Frequently Asked Questions

---

Orion Transportation connects shippers with reliable, vetted carriers. We handle every detail — quoting, carrier matching, tracking, and payment — so you can focus on your business. From pickup to delivery, we manage the entire process with full transparency.

Using a freight broker like Orion Transportation is one of the smartest and most cost-effective decisions you can make when shipping freight. Here’s exactly why thousands of shippers across the U.S. choose to work with us instead of trying to handle it themselves:

• You save massive amounts of time Hunting for reliable carriers, negotiating rates, booking trucks, and managing paperwork can eat up hours or even days. We do all of that for you — often delivering a competitive quote in minutes.
• You get better rates We have established relationships with thousands of vetted carriers and move high volumes of freight every week. That buying power translates directly into lower shipping costs for you compared to calling carriers directly.
• You gain access to a huge carrier network Whether you need a reefer in Alabama, a flatbed in Montana, or an LTL run across three states, we instantly match your load with the right equipment and driver — something most companies can’t do on their own.
• You reduce risk and headaches Every carrier we use is rigorously vetted for insurance, safety scores, and FMCSA compliance. We handle claims, tracking, and communication so you don’t have to worry about delays, damage, or liability.
• You get expert guidance and real-time support Our team knows the nuances of freight (seasonal rate swings, weather impacts, hazmat rules, oversize permits, etc.). You get a dedicated point of contact who actually answers the phone and keeps you updated 24/7.
• You stay flexible Need a hot shot tomorrow? A temperature-controlled load next week? One truck or fifty? We scale instantly to whatever you need — without you having to maintain your own fleet or carrier list.

We specialize in Full Truckload (FTL), Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Dry Van, Refrigerated (Reefer), Flatbed & Step-Deck, and Specialized freight including hazmat, oversized, and high-value loads. If it needs to move by truck, we can handle it.

Getting a quote is fast and easy. Fill out the form on our Get a Quote page, call us at (205) 615-5777 or (406) 460-0013, or email quotes@oriontransportation.us. Most quotes are delivered within an hour during business hours.

Every carrier goes through a rigorous screening process: active FMCSA authority for a minimum of one year, minimum insurance requirements ($1M liability + cargo), safety scores, performance history, and load reporting history. We only work with trusted, proven partners.

Yes! All loads include 24/7 GPS tracking and proactive updates as well as ETAs to the next location the driver is heading to. 

Full Truckload (FTL) means your shipment fills the entire trailer for faster, more secure transit. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) is for smaller shipments that share space with other freight — more cost-effective but with additional handling and slightly longer transit times.

We monitor every load closely and communicate immediately if issues arise. In the rare case of damage, we work directly with the carrier's insurance to resolve claims quickly and fairly.

You need active FMCSA authority for at least one year, at least $1,000,000 liability insurance + $100,000 cargo insurance, a clean safety score, no flags resulting from our third-party's research software, and current W-9. We also require a signed broker-carrier agreement. No forced dispatch and no contracts — you choose which loads you want.

Once you’re approved, you’ll receive load offers via text, email, or phone. You can also call our carrier desk anytime to ask about available freight. We match loads to your equipment and preferred lanes so you’re not wasting time on deadhead miles.

Visit our For Carriers page or call us. We'll review your authority, insurance, and safety record, then get you set up in our system so you can start receiving loads right away.

Yes — we provide nationwide coverage (48 contiguous states)

Using Orion Transportation costs you nothing upfront. Our service is 100% free for shippers — we earn a small margin from the carrier we book. You simply pay the quoted rate for your freight. There are no hidden setup fees, monthly subscriptions, or membership costs.

Most loads can be picked up the same day or next day if we have the details early enough. Hot-shot and expedited loads can often be on the road within hours. We’ll give you a firm pickup window when we book the carrier so you can plan accordingly.

Many companies keep an in-house person for large volumes, but even they use brokers for overflow, difficult lanes, or specialized equipment. With Orion you get the same (or better) rates, zero payroll, and a full team of experts who stay on top of market changes — all without the overhead.

Just the basics: pickup and delivery zip codes (or addresses), freight type/weight/dimensions, any special requirements (temperature, hazmat, etc.), and your preferred pickup date. The more details you give us, the more accurate and competitive the rate will be.

We’re not just another broker. We’re a small, responsive team based in Birmingham, AL and Sweet Grass, MT that answers the phone, moves freight the same day when needed, and treats every load like it’s our own. Our carriers are hand-vetted, our communication is proactive, and our customers keep coming back because we actually deliver on our promises.

We're here to help! Call us directly at (205) 615-5777 or (406) 640-0013, email info@oriontransportation.us, or use the contact form on our site. Our team is available Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM CST.