While CB radios have decreased in popularity when compared to the heydays of the 1970s, they are still in demand and, in some industries, are widespread. CB, or citizens band radios, are perhaps most popular among long-haul truck drivers to communicate directions, traffic problems and other things of importance.

Today's CB radios are much more sophisticated than their 1970s counterparts. The options, features and accessories seem limitless, making the radio an invaluable employee communication device. When gathering CB radios information consider the three tips below to ensure your radios meet all your business communication requirements.

1. Review CB radios provider inventory to determine which radio best suits your business purposes.

2. Find CB radios that complement the features and accessories you require for communications.

3. Learn how to perform regular maintenance on your radios or where to get them repaired.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine which CB radios best suit your business purposes

There are a handful of CB radio manufacturers and these companies make a handful of models, each with their own pros and cons. When narrowing down the choices on your CB radios list, it is important to read product reviews as well as descriptions of each model so you can make an accurate assessment of which model best suits your needs.

I recommend: CB Radio Magazine offers helpful reviews about popular CB Radio models. Clay's Radio Shop has a variety of CB models to choose from and even gives a summary description of each CB radio manufacturer.

Identify the features and accessories you consider essential for your business' CB radios

Today's CB radios come with many features. Popular choices include an ANL/NB knob to reduce background and engine noises coming from your car, a NOR/9/19 button that automatically switches channel frequencies and a CB/WX Knob that lets you toggle between CB and weather channels. There are also many microphones, mounts and even antennas to make sure your CB radio meets all your communication needs.

I recommend: CB City has many different makes and models of CB radios. Each model comes with a detailed description of its various features. Bells CB Radio's inventory is so large it seems to include just about any CB accessory, antenna, mount or microphone one could possibly require.

Know where or how to get your CB radios repaired and maintained

To ensure your CB radios last for years, it is important they receive regular maintenance. Also, similar to other electronic devices that break from time to time, CB radios will eventually require repair so it is important to find someone who knows how to work on them.

I recommend: TruckCity CB & Solar repairs and performs tune-ups on CB radios and even provides a list of the models they consider the most tuneable. The Fix It Club website offers step-by-step repair and troubleshooting tips for CB radios.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your employees tend to travel in a variety of different vehicles, then hand-held CB radios may be appropriate for you. Small and portable, these hand-held devices allow you to communicate wherever you may be.