FCC warns additional trucking firms about unlicensed 10-metre operation

The FCC has issued warning notices to five more trucking companies asking them to respond to allegations that their drivers may have transmitted illegally on the 10-meter amateur band. The alleged violations, based on "information before the Commission" as opposed to FCC monitoring, are said to have occurred in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and California.

"While many truckers use Citizens Band radio equipment, please be advised that operation of radio transmitting equipment without a license is a violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934," FCC Special Counsel for Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth wrote the five firms in late
August. The letters were made public September 18. Hollingsworth warned that violators, if caught and convicted, are subject to fines or prison time as well as seizure of their equipment.

In three of the cases, the frequency involved was 28.085 MHz--in the CW band--while the other two cases cited transmissions on 28.215 MHz and 28.315 MHz. Hollingsworth asked Teaberry Trucking LLC, United Van Lines, Dowell Express Inc, Con-Way (CWX) Trucking and K&K Cartage to contact him to discuss the matter.

In general, trucking company and courier services have responded promptly and positively to similar FCC warnings, indicating that they would warn drivers to refrain from unlicensed use of amateur frequencies.

"UPS does not condone using any radio equipment that violates FCC rules," said a statement that went out to its drivers earlier this year after the FCC issued a Warning Notice to the package delivery service alleging unlicensed 10-meter operation. "Employees continuing to use radio
equipment that violates FCC rules and UPS policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action along with fines or penalties owed to the FCC."

UPS also admonished its drivers regarding the use of CB power amplifiers and transceivers capable of operation on both 10 and 11 meters. UPS said violating FCC rules also ignores the terms of its collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters Union.

A New Jersey trucking firm that received an FCC Warning Notice last spring promised to look into the allegations and "immediately remove all illegal equipment" from the truck in question. Gaffney, South Carolina, trucking company J Grady Randolph Inc wrote Hollingsworth earlier this year to say
it had also received an anonymous report citing allegations similar to those in an FCC Warning Notice to the firm. Director of Human Resources and Safety W. O. Brown said Grady Randolph immediately advised all of its drivers that it is against the law to operate Amateur Radio equipment
without a license.

"We feel the problem with 10-meter radios is very widespread in this industry, since most truck stops have them for sale," Brown added. "We will continue to police our trucks in an attempt to prevent future incidents of such violations."

While it's uncertain that these and similar admonitions have translated into fewer instances of alleged unlicensed operation on 10 meters by truckers, no further allegations have been raised involving operators of firms, such as UPS, that already have received FCC warning notices.

Source: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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