Weigh Station CB Slang: Complete Dictionary
Every CB radio term truckers use for weigh stations, scales, and inspections. From chicken coop to portable parking lot, coop card to scale jockey — this is the definitive dictionary of weigh station CB lingo.
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O TruckingWeigh Station CB Slang: Complete Dictionary (2026)
Weigh Station Names & Locations
| CB Term | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken coop | Weigh station | “Chicken coop is open at the 142” |
| Coop | Weigh station (shortened) | “Coop's shut down tonight” |
| Chicken house | Weigh station (variation) | “Chicken house on I-40” |
| Portable parking lot | Portable/temporary weigh station | “Portable parking lot at the rest area” |
| Pickle park | Rest area (sometimes with enforcement) | “DOT set up at the pickle park” |
Status & Operations
| CB Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Coop is open | Weigh station is operational, must pull in |
| Coop is closed / shut down | Weigh station not operating, drive past |
| Backed up at the coop | Long line of trucks waiting to be weighed |
| Running them through | Processing trucks quickly, minimal checking |
| Checking everything | Full inspections, not just weight |
| Pull around back | Selected for additional inspection |
| Got the green light | Bypass approved ( PrePass/ Drivewyze) |
| Coop card | Bypass transponder/device |
People & Enforcement
| CB Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Scale jockey | Weigh station officer |
| DOT man / DOT bear | DOT enforcement officer at the station |
| Chicken inspector | Officer at the chicken coop (playful term) |
| Heavyweight | Truck that is overweight |
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Weigh Station Slang FAQ
Common questions about weigh station CB slang
What is a chicken coop in trucker slang?
Chicken coop (or just 'coop') is CB radio slang for a weigh station. When truckers say 'the coop is open,' they mean the weigh station ahead is operational and trucks must pull in. 'Coop is closed' means the station is shut down. The term likely comes from trucks lined up to enter a station looking like chickens filing into a coop.
What does 'portable parking lot' mean in CB slang?
A portable parking lot is CB slang for a temporary or portable weigh station. These are enforcement operations set up at rest areas, truck stops, or highway shoulders using portable scales. They are harder to predict than permanent weigh stations and are not covered by bypass services like PrePass or Drivewyze.
What is a 'scale jockey' in trucking?
Scale jockey is trucker slang for a weigh station officer — the person operating the scale and checking trucks at the weigh station. The term is generally neutral, not derogatory. It simply identifies the officer by their role at the scale.
What does 'coop card' mean?
Coop card is CB slang for a weigh station bypass transponder, such as PrePass. When a trucker asks 'got your coop card?', they are asking if you have a bypass device that might let you skip the weigh station. Having a 'coop card' with a green light means you can bypass the station without stopping.
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