TruckRadar lists 5,437 used day cab trucks for sale from dealers including Ryder Used Trucks (1,441), Rush Truck Centers (397), Forge Truck Centers (256). Top makes include Freightliner, Peterbilt, International. Prices range from $5,000 to $399,840.
Search new and used day cab trucks for sale from commercial truck dealers nationwide. TruckRadar.AI aggregates day cab listings across all major makes — Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Mack, Volvo, and International — covering tandem axle day cabs, single axle day cabs, and specialty cab configurations built for regional, local, and drayage operations. Filter by make, model, year, price, mileage, axle configuration, and location to find the right day cab for your fleet.
Day cab trucks are Class 8 tractors without a sleeping compartment, designed for regional, local, and dedicated routes where drivers return home each night. They are lighter, shorter, and more maneuverable than sleepers — ideal for port drayage, LTL linehaul, and dedicated distribution.
Types of Day Cab Trucks
Tandem Axle Day Cab
The most common OTR day cab configuration, the tandem axle (6x4) day cab pairs with 48- or 53-foot trailers for regional freight operations where drivers return home daily. Tandem day cabs offer maximum payload capacity and trailer stability. Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, and Peterbilt 579 day cab variants are the most widely sold tandem units in North America.
Single Axle Day Cab
Single axle (6x2 or 4x2) day cabs are lighter, more fuel-efficient, and lower cost than tandem configurations. They are commonly used for lighter regional freight, intermodal drayage, and applications where maximum GVW is not required. Single axle day cabs are popular in port and rail yard drayage where maneuverability and operating cost matter more than maximum payload.
Vocational Day Cab
Vocational day cabs are spec'd for heavy-duty work cycles — construction, refuse, mining, and utility operations. They feature heavier frames, higher axle ratings, and PTO provisions for powering auxiliary equipment. The Kenworth T880, Peterbilt 567, Mack Granite, and Freightliner 114SD are among the most common vocational day cab platforms.
A day cab truck is a semi truck or tractor without a sleeping compartment, designed for operations where the driver returns home or to a terminal at the end of each shift. Day cabs are shorter and lighter than sleeper trucks, making them more maneuverable and fuel-efficient for regional, local, and drayage routes. They are the dominant tractor type for port drayage, regional LTL, and local distribution operations.
What's the difference between a day cab and a sleeper truck?
A sleeper truck includes a built-in sleeping compartment behind the cab for overnight rest, designed for long-haul OTR operations. A day cab has no sleeping quarters and is built for regional or local routes where the driver returns home each night. Day cabs are lower cost, lighter, and shorter than comparable sleeper units. For operations that don't require overnight driving, a day cab is the more efficient and economical choice.
How much does a day cab truck cost?
New day cab semi trucks typically cost between $110,000 and $165,000 depending on make, model, axle configuration, and spec. Used day cabs from 2019–2023 with under 500,000 miles commonly list between $50,000 and $110,000. Single axle day cabs are generally $10,000–$20,000 less than comparable tandem configurations. Browse TruckRadar.AI for real-time pricing from dealers nationwide.
Common Uses for Day Cab Trucks
Port drayage — container moves between terminals and warehouses
Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, Mack, and Volvo all produce popular day cab models. The Freightliner Cascadia day cab and Kenworth T680 day cab are the highest-volume regional freight tractors in North America. The Peterbilt 579 and 567 are popular among owner-operators. For vocational applications, the Kenworth T880, Mack Granite, and Peterbilt 567 are industry standards.
What is a day cab used for?
Day cabs are used across a wide range of commercial trucking operations including port and rail yard drayage, regional LTL and truckload freight, local distribution and grocery delivery, construction and vocational work, intermodal container transport, and short-haul flatbed and tanker operations. Any operation where the driver is not required to sleep in the truck is a candidate for a day cab.
Can I find automatic day cab trucks for sale?
Yes. Automated manual transmissions (AMTs) are now standard on most late-model day cabs. The Detroit DT12, Eaton Fuller Advantage, Allison automatic, Volvo I-Shift, and Mack mDrive are the most common AMT options across major brands. Use the transmission filter on TruckRadar.AI to show only automatic or automated day cab units in your search.
Used
$30,000–$100,000 depending on year, miles, and configuration
Day Cab Trucks for Sale — FAQ
What is the main advantage of a day cab over a sleeper truck?
Day cabs are approximately 2,000 lbs lighter than comparable sleepers, which means more legal payload on weight-sensitive loads. They are also shorter, with a tighter turning radius that makes navigating ports, city streets, and crowded distribution centers easier.
Can a day cab pull the same trailers as a sleeper?
Yes — a day cab and sleeper with the same powertrain and fifth-wheel rating can pull identical trailers. The only difference is the absence of a sleeping compartment, which affects driver accommodation, not towing capability.
What is a 6x2 axle configuration and when is it used?
A 6x2 configuration has one powered rear drive axle and one unpowered "tag" axle, versus a 6x4 where both rear axles drive. A 6x2 is about 200 lbs lighter and more fuel-efficient on flat highway routes, but less capable in poor traction conditions or steep grades. It is most popular for dedicated regional routes.
Day cab vs sleeper — which is right for my operation?
Choose a day cab when drivers return home nightly — port drayage, city distribution, LTL linehaul, and dedicated lanes within a 250-mile radius all fit this model. Day cabs are approximately 2,000 lbs lighter than comparable sleepers (more legal payload), cost $20,000–$40,000 less to purchase, and are easier to maneuver in tight docks and urban environments. Choose a sleeper when drivers run OTR routes and need on-board rest accommodations.
What are the most popular day cab truck models?
The top-selling day cab tractors in the US Class 8 market are the Freightliner Cascadia Day Cab (highest volume), Kenworth T680 Day Cab (PACCAR MX-13 or Cummins X15), Peterbilt 579 Day Cab (aerodynamic, driver-focused), International LT Day Cab (Cummins A6.7 or X15), Mack Anthem Day Cab (Mack MP8), and Volvo VNR Day Cab (Volvo D13). For regional and port work, the Kenworth T370 and Peterbilt 567 are popular mid-range options.