Meet the Team Behind Our Local Class A License School
Our Story: Built from the Road Up
Masters Trucking Academy was founded in 2017 by Karla Costilla, a second-generation trucking entrepreneur with a mission to raise the standard in truck driver education. After managing Messiah Trucking Co. for over a decade, Karla saw firsthand how underprepared many new drivers were—and how badly the industry needed change. She launched Masters to deliver the kind of training drivers deserve: hands-on, safety-focused, and built for real careers.
As a local Class A license school rooted in Gardena, California, we’re proud to serve individuals, families, and businesses across Los Angeles County. Our programs are designed to help students become confident OTR drivers and local truckers, whether they’re entering the workforce for the first time or transitioning from another career.
Learn More About Our CDL Training Programs
Why Choose Masters Trucking Academy?
As a local Class A license school, we offer:
- Hands-on training with modern equipment.
- Small class sizes for personalized instruction.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs.
- Job placement assistance with connections to local trucking companies.
Our goal is to prepare you for a successful career as a CDL truck driver, whether you’re aiming for local routes or long-haul (OTR) positions.
Discover the Benefits of Truck Driving
Our Instructors
Edgar Jaurique
It’s easy to see how Edgar — or Ed for short — has risen in the ranks to become Head Instructor at Masters Trucking Academy. As a third generation driver, Ed uses his lifelong experience and training to provide invaluable skills training for new drivers and instructors alike, ensuring success and safety on the road.
Bryan Laguna
Where there’s a will, there’s a way according to Instructor Supervisor Bryan, known for being the responsible, action-focused man with a plan. With his get-it-done mentality and background in mechanics, this second generation driver and Masters student turned instructor has over 10 years of experience under his belt.
Our Front Office Team
Kenia Davila
Office Manager Kenia Davila has been a steadfast pillar of Masters (and Messiah Trucking Co.) for over 10 years. As the sister to Co-Founder Karla Costilla — and daughter of a veteran trucker — Kenia grew up in the trucking industry and has seen the ins and outs of the trucker life. A former dispatcher herself, Kenia now works behind the scenes to keep the wheels moving every day at Masters.
MariCruz Aguilar
Known for doing “a little bit of everything” around Masters, Maricruz Aguilar holds the official title of Student Care Manager at Masters. Her outgoing and friendly personality are just two of the countless qualities that make Maricruz a breath of fresh air for our customers and students each day.
Karla Costilla
After watching her own mother drive for 15 years, Co-Founder and President Karla Costilla managed Messiah Trucking Co. beginning in 2006. In 2019, Masters Trucking Academy opened, and Karla has been helping students to obtain the skills they need to start exciting new careers ever since.
Special Thanks:
It goes without saying that there are numerous people that have made the journey of Masters Trucking Academy possible — but possibly no one quite as much as Jose Benitez. Together with his wife Mercedes, he gave his time, energy, and knowledge to help co-found Masters in 2017. It is through his gracious willingness to share his 20+ years of expertise that Masters has had the opportunity to achieve the success and growth it has to date.
To Jose and Mercedes, we are eternally grateful.