Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining voice communications between platooning vehicles, vehicles and other non-platooning vehicles, and with a Network Operations Controller (NOC) is disclosed. In various embodiments, the voice communications are maintained over a direct vehicle-to-vehicle link and/or a cellular link either between vehicles or with the NOC. Also disclosed is a PTT protocol with an interrupt feature that allows a first driver to interrupt a second driver while the second driver is transmitting. Also disclosed is using the system and methods for maintaining voice communications among drivers of tractor-trailer trucks operating in a platoon.