Glendale, Arizona — 160 Driving Academy recently solidified its presence in the Southwest by opening a new commercial driver training facility in Glendale. This expansion represents the latest milestone for the company, which continues to aggressively scale its operations with eight other locations established across the country in recent months.
For those looking to enter the industry, the school maintains that its graduates pull an average starting salary of $65,000 annually. The facility utilizes data-driven analytics to refine instruction, aiming to move students through the licensing process while focusing on the safety standards required by modern carriers. By combining classroom theory with hands-on practice, the academy positions itself as a primary pipeline for trucking companies hiring in a tight labor market.
The academy is currently scaling its footprint to include 43 states, facilitating the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s entry-level driver training requirements nationwide. Beyond basic CDL-A driver instruction, the organization has launched an online hazardous materials endorsement course currently available in 30 states. With projected enrollment numbers topping 35,000 students this year, the school is leveraging its scale to push for standardized training metrics.
What This Means for Drivers
New entrants and those seeking career changes should note that the academy integrates its proprietary Truckers Network and 160 Driver Score to assist with job placement. This platform attempts to match graduates with carriers by highlighting performance metrics and compliance history during the training phase. For an aspiring CDL-A driver, this translates into a more structured path from the classroom to a seat in a rig, potentially shortening the gap between licensing and employment.
Industry Reaction
The push for consistent, high-volume training schools reflects broader industry efforts to address the persistent turnover rates that plague the freight sector. As FMCSA regulations continue to tighten the requirements for entry-level drivers, large-scale training providers are positioning themselves as the necessary bridge for carriers struggling to find qualified talent. While owner-operator demographics remain distinct from the training-school pipeline, the influx of new drivers into the national pool directly impacts the competitive landscape for freight rates and available equipment.
Key Points
- The new Glendale, Arizona facility serves as a regional hub for the school’s expansion.
- Graduates report an average annual starting salary of $65,000.
- The academy now operates its FMCSA-compliant training programs across 43 states.
- The school expects to train more than 35,000 students throughout 2026.
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