Trainco

What Trainco does

Trainco, Inc. is a private, for-profit Class A CDL truck driving school headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, founded in 1996 by Kenneth N. Howell. The company delivers tractor-trailer training using Class A equipment with 9-speed, 10-speed, Super 10, and automatic transmissions, paired with 48- and 53-foot van trailers and a 40-hour classroom curriculum covering DOT regulations, defensive driving, and road safety. Its core product is the Full CDL Class A Program, supplemented by Class B and Bus prep courses, an Accelerated 40-Hour Refresher, and fleet-focused contract training including the Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations Program aligned with FMCSA's 2022 Entry-Level Driver Training rule.

The company generates revenue primarily through student tuition of $4,995 per Class A program, billed upfront with multiple funding pathways including cash, credit, Michigan Works, ODJFS, VA GI Bill benefits (Post 9/11 Chapter 33, Chapter 30, Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation), American Loan and Lending, credit unions, and employer reimbursement programs. Secondary revenue comes from two-year government contracts with ODJFS and ODRC for re-entering offender vocational training, and from custom seminar and contract training delivered to trucking fleet clients. Curriculum is state-licensed in Ohio and Michigan, with VA Principles of Excellence recognition enabling GI Bill funding at the Perrysburg campus and Ohio Means Jobs approval enabling free tuition for qualifying students at the Terra State campus.

Trainco serves three Ohio campuses (Perrysburg HQ, Fremont at Terra State Community College, Mansfield at Madison Adult Career Center) and operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining direct enrollment, community-college embedded delivery, government-funded cohort programs, and B2B contract training. The company reports 10,000+ graduates since inception, a 90%+ job placement rate, and beginning graduate salaries of $65,000-$95,000, supporting placement through its Pro Drivers Source partnership with carrier-side recruitment fees.

Name

Trainco

Legal name

Trainco, Inc.

Website

https://traincoinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Trainco is a private Ohio-based CDL truck driving school operating three campuses (Perrysburg HQ, Fremont, Mansfield) that delivers Class A, Class B, and bus endorsement training priced at $4,995, serving career changers, veterans, re-entering offenders, and fleet clients in Ohio and Michigan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Truck Driving School Services

NAICS

Automobile Driving Schools (611692)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Commercial Driving & Heavy Transport (CDL) (EDAOANAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Driver & Technician Training, Certification & Workforce Management (THAIANAJ)

Keywords

• CDL training programs
• Truck driving school
• Commercial driver education
• Class A CDL training
• Fleet driver training

Headquarters

HQ city

Perrysburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Student Tuition: Primary revenue from tuition fees for CDL training programs. Tuition is $4,995 for Class A CDL program. Students pay upfront or through funding options.
2. Government Contracts: Revenue from contracts with Ohio Dept. of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to provide CDL training to eligible participants including re-entering offenders.
3. Veterans Benefits: Revenue from VA GI Bill benefits for eligible veterans at the Perrysburg campus, approved by Ohio State Approving Agency.
4. Contract Fleet Training: Custom seminar training and programs for trucking fleet companies to meet federal regulations, including Skid Master program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Trainco is a private truck driving school that delivers Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs from three Ohio campuses (Perrysburg HQ, Fremont, Mansfield). Its core offering is the Full CDL Class A Program — a tractor-trailer training course using 9/10-speed, Super 10, and automatic transmissions with 48- and 53-foot vans — complemented by Class B Prep, Class B Bus Prep, an Accelerated 40-Hour Refresher, and contract training services for fleet operators.

Product overview

Trainco offers a unified CDL truck driver training platform centered on the Full CDL Class A Program, complemented by specialized prep courses (Class B, Bus Prep), an Accelerated refresher program, and contract training services for enterprise clients. The company operates multiple campus locations in Ohio and provides a Train and Stay accommodation service. Programs range from 12-day automatic transmission courses to 15-day manual transmission programs, with tuition at $4,995.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full CDL Class A Program Complete tractor-trailer training program that prepares students for their CDL Class A driving exam. Includes classroom curriculum (DOT regulations, defensive driving, road rage management), written test prep for endorsements (Hazmat, Doubles/Triples, Tanker), and hands-on road skills training with 9-speed, 10-speed, Super 10, and automatic transmissions using 48- and 53-foot vans. Targeted at adults pursuing professional truck driving careers.
• Accelerated 40-Hour Refresher Program 40-hour refresher course designed to polish skills of experienced drivers or hone abilities of students preparing for the CDL exam. Covers progressive shifting, coupling/uncoupling, the five seeing habits, and various backing maneuvers. For drivers with previous experience or students needing exam preparation.
• Class B Prep Course One-week intensive course teaching key elements of the Class B CDL driving exam, including pre-trip inspection points, required maneuvers, and on-road experience with a licensed instructor using a 5-yard, 18-foot automatic Class B dump truck or 24-foot automatic straight truck.
• Class B Bus Prep Course One-week course teaching primary elements of the CDL B Bus exam, including pre-trip inspection points, required maneuvers, and on-road experience. Student must arrange for a Class B passenger bus from a company for training.
• Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operations Program Contract training program for fleet companies to meet federal Entry-Level Driver Training regulations requiring just-licensed CDL drivers to have 10-1/2 hours of training in driver physical qualifications, driver fatigue and wellness, hours of service, and whistleblower rules.
• Custom Seminar Training Custom seminar training delivered by experienced instructors covering commercial driver licensing topics tailored to specific company needs. Includes classroom and hands-on training pertinent to CDL A and B licenses for fleet operators.
• Train and Stay Program Accommodation service that books out-of-town students at vetted Marriott Courtyard, Holiday Inn Express, or Ramada Inn hotels during their CDL training, including meals. For students traveling to Trainco campuses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90%+ job placement rate for graduates
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Terra State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrainco partners with Terra State Community College to offer truck driver training programs on their campus in Fremont, Ohio. Trainco Terra campus provides full service CDL training at this location.
• Pro Drivers Source Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProfessional driver recruitment service alliance connecting fleet recruiters with Trainco graduates. Helps achieve outstanding job placement rate. Employers pay recruitment fee making service free for graduates.
• Ohio Trucking AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrainco is a member of the Ohio Trucking Association, participating in industry advocacy, Truck Driver Appreciation Week initiatives, and partnership in trucking industry strengthening efforts.
• Safety Council of Northwest OhiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in Safety Council of Northwest Ohio for industry safety standards and professional development.
• Toledo Transportation AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in local transportation association for regional industry networking and advocacy.
• Better Business Bureau - OhiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBBB accreditation demonstrating commitment to ethical business practices and consumer trust.
• Better Business Bureau - MichiganminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBBB accreditation in Michigan demonstrating commitment to ethical business practices and consumer trust in Michigan market.
• Truckers Against TraffickingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrainco is a member of Truckers Against Trafficking, providing awareness training to students about identifying and reporting human trafficking. Badged as trained organization.
• Ohio Dept. of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwo-year contract with ODJFS to provide truck driver training to re-entering offenders. Joint effort between Trainco and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).
• Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing CDL training to ODRC clients re-entering the workforce. Initiative aims to reduce recidivism with 'Going home means staying home' philosophy.
• Cuyahoga Community CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic sector sponsorship partnership for truck driver training programs serving greater Cleveland area.
• Madison Adult Career CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with Madison Adult Career Center in Mansfield, OH offering manual CDL Class A classes. New campus location providing 15-day manual transmission training program.
• SWIFT TransportationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrucking company partner offering tuition reimbursement for Trainco graduates. One of many carrier partners providing employment pathways for graduates.
• Pathway 4 Successful Leadership, Inc. (P4SL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth organization providing summer camp program tours of Trainco facilities. Exposes ages 16-24 to trucking careers through hands-on experiences and career exploration.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Roadmaster Drivers School: Multi-state CDL training operator offering Class A CDL programs with job placement assistance and tuition financing — directly comparable in offering, target student, and delivery model.
• Truck Driver Institute (TDI): Multi-state CDL training school focused on Class A programs with job placement services — closely comparable business model and student outcomes pitch.
• 160 Driving Academy: National CDL training chain operating across multiple states, offering Class A and Class B programs at a similar price-point to Trainco with comparable placement support — directly competes for the same career-changer and veteran student segments.
• New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS): Regional CDL training school offering Class A programs with placement support and veteran benefit approval — directly comparable operating model and student demographic.
• All-State Career School: Vocational school offering CDL training as part of broader diesel/truck driving programs; comparable in regulated training delivery and veteran benefit eligibility.

Broad incumbents

• Schneider National CDL Training: Large carrier-sponsored CDL training program offering paid CDL training with employment commitment; competes for the same student persona but bundles tuition cost into employment obligation rather than upfront payment.
• Prime Inc. CDL Training: Major carrier operating a paid CDL training program that is one of the largest in the U.S.; competes for career-changer enrollment but is funded by carrier employment contracts rather than tuition.
• CR England CDL Training: National carrier with a paid CDL training program; directly competes with Trainco for career-changer students seeking sponsored training pathways.

Regional players

• Midwest Technical Institute (MTI): Regional Midwest vocational school offering CDL training among other trades; competes in the same geographic footprint and serves similar veteran and career-changer students.

Others

• Ohio Trucking Association: Industry trade association of which Trainco is a member; not a competitor but a peer ecosystem participant providing advocacy, networking, and credentialing relevant to Trainco's industry positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/traincoinc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCE4BinCAH62fl4QzZvGUPyQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/traincotruckdrivingschools

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Trainco