🎧 Listen to this article
Loading audio...
📊 At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Smith & Solomon | Diesel Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Northeast (NJ, NY, PA) | Southeast (LA, FL, TX, AR) |
| Locations | 4 locations | 5 locations |
| Tuition | $5,495-6,995 | $4,500-5,995 |
| Duration | 4-5 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Class Size | Small (8-12 students) | Medium (12-16 students) |
| Job Placement | 90%+ within 30 days | 85%+ within 30 days |
| Funding | WIOA, VA, financing | WIOA, Pell, VA, plans |
| Pass Rate | 90%+ first attempt | 85-90% first attempt |
💰 Cost Comparison
Diesel Driving Academy is $1,000-1,500 cheaper.
Smith & Solomon Costs
- •Tuition: $5,495-6,995
- •Includes: Materials, testing, job placement
- •Total: $5,495-6,995
- •Premium pricing for Northeast region
- •Strong reputation justifies cost
Diesel Driving Academy Costs
- •Tuition: $4,500-5,995
- •Includes: Books, materials, CDL testing
- •Total: $4,500-5,995
- •More affordable Southeast pricing
- •Good value for money
💵 Cost Verdict: Diesel Driving Academy Wins
Diesel is $1,000-1,500 cheaper while maintaining solid quality. However, both can be FREE with WIOA grants, making the price difference less important for grant-eligible students.
🎓 Training Quality
Both provide excellent regional training.
Smith & Solomon Training
- 4-5 week comprehensive program
- Small class sizes (8-12 students)
- 2:1 student-to-truck ratio
- Northeast road conditions emphasis
- Winter driving preparation
- Urban traffic navigation (NYC, Philly)
- Strong pre-trip inspection focus
- 90%+ first-attempt pass rate
Diesel Driving Academy Training
- •4 week program (160+ hours)
- •Medium class sizes (12-16)
- •3:1 student-to-truck ratio
- •Southern road condition focus
- •Hot weather operations
- •Rural and urban mix
- •Comprehensive ELDT curriculum
- •85-90% first-attempt pass rate
🏆 Quality Verdict: Smith & Solomon Wins (Slightly)
Smith & Solomon's smaller class sizes (8-12 vs 12-16) and better student-to-truck ratio (2:1 vs 3:1) provide more individual attention. Their 90%+ pass rate also edges out Diesel's 85-90%.
💼 Job Placement
Smith & Solomon has slight advantage in Northeast; Diesel strong in Southeast.
Smith & Solomon Placement
- 90%+ placement within 30 days
- Strong Northeast carrier relationships
- Local/regional focus (better home time)
- Partnerships with NY/NJ/PA companies
- Urban delivery job connections
- LTL carrier relationships
Diesel Placement
- •85%+ placement within 30 days
- •Southeast regional focus
- •Good mix of local and OTR
- •Texas, Louisiana, Florida carriers
- •Oil field/energy sector connections
- •Growing network
📋 Placement Verdict: Smith & Solomon Wins
Smith & Solomon's 90%+ placement rate and deeper Northeast carrier relationships give them the edge. However, Diesel's 85%+ is still solid for Southeast market.
🗺️ Regional Focus
Choose based on where you live and want to work.
Smith & Solomon Territory
- Best for: Northeast drivers (NY, NJ, PA, CT)
- Strong in high-paying urban markets
- LTL and local delivery focus
- Higher regional CDL wages ($55-70k)
- Winter driving preparation critical
Diesel Territory
- Best for: Southeast drivers (TX, LA, FL, AR)
- Mix of regional and OTR opportunities
- Energy sector connections (TX/LA)
- Regional wages ($48-60k)
- Year-round operation easier
🗺️ Regional Verdict: Choose Based on Location
If you live in Northeast and want to stay regional → Smith & Solomon. If you live in Southeast → Diesel Driving Academy.
🎯 The Final Verdict
Choose Smith & Solomon If...
- You live in Northeast (NY, NJ, PA, CT)
- Higher Northeast wages appeal ($55-70k)
- Smaller class sizes matter (8-12 students)
- Better student-to-truck ratio important (2:1)
- Urban/LTL driving interests you
- You're willing to pay $1,000-1,500 more
Choose Diesel Driving Academy If...
- You live in Southeast (TX, LA, FL, AR)
- Lower tuition matters ($1,000-1,500 less)
- You want Southeast regional opportunities
- Mix of regional/OTR appeals
- Energy sector connections useful
- Good value for money
🏆 Overall Winner: Smith & Solomon (For Northeast) | Diesel (For Southeast)
This is a regional decision, not a quality decision. Both schools are excellent in their respective markets.
Smith & Solomon wins if you're Northeast-based: Better training ratios, higher placement, access to higher-paying urban/LTL jobs ($55-70k).
Diesel wins if you're Southeast-based: Lower cost, solid training, good Southeast carrier connections, and regional opportunities.
Don't choose a school outside your region just because it's "better"—regional connections matter more than marginal quality differences.
🚀 Find Regional Schools
Related Guides
Free Tools to Help You Succeed
Find CDL Schools Near You
Compare tuition, BTW hours, and reviews for CDL schools in your area.
Search SchoolsFree CDL Practice Tests
Test your knowledge with our free CDL practice exams. Updated for 2026.
Start Practice TestBuild Your Driver Resume
Create a professional CDL resume in minutes. Templates designed for trucking.
Build Resume