Sleeper Berth

A sleeper berth is a designated sleeping compartment built into the cab of a commercial truck, typically located directly behind the driver and passenger seats. Under FMCSA regulations, a compliant sleeper berth must be at least 75 inches long, 24 inches wide, and provide adequate headroom, ventilation, and protection from the elements. It must be equipped with a mattress and be properly secured to the vehicle.

For Hours of Service purposes, time spent in an approved sleeper berth is recorded as "sleeper berth" status on the driver's ELD, which counts as off-duty time toward the required 10-hour rest period. The sleeper berth provision allows drivers to split their required rest time into two periods under certain conditions, known as the split sleeper berth rule.

Modern sleeper berths range from basic flat bunk configurations in day cab conversions to luxurious standalone units in Class 8 trucks, featuring climate control, entertainment systems, storage, refrigerators, and even stand-up headroom. For over-the-road drivers who spend weeks on the road, the sleeper berth serves as a mobile living space and is a critical factor in driver comfort and retention.