FAQ

Yes—within 5 days, with flexible delivery.
Your quoted rate is locked for 5 calendar days from the quote date if pickup occurs within that window and your delivery window is flexible.

Delivery stipulations can change the rate.
If you add a restriction like “Do Not Deliver Before [date]” or “Must Arrive By [date],” we must work backward from your delivery date using standard transit times. Fewer trucks fit that schedule and layover/priority service may be needed, so the price may change even inside the 5-day window.

After 5 days.
Pricing is updated to current market rates (supply, demand, fuel, seasonality).

Tip: A wider delivery window helps keep costs down.

You have two payment options once a carrier is scheduled for your shipment:

Option 1: Partial Payment (Most Common)
You pay a small deposit by debit or credit card once a carrier is assigned. The deposit (typically $50–$500 per vehicle) is already included in your quoted price. The remaining balance is paid directly to the driver at pickup or delivery using certified funds such as cash, Zelle, cashier’s check, or money order.
This is usually the lower-cost option, since it avoids additional card processing fees.

Option 2: Full Payment by Card
You may choose to pay the full transport cost by debit or credit card once your carrier is scheduled. This option is available for convenience and reflects a higher total due to card processing fees.

If you have questions or would like help choosing the best option, call us at (800) 292-4588.

• You can get a quote in one of two ways:

  • Create your quote online by clicking here

  • Call us at (800) 292-4588 to speak with a transport specialist

  Your quote includes applicable taxes, carrier insurance, fuel costs, and standard fees.

  Important: Your quoted price is based on the vehicle and shipping details you provide. As long as those details are accurate and no changes are made to the order, your price will remain as quoted.

The easiest way to place your order is to click the green “Book Now” button in the formal quote email you received from us.

If you already have your quote number, you can also place your order online.

If you prefer to submit your order manually, you may request a printable order form from your quote email and:

• Email the completed form to order@orangeautotransport.com, or

• Fax it to 1-714-581-8118

If you need help locating your quote or order form, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist.

Once Orange Auto Transport secures a carrier for your shipment, we will contact you to confirm the pickup and delivery details and make sure the timing works with your availability.

Typically, the driver will contact the person releasing the vehicle the day before or the morning of pickup to confirm final arrangements. Because driver schedules can change due to traffic, weather, and routing, exact times are usually confirmed close to pickup.

To help ensure a smooth pickup and delivery, please prepare your vehicle as follows:

• Clean your vehicle. A dirty vehicle can make it difficult to perform an accurate inspection at pickup and delivery.

• Provide one set of all keys to the driver (including keys for ignition, doors, and trunk).

• Plants and hazardous materials are not transportable by law.

Please make sure:

• There are no obvious fluid leaks

• The battery is secure in its mounting bracket

• Fuel level: There is no strict fuel requirement. We generally recommend having between 1/8 and 1/4 tank at pickup, which is sufficient for loading and unloading.
  Do not worry if your vehicle has more fuel. Vehicles with full tanks are transported every day without issue. In very rare cases where a vehicle’s fuel level creates a safety or weight concern, the carrier may request an adjustment.

• All alarm systems are disabled or turned off

• All antennas are fully retracted or removed

• Non-permanent racks (luggage, bike, ski racks) are removed

• Loose or removable electronics are removed, including aftermarket radios, CD players, car phones, toll devices, and garage door openers

• All fluids are at proper operating levels (engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.)

Door-to-door service means your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close to your specified addresses as legally and safely permitted. Your vehicle is not picked up or dropped off at a terminal.

Exception: Some residential areas have restrictions on large commercial trucks due to narrow streets, low-hanging trees, cul-de-sacs, weight limits, or local regulations. If the carrier cannot safely access your exact location, the driver will coordinate a nearby accessible meeting point, such as a parking lot or open area, for pickup or delivery.

Yes. Your vehicle is insured under the Carrier’s Cargo Insurance from the time the Bill of Lading is signed at pickup until your vehicle is delivered.

Typical coverage limits include:

• Up to $250,000 for open carriers

• Up to $500,000–$1,000,000 for enclosed carriers, depending on the assigned carrier

Insurance coverage is included in your quoted price.

For full details regarding coverage, exclusions, and the claims process, please review our Terms & Conditions or call us at (800) 292-4588.

Pickup and delivery dates cannot be guaranteed due to the many variables involved in auto transport. Factors such as weather, traffic, road conditions, mechanical issues, and federally regulated driving-hour limits can all affect transit schedules.

Carriers typically transport multiple vehicles on a single route, often traveling long distances across the country. Even a minor delay at one stop can impact the overall schedule.

Delays are uncommon, and most shipments are picked up and delivered within their estimated timeframes. However, flexibility is important to account for real-world conditions and ensure safe, compliant transport.

Once your vehicle is assigned to a carrier and your deposit is received, we will provide you with the driver’s or dispatcher’s contact information.

This allows you to stay in direct communication with the carrier for real-time updates during transit. Because we work with thousands of independent drivers who use different tracking systems, direct contact is the most reliable and accurate way to receive status updates.

If you ever need additional assistance or have trouble reaching the driver, you can always contact Orange Auto Transport, and we’ll be happy to help.

Yes, with some important guidelines.

Due to DOT regulations, many carriers do not allow household goods inside vehicles during transport. However, Orange Auto Transport allows up to 100 lbs. of personal belongings at no additional charge, as long as the items are disclosed in advance and documented before a carrier is assigned.

Packing guidelines:

• Items must be placed in the trunk or cargo area, or below window level

• The front seat and driver’s area must remain clear

• Personal belongings are not insured — only the vehicle itself is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance

If you have more than 100 lbs.:
This is usually not a problem. Some carriers will accept additional weight for an added fee, which is typically based on the amount and placement of the items. When we know about extra belongings upfront, we can often work with carriers to secure the best possible rate, which is frequently lower than standard per-pound pricing.

If additional items are disclosed after a carrier has already been scheduled, the carrier may:

• Charge an additional fee, or

• Request that items be removed before loading

In rare cases, failure to disclose belongings in advance may result in delays, added costs, or refusal to load the vehicle.

The best protection is to independently verify the company before booking and verify important details again before releasing your vehicle. Check the company’s federal registration, business history, broker or carrier status, pricing, payment instructions, written agreement, and the identity of the carrier actually picking up your vehicle.

We’ve created a detailed Auto Transport Scam & Fraud Prevention Guide explaining common scams, warning signs, carrier impersonation, suspicious payment requests, bait-and-switch pricing, enclosed transport scams, and how to verify a company yourself.