10-Codes have been in use since the 1930s. They were originally developed as a way for police communicate over early radios, which needed time to charge to send a message. Additionally, early radio transmissions were choppy. The 10-Codes were created as short messages, making it easier for the radios to send the message, and easier for the receiver to understand.
When truckers began using CB radios, they experienced the same issues as early police departments. So they adopted the 10-Code communication, modifying it slightly.
10-4 Good Buddy
It was in 1975 when C.W. McCall’s song Convoy was released, bringing the trucker 10-Code, and in particular “10-4“, into popular culture. The release of the 1978 film Convoy solidified the 10-Code into the cultural lexicon.
There are over 200 10-Codes. Below are some of the most popular ones used by truckers today.
Trucker Radio Codes
| 10-1 | Receiving badly |
| 10-2 | Receiving good |
| 10-3 | Stop Transmitting |
| 10-4 | Ok, Affirmative |
| 10-5 | Pass on the Message |
| 10-6 | Busy |
| 10-7 | Out of service |
| 10-8 | In Service |
| 10-9 | Repeat the information |
| 10-10 | Transmission Completed (a CB operator will no longer broadcasting, but will listen the conversation) |
| 10-11 | Talking too fast |
| 10-12 | Visitor is present |
| 10-13 | Advise for the road conditions or the road and the weather |
| 10-14 | Convoy detail |
| 10-16 | Make Pickup at… |
| 10-17 | Urgent Business |
| 10-18 | Something for us yet? |
| 10-19 | Return to base now, there is nothing for you |
| 10-20 | Commonly used just as 20 and it means What’s your Location or My location is… |
| 10-21 | Contact me by telephone |
| 10-22 | Report in Person to… |
| 10-23 | Standby |
| 10-24 | Last assignment is completed |
| 10-25 | Can you communicate |
| 10-26 | Ignore/cancel the last Information |
| 10-27 | I am proceeding to Channel … (You are using this code when you want talk alone not on channel 20) |
| 10-28 | Point your station |
| 10-29 | It is time for contact |
| 10-30 | Does not conform to FCC rules and regulations |
| 10-32 | I’ll give you a radio check |
| 10-33 | Unfortunate incident on the road, need help |
| 10-34 | Trouble at this station (need of help) |
| 10-35 | Sensitive Information |
| 10-36 | Request for correct time |
| 10-38 | Need of ambulance at swift yard |
| 10-39 | Your message delivered |
| 10-41 | Please Choose the channel … |
| 10-42 | Traffic accident at … |
| 10-43 | Traffic jam at … |
| 10-44 | I have a news for you |
| 10-45 | All units in the area please report |
| 10-50 | A break Channel |
| 10-65 | I am waiting your next assignment |
| 10-67 | All units to comply |
| 10-70 | There is a fire at Truck Stop |
| 10-73 | There is Speed Trap at |
| 10-75 | Causing interference |
| 10-77 | Negative Contact |
| 10-84 | My telephone number is … |
| 10-85 | My address is … |
| 10-91 | Talk closer to the Microphone |
| 10-92 | Your transmitter is out of adjustment |
| 10-93 | Check my channel frequency on … |
| 10-94 | Please give me a long count |
| 10-95 | Transmit dead carrier for 5 sec. |
| 10-99 | Unit is secure |
| 10-100 | Break for bathroom |
| 10-200 | Need of police |
