160 Driving Academy
Overview
160 Driving Academy is the largest commercial driving school in the United States, offering training programs for obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Founded in 2012 by Steve Gold, the company is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. It operates over 150 locations nationwide and has made significant strides in expanding its footprint across the country. The academy has received significant financial backing, including a recent $100 million investment to further its expansion and services.
Recent Developments
- March 2024: 160 Driving Academy announced the participation of 16.5% of its female graduates in celebrating Women's History Month. The organization is championing women’s careers in trucking, with 57% of its senior leadership comprising women.
- December 2023: The company opened new locations across multiple states, including Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Shreveport, Louisiana, reflecting its ongoing expansion strategy.
- September 2024: 160 Driving Academy received $30 million from Turning Rock Partners to support its expansion plans, aiming to increase its school footprint to 200 schools by 2026.
- June 2023: Acquired National Tractor Trailer Schools in Buffalo and Syracuse, New York. This was part of its strategy to fill gaps in commercial driving schools in the region.
- February 2023: Introduced virtual HAZMAT training across 30 states, expanding its course offerings for commercial drivers.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Evanston, Illinois |
| Founders | Steve Gold |
| Revenue | $46.4 Million |
| Profits | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Lafayette Square, Upper90, Turning Rock Partners |
| Industry | Education and Training |
| Number of Employees | 1,001-5,000 |
Early History
160 Driving Academy was founded in 2012 with the aim of addressing the shortage of qualified truck drivers in the United States. The company began with a single location and has since scaled rapidly to become a national leader in commercial driver training. By emphasizing quality training and job placement, the academy has attracted partnerships with major transportation companies, leveraging its programs to meet the growing demand for drivers.
Company Profile and Achievements
160 Driving Academy operates a robust network of over 150 CDL training schools across 44 states. It is a key player in vocational education, annually training over 35,000 students. The academy's programs focus on high-quality, safety-centric training and boast a substantial job placement rate through its partnerships with major transport employers.
- **Achievements: **
- Developed a proprietary driver training app that enhances student training experiences through personalized analytics and feedback.
- Launched a digital platform, Truckers Network, offering job placement and resources for drivers, including fuel and factoring services.
- Recognition as a top company for women to work in transportation by the Women In Trucking Association.
- **Milestones: **
- Expansion to over 150 schools by 2024, making it the largest CDL training network in North America.
- Acquisition of legacy driving schools to extend its reach, such as the National Tractor Trailer Schools.
Current Operations and Market Position
160 Driving Academy continues to dominate the CDL training sector in the U.S. by embracing technological advancements and strategic expansions. It has integrated advanced driver safety analytics into its curriculum, providing students with an edge in safety training. The academy operates in a highly competitive market but distinguishes itself with cutting-edge training methodologies and extensive job placement networks.
160 Driving Academy Lawsuit
There are no recent high-profile lawsuits involving 160 Driving Academy. The company maintains a focus on compliance with federal training regulations to mitigate legal challenges.
160 Driving Academy Online Classes
160 Driving Academy has expanded its offerings to include virtual training, such as its HAZMAT courses available in multiple states. These programs complement their physical classroom experiences by providing flexible, technology-driven education solutions.
Conclusion
160 Driving Academy's growth trajectory underscores its pivotal role in addressing the trucking industry's workforce needs. With significant investments and a continued emphasis on quality training and job placement, the academy is poised to maintain its leadership position in the commercial driving training sector. Its strategic expansion plans aim to not only increase its physical presence but also enhance its service offerings, further positioning the academy as an indispensable resource within the trucking industry.