Can drivers use day cabs to do regional or dedicated runs?

As long as you can get home or to a hotel.

 

Pack your hammock.

 

Highway Hammocks

 

The Trucksnoozer has been tested to 187 kilos which is over 400 pounds, or almost 30 stones. It is unlikely that anyone heavier than that would be able to climb into the hammock, or for that matter be driving a truck.​

 

I'd be more worried about bending the door frame over time. It's not designed for the stresses imposed.
No, there is a reason day cabs aren't commonly used for runs where one takes their 10 hour.

Also, I question the whole premise of day cabs (at least used) being cheaper than sleepers. Last I looked, which admittedly was before the recent price inflation, days cabs were either more expensive or the same price on average as sleepers.

But to answer the question, no it's not worth it. I can see several points even if you are home every other night. And most regional I've seen advertised is out all week and home weekends, so you will need to pack almost as much as an OTR guy.
You'll have to remove the second seat for a cooler/refrigerator if you don't want to be spending any perceived savings on food. Now where will up put your extra clothes? Simple tools in case you need to replace a mudflap or bang on a tandem pin?

 

Lots of heavy haul operations run day cabs and they go the distance.

 

True, as does a fair few car haulers. They also aren't doing it so much to save a few dollars on the truck however. They do it because the extra money spent on hotels is less than they make hauling more of a load.

 

I did regional for a few years and added a bunk for convenience as it was only used for sleep, never stopped more than 8 hours, usually just enough sleep to get home. Depends on your run,,,I was covering NW Ontario where hotel/motel rooms scarce during tourist season.

 

Absolutely..easier to maneuver and see out of. Not the best for 45k loads though.I don't think sleeping in the drivers seat is counted as off duty sleeper berth though. Just stay at Super 8 with truck parking.The overall fuel mileage of the sleeper vs daycab and the idling seemed to cost about the Same as just getting a $44 hotel with corporate lodging card. Jmo