Diesel Driving Academy
Diesel Driving Academy is a private Louisiana-based CDL training school founded in 1972 operating three campuses (Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Monroe) that has trained over 100,000 drivers, serving career-changers, veterans, and workforce-program students through ELDT-compliant programs with placement into major national carriers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersShreveport, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Diesel Driving Academy does
Diesel Driving Academy (DDA) is a private, for-profit commercial driver license (CDL) training school headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, founded in 1972 by Abe Busada. It operates three campuses across Louisiana — Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Monroe — and has produced more than 100,000 graduates over its 53-year history, positioning itself as the state's oldest and largest CDL training provider. The school serves individual career-changers, veterans, and workforce-program participants seeking entry into the long-haul trucking industry.
DDA's product line centers on four ELDT-compliant (FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training) program formats: a 4-week Basic CDL course, a 20-30 week Advanced CDL course, a CDL Prep refresher, and a Hazmat Endorsement course. Curriculum is delivered through instructor-led classroom and in-cab training, with pricing ranging from approximately $3,000 to $10,000 per program depending on length and intensity. The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV financial aid, and approved under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Revenue mechanics are diversified across self-pay tuition, federal Title IV student aid, VA benefits, WIOA workforce funding, and employer-sponsored pre-apprenticeship pipelines. DDA maintains placement relationships with eight large national carriers — Stevens Transport, Werner, TMC, Schneider, US Xpress, Covenant, Maverick, and Walmart — creating a structured referral channel. The business is family-owned and privately held with no disclosed funding events; following founder Abe Busada's death in 2021, ownership transitioned without public succession announcement. Operations are small-scale (11-50 employees) and concentrated in Louisiana.
Diesel Driving Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Diesel Driving Academy
- Legal name
- Diesel Driving Academy, Inc.
- Website
- https://dda.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Diesel Driving Academy is a private Louisiana-based CDL training school founded in 1972 operating three campuses (Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Monroe) that has trained over 100,000 drivers, serving career-changers, veterans, and workforce-program students through ELDT-compliant programs with placement into major national carriers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Diesel Driving Academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- CDL Training / Commercial Driver Education
- NAICS
- Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Commercial Driving & Heavy Transport (CDL) (EDAOANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Driver Staffing, Training & Compliance (CDL, Background Checks) (EDAEADAE), Transportation & Fleet Safety (DOT, Driver Safety) (EDABAEAM)
Keywords
Where Diesel Driving Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Shreveport
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Diesel Driving Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- CDL Training Tuition: Students pay tuition for CDL training programs. Programs include Basic CDL (4 weeks), Advanced CDL (20 weeks day / 30 weeks evening), and CDL Prep courses. Financial aid options available including grants, scholarships, and loans.
- VA Education Benefits: Veterans use VA education benefits including Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, MyCAA, and other VA programs to fund their CDL training at DDA.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Basic CDL Course (4 weeks full-time) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Advanced CDL Course (20 weeks day / 30 weeks evening) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | CDL Prep Course |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Diesel Driving Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Diesel Driving Academy provides Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs at three Louisiana campuses, offering a 4-week Basic CDL course, a 20-week (day) / 30-week (evening) Advanced CDL course, and a CDL Prep Course, complemented by Hazmat Endorsement Training. Programs meet FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) federal requirements and combine classroom instruction with hands-on behind-the-wheel practice on late-model tractors and trailers.
Product overview
Diesel Driving Academy offers a unified portfolio of Class A CDL training programs centered around three main credential tracks: the Basic CDL Course (4-week, 160-hour program for beginners), the Advanced CDL Course (20-30 week intensive program with deeper roadway training), and the CDL Prep Course for exam preparation. The academy also provides Hazmat Endorsement Training as an add-on module. These core training products are bundled with complementary support services including Lifetime Job Placement Assistance connecting graduates with carrier employers, Financial Aid Services helping students access grants, loans, and tuition programs, and Veterans Programs offering specialized GI Bill and military benefit support. The company operates three physical campuses in Louisiana (Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and Monroe) and maintains employer partnerships with major carriers for job placement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Basic CDL Course A 4-week intensive Class A CDL training program providing 160 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction covering pre-trip inspections, safety procedures, log books, backing maneuvers, and vehicle operation. Designed for drivers with no previous trucking experience who want to enter the industry quickly.
- Advanced CDL Course An in-depth Class A CDL training program available in 20-week daytime or 30-week evening formats, providing extensive training on larger vehicles with complete roadway safety, advanced operations, and broader skill development for students seeking more comprehensive preparation.
- CDL Prep Course A focused preparation course designed to help students refresh and prepare for the CDL written and road tests.
- Hazmat Endorsement Training Specialized endorsement training allowing drivers to transport hazardous materials after obtaining additional certification.
- Job Placement Assistance Lifetime job placement services connecting graduates with trucking employers, including recruitment events, on-site hiring events, and recruiter connections with carrier representatives at Stevens Transport, Werner Enterprises, TMC Transportation, Schneider, US Xpress, Walmart, Covenant Transport, and Maverick.
- Financial Aid Services Assistance with Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, military VA benefits, payment plans, and carrier tuition reimbursement programs to help students afford CDL training.
- Veterans Programs Specialized programs for military veterans including Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, MyCAA, and DoD Tuition Assistance to help veterans transition to trucking careers.
- Diesel Driving Academy Spirit Shop Online merchandise store offering branded Diesel Driving Academy apparel including T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, aprons, and duffel bags.
Quantifiable outcome
- Program completion in 4 weeks (full-time Basic CDL) to 30 weeks (evening Advanced CDL)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Diesel Driving Academy
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Diesel Driving Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Diesel Driving Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Department of Community Development / Bureau of Workforce DevelopmentcoreCity of Shreveport government department partnering with DDA for Pre-Apprenticeship Truck Driving Program. The WIOA Youth Program allows 21-24 year olds to enroll in CDL training with apprenticeship at Schneider Trucking.
- Stevens TransportcoreMajor national trucking carrier that trusts DDA training and regularly hires graduates. Features on DDA's job placement page as a primary employer partner. DDA graduate Kenneth Strother was hired by Stevens Transport after graduation.
- Werner EnterprisescoreNational carrier with longstanding employer partnership with DDA stretching back decades. Werner Enterprises actively recruits DDA graduates and features on DDA's employer partner page.
- TMC TransportationcoreNational carrier that trusts DDA's training quality and hires graduates. DDA equipment includes TMC semi trucks for training purposes.
- SchneidercoreMajor trucking company and employer partner of DDA. Schneider participates in DDA's pre-apprenticeship program and hires graduates for driving positions with benefits including home time.
- US XpressmajorNational carrier that hired DDA graduate Summar Hanks as a driver on their Military Fleet. US Xpress wrapped six military-themed trucks for service branches including Air Force.
- Covenant TransportmajorTop-quality trucking company that has hired DDA graduates. Listed among employers benefiting from DDA's job placement services.
- MaverickmajorTrucking company that has hired DDA graduates. Featured among the variety of quality companies recruiting DDA students.
- Louisiana Delta Community CollegeminorAcademic institution partnered with DDA for educational opportunities, allowing students to potentially earn college credits alongside CDL training.
- Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA)majorIndustry trade association representing commercial driver training schools. DDA is a CVTA member campus; hosted Senator visit as part of CVTA recognition of excellence in CDL training.
- WalmartmajorMajor carrier with dedicated accounts that hires DDA graduates. Graduate Summar Hanks drove on Walmart dedicated account in Hammond, LA.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Diesel Driving Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- National Tractor Trailer School: Established CDL training provider offering Class A and B programs with similar behind-the-wheel emphasis. Competes in the same regional workforce development and veteran funding pathways.
- CR England CDL Training Program: Carrier-owned CDL training program offering tuition-paid training in exchange for employment commitment. Competes with DDA for the same career-changer and veteran segments and offers an alternative placement model that DDA's students may consider.
- HDS Truck Driving Institute (TDI): Mid-size private CDL training school with comparable curriculum, employer partnerships, and veteran funding acceptance. Closest direct competitor in scale and operating model.
- Prime Inc. CDL Training: Carrier-owned CDL training program with a comparable 'tuition-paid in exchange for work commitment' model. Targets the same career-changer and veteran segments that DDA serves, particularly through GI Bill pathways.
- Schneider CDL Training: Schneider is both a DDA employer partner and runs its own paid CDL training program. Directly comparable offering for students who weigh employer-paid training against DDA's tuition-funded GI Bill/Pell routes.
- Stevens Transport CDL Training: Stevens Transport is a DDA employer partner and runs paid CDL training. Represents the carrier-owned alternative model that competes for the same prospective student and veteran population as DDA.
- New England Tractor Trailer Training (NETTTS): Regional CDL training school comparable to DDA in program structure, ELDT compliance, and carrier placement focus. Operates as a private vocational school targeting career changers and funded students.
- SAGE Truck Driving Schools: Multi-state vocational CDL school with similar ELDT-compliant programs and employer placement partnerships. Comparable in scale, curriculum structure, and target demographic to DDA.
- 160 Driving Academy (formerly Roadmaster Drivers School): One of the largest CDL training school networks in the US, operating multi-state campuses. Directly competes with DDA in entry-level Class A CDL training, ELDT compliance, carrier placement, and tuition-funded enrollment, with a comparable 4-week basic program structure.
- CDL Technical Schools (formerly Aveda Transportation): Multi-campus CDL vocational school with similar target demographics, financial aid channels, and carrier placement orientation. Comparable private for-profit vocational education model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Diesel Driving Academy social profiles
Digital presenceDiesel Driving Academy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Diesel Driving Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Diesel Driving Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Diesel Driving Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Diesel Driving Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Diesel Driving Academy
What does Diesel Driving Academy do?
Diesel Driving Academy provides Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs at three Louisiana campuses, offering a 4-week Basic CDL course, a 20-week (day) / 30-week (evening) Advanced CDL course, and a CDL Prep Course, complemented by Hazmat Endorsement Training. Programs meet FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) federal requirements and combine classroom instruction with hands-on behind-the-wheel practice on late-model tractors and trailers.
Is Diesel Driving Academy a public or private company?
Diesel Driving Academy is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Diesel Driving Academy founded?
Diesel Driving Academy was founded in 1972. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Diesel Driving Academy based?
Diesel Driving Academy is headquartered in Shreveport, United States, in the North America region.
How does Diesel Driving Academy make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. CDL Training Tuition is the primary driver. The others are VA Education Benefits.
Who are Diesel Driving Academy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are National Tractor Trailer School, CR England CDL Training Program, HDS Truck Driving Institute (TDI), Prime Inc. CDL Training, Schneider CDL Training, Stevens Transport CDL Training, New England Tractor Trailer Training (NETTTS), SAGE Truck Driving Schools, 160 Driving Academy (formerly Roadmaster Drivers School) and CDL Technical Schools (formerly Aveda Transportation).
Does Diesel Driving Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Diesel Driving Academy.
What industry is Diesel Driving Academy in?
Diesel Driving Academy's product category is CDL Training / Commercial Driver Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOANAK, Commercial Driving & Heavy Transport (CDL), with a secondary code of EDAEADAE, Driver Staffing, Training & Compliance (CDL, Background Checks). Its NAICS code is 611519 and its SIC code is 8200.