, improvise.

Take into account other people's points of view. Give people proper access to the CB channel and try not to do anything to annoy other units.

If you make a mistake in any of the procedures above, don't waste air time on a busy CB channel by apologizing.

If the CB channel isn't busy, it's your choice.) Just try to do it right in the future. Everyone takes a little time to learn.

CB Radio Code & Lingo in Review

These codes and basic rules will give you a good head start on using the radio properly, but there are many subtleties that can’t be explained here. CB is a vibrant community with more than a century of rich history. The only way to learn about it is to participate, so get out there and do it. You’ll find that you’re an old hand at this after just a little while.

And once you’ve become an old hand, if you hear a novice on the CB channel making mistakes, don’t try to enforce any rules. You don’t have any authority, and trying to pretend that you do just takes up precious air time. Be patient, and remember when you were a novice and what that felt like. Be helpful and welcome them to the party, because that’s what CB is: a giant party that anyone and everyone can join. And everyone has a better time when we all follow the rules.

CB Terminology and Trucker Slang

 

Trucker CB Slang /Terminology
Terminology	Meaning
Affirmative	Yes
All locked up	The weigh station is closed.
Anteater	Kenworth T-600; this truck was so-named because of its sloped hood, and was one of the first trucks with an aerodynamic design. Also known as an aardvark.
Alligator	A piece of tire on the road, usually a recap from a blown tire, which can look like an alligator lying on the road. These alligators are hazards which are to be avoided, if possible. If you run over them, they can "bite you" -- bounce back up and do damage to hoses or belts, fuel crossover lines, or to the body of your tractor. They can also bounce up and go towards another vehicle, possibly causing an accident. A baby alligator is a small piece of tire, and alligator bait is several small tire pieces. Sometimes called just a "gator".
Back door	Something behind you. "There's a bear at your back door".
Back it down	Slow down.
Backed out of it	No longer able to maintain speed, necessitating a need to downshift. When a truck's climbing a steep incline, and for whatever reason, the driver has to let up off of the accelerator, he'll lose whatever momentum he had and have to downshift. "I'm backed out of it now, I'll have to get over into the slow lane."
Back row	The last rows of parking in a truck stop, often a hangout for prostitutes (see "lot lizards").
Bambi	A deer, dead or alive
Base station or unit	A powerful CB radio set in a stationary location.
Bear	A law enforcement officer at any level, but usually a State Trooper, Highway Patrol.
Bear bait	A speeding vehicle, usually a four-wheeler, which can be used to protect the other speeding vehicles behind it.
Bear bite	A speeding ticket.
Bear den or bear cave	Law enforcement headquarters,station.
Bear in the air	A law enforcement aircraft which can be monitoring the traffic and speeds below.
Bear in the bushes	Law enforcement (at any level) is hiding somewhere, probably with a radar gun aimed at traffic.
Billy Big Rigger	Another term for "supertrucker"; one who brags about himself, or his big, fast, shiny truck.
Bingo cards	These cards held stamps from each state a motor carrier would operate in; these cards are no longer used, and have been replaced by the Single State Registration System (SSRS).
Bedbugger	Can refer to a household moving company or to the household mover himself.
Big R	A Roadway truck.
Big road	Usually refers to the Interstate, sometimes any big highway.
Big truck	Refers to an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer. "Come on over, big truck".
Bird dog	A radar detector.
Big word	Closed, when referring to weigh stations. There is often a big sign preceding the weigh station indicating whether the station is open or closed, in bright lights. From a distance, you can't tell what the word says, but you can usually tell whether it's a big word or small word. So, when you hear "the big word is out", you'll know that the weigh station is closed.
Black eye	A headlight out. "Driver going eastbound, you've got a black eye".
Bobtail	Driving the tractor only, without the trailer attached.
Boogie	The top gear (the highest gear) of the transmission.
Boulevard	The Interstate.
Brake check	There is a traffic tie-up ahead, which will require immediate slowing down or stopping. "You've gotta brake check ahead of you, eastbound".
Break	If the radio's busy, saying "break-19" is the proper way to gain access to the channel, and begin talking.
Breaking up	Your signal is weak, or fading.
Brush your teeth and comb your hair	Shooting vehicles with a radar gun.
Bubba	What you call another driver, often in a kidding way.
Bull dog	A Mack truck.
Bull frog	An ABF truck.
Bull hauler	A livestock hauler.
Bumper sticker	A vehicle that's tailgating. Sometimes called a "hitchhiker ".
Bundled out	Loaded heavy, or to maximum capacity.
Buster Brown	A UPS truck or driver.
Cabbage	A steep mountain grade in Oregon.
Cabover	Abbreviated term for Cab-Over-the Engine (COE) type of tractor.
Cash register	A tollbooth.
Checking ground pressure	The weigh station is open, and they're running trucks across the scales (see "running you across").
Chicken coop	A weigh station, often called just a "coop".
Chicken lights	Extra lights a trucker has on his truck and trailer.
Chicken hauler or truck	A big, fancy truck; a large, conventional tractor with a lot of lights and chrome. Also, one who hauls live chickens.
Comedian	The median strip in between opposite lanes of traffic.
Container	Refers to an overseas container; intermodal transportation.
Come-a-part engine	Cummins engine.
Come back	An invitation for the other driver to talk. Sometimes used when you couldn't hear the last transmission, "comeback, I didn't hear you".
Come on	Telling another driver that you hear him calling you, and to go ahead and talk. "Yeah driver, come on".
Comic book	The log book.
Commercial company	A prostitute.
Convoy	A group of trucks traveling together.
Copy	Transmission acknowledged, agreed with, or understood, as in "that's a copy, driver".
Cornflake	Refers to a Consolidated Freightways truck.
County Mountie	County police, often a sheriff's deputy.
Covered wagon	Flatbed type of trailer, with sidewalls, and a tarp.
Crackerhead	A derogatory term; insult.
Crotch rocket	A motorcycle built for speed; not a Harley-Davidson.
Deadhead	Pulling an empty trailer.
Destruction	Road construction.
Diesel car	A semi- tractor.
Diesel cop	A DOT, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer.
Donkey	Behind you. "A bear is on your donkey".
Do what?	I didn't hear or understand you.
Double nickel	55 mph.
Doubles	Refers to a set of double trailers.
Drawing lines	Completing your log book
Driver	What drivers call other drivers on the CB, especially if their CB handle is not known.
Driving award	A speeding ticket.
Downstroke	Driving downwards, downhill, on a decline.
Dragon wagon	A tow truck.
Dragonfly	A truck with no power, especially going uphill.
Dry box	An unrefrigerated, freight trailer. Also considered a dry van
18-wheeler	Any tractor-trailer.
85th Street	Interstate 85.
Evil Knievel	A law enforcement officer on a motorcycle.
Eyeball	To see something.
Feeding the bears	Paying a ticket or citation.
Fingerprint	To unload a trailer by yourself.
Flip-flop	Refers to a u-turn, or a return trip.
FM	An AM-FM radio.
42	Yes, or OK.
Four-letter word	Open; referring to weigh stations being open or closed.
4-wheeler	Any passenger vehicle; cars or pickups.
Freight shaker	A Freightliner truck.
Front door	In front of you.
Full-grown bear	State Trooper, or Highway Patrol.
Garbage hauler	A produce load, or produce haulers.
Gear Jammer	A driver who speeds up and slows down with great frequency.
General mess of crap	A GMC truck
Georgia overdrive	Putting the transmission into neutral on a downgrade, to go extremely fast. Definitely not recommended!
Go-go juice	Diesel fuel.
Good buddy	This used to be the thing to say: "10-4, good buddy". Not anymore, as this calling someone a homosexual.
Good neighbor	Usually used when you're showing appreciation to another driver, as in "thank you, good neighbor".
Got my nightgown on	I'm in the sleeper, and ready to go to sleep.
Go to company	When you tell another driver from your company to go to the designated company CB channel. Drivers do this so that they can talk about company business or personal matters without monopolizing channel 19.
Go to the Harley	Turn your CB to channel 1.
Got your ears on?	Are you listening
Gouge on it	Go fast, put the throttle to the floor, step on it, etc.
Granny lane	The right, slower lane on a multi-lane highway, or on the Interstate.
Greasy	Icy, or slippery.
Greasy side up	A vehicle that's flipped over.
Green Stamps	Money.
Grossed out	Your gross vehicle weight is at maximum capacity; commonly 80,000 pounds.
Ground pressure	The weight of your truck, as in "the scale's testing your ground pressure".
Gumball machine	The lights on top of a patrol car.
Hammer down	Go fast, step on it.
Hammer lane	The left, passing lane of traffic.
Hand, Han	What a driver sometimes calls another driver. Stems from the term farmhand, and means helper, or fellow worker.
Handle (CB handle)	The FCC encourages the use of CB handles. CB handles are nicknames which are used to identify the speaker, in place of on actual name. A driver often selects his own handle, one that he feels reflects his personality, or describes his way of driving.
Happy happy	Happy new year; "Have a happy happy, driver".
Having "shutter trouble"	Having trouble keeping awake.
Ho Chi Minh Trail	Refers to California Highway 152, known for it's abundance of accidents.
Holler	Call me on the radio, as in "give me a holler when you get back".
Home 20	A driver's home location.
How 'bout	When you're trying to contact other drivers, you can say "how 'bout you, eastbound?".
Hood	A conventional tractor, as opposed to a cab-over.
Hundred dollar lane, high dollar lane	In certain heavily populated areas, trucks will be prohibited from driving in the far left lane, with a heavy fine for violators. This term refers to that prohibited lane.
Jackpot	Same as gumball machine, refers to a patrol car's lights.
Key down	When you talk over somebody who's trying to transmit. A bigger, more powerful radio can easily drown out a lesser one.
Key up	Pushing the transmit button on the CB Mike. "Key up for about 20 minutes, and tell me how bad you are".
In my back pocket	Behind you; a place you've passed.
In the big hole	The top gear of the transmission.
K-whopper	A Kenworth tractor, or just KW.
Kojak with a Kodak	Law enforcement using a radar gun.
Land line	A stationary telephone; not a cellular-phone.
Large car	A conventional tractor, often with a big sleeper, lots of chrome and lights, etc.
Left Coast	The West Coast.
Local information	A driver asks for local information when he needs directions in area he's unfamiliar with.
Local-yokel	A county, city, or small-town officer.
Lollipop	The small reflector or marker poles on the sides of the highway.
Lot lizard	A prostitute that solicits truck-to-truck in a truck stop or rest area.
Lumper	Casual labor that loads or unloads your trailer, often requiring payment in cash.
Male buffalo	A male prostitute.
Mama-bear	Refers to a female law enforcement officer.
Mash your motor	Go fast, step on it. Same as gouge on it and hammer down.
Meat wagon	An ambulance.
Merry merry	Merry Christmas.
Motion lotion	Diesel fuel.
Moving on	Heading down the road.
Mud duck	A weak radio signal.
Negatory	Negative or no.
95th Street	Interstate 95.
On the side	On standby.
Parking lot	An auto transporter, often used when the trailer is empty.
Pay the water bill	Taking a rest room break.
Pickle park	A rest area frequented by lot lizards (prostitutes).
Pigtail	The electrical connection from the tractor to the trailer.
Plain wrapper	An unmarked law enforcement vehicle, usually said with color added as a description: "you've got a plain brown wrapper on your back door".
Plenty of protection	Usually means there's plenty of police in the area, but I've heard it used to tell drivers to go ahead and step on it because there's speeding four-wheelers ahead blocking or covering for them.
Pogo stick	Usually a metal, flexible support located on the tractor catwalk, that holds up the connections to the trailer.
Power up	Go faster, speed up.
Preeshaydit	Thank you, I appreciate it.
Pumpkin	A Schneider truck, because of it's orange color.
Radio	A CB radio.
Radio check	How's my radio working, transmitting, getting out there.
Rambo	Someone who talks really tough on the radio, especially when no one else knows where they are.
Ratchet jaw	Someone who talks a lot on the radio, while keying-up the whole time and not letting anyone else get a chance to talk.
Reading the mail	Not talking; just listening to the radio.
Reefer	Usually refers to refrigerated van trailer, but sometimes just to the reefer unit itself.
Rest-a-ree-a	Another way to say rest area.
Road pizza	Roadkill on the side of the road.
Rockin' chair	A truck that's in the middle of two other trucks.
Roger	Yes; affirmative.
Roger beep	An audible beep that sounds when a person has un-keyed the mike, and finished his transmission. Used on only a small percentage of radios, and not recommended.
Roller skate	Any small car.
Rooster cruiser	A big, fancy truck; a large, conventional tractor with a lot of lights and chrome.
Runnin'you across	The weigh station is open, and they're weighing trucks, probably in a quick fashion.
Salt shaker	The road maintenance vehicles that dumps salt or sand on the highways in the winter.
Sandbagging	To listen to the radio without talking; also "readin' the mail".
Sandbox	An escape ramp, which sometimes uses sand to stop vehicles.
Schneider eggs	The orange cones in construction areas.
Seat cover	Sometimes used to describe drivers or passengers of four-wheelers.
Sesame Street	Channel 19 on the CB.
Shaky	Refers to California in general, sometimes Los Angeles, and, occasionally, San Francisco.
Shiny side up	Your vehicle hasn't flipped over after a rollover or accident. "Keep the shiny side up" means to have a safe trip.
Shooting you in the back	You're being shot with a radar gun as your vehicle passes a law enforcement vehicle.
Short short	A short amount of time.
Shutdown	Put out of service by the DOT because of some violation.
Sleeper creeper	A prostitute; same as a lot lizard.
Skateboard	A flatbed, or flatbed trailer.
Skins	Tires.
Smokin' scooter	A law enforcement officer on a motorcycle.
Smokin' the brakes	The trailer brakes are literally smoking from overuse down a mountain grade.
Smokey or Smokey Bear	A law enforcement officer, usually highway patrol.
Split	A junction, where the road goes in separate directions.
Spy in the sky	A law enforcement aircraft, same as a "bear in the air".
Stagecoach	A tour bus.
Stand on it	Step on it, go faster.
Swinging	Carrying a load of swinging meat.
Taking pictures	Law enforcement using a radar gun.
10-4	OK, message received. Some drivers just say "10".
Thermos bottle	A tanker trailer.
Through the woods	Leaving the Interstate to travel secondary roads.
Throwin' iron	To put on snow tire chains.
Too many eggs in the basket	Overweight load or gross weight.
Toothpicks	A load of lumber.
Travel agent	The dispatcher, or sometimes a broker.
Triple digits	Over 100 mph.
VW	A Volvo-White tractor.
Wagon	Some drivers refer to their trailer as a wagon.
Walked on you	Drowned out your transmission by keying up at the same time.
Wally world	Wal-Mart (the store or the distribution center), or a Wal-Mart truck.
West Coast turnarounds	Uppers; speed or benzedrine pills; the idea is that a driver can drive from the East Coast to the West Coast, and back again without having to sleep. Obviously illegal!!
Wiggle wagons	A set of double or triple trailers.
Yard	A company terminal, drop lot, etc.
Yardstick	A mile marker on the highway.