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International Van Lines Review

Author Icon By Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 03/28/2024

We believe International Van Lines (IVL) is the best moving company for a seamless, hassle-free move. The company guides you through every step of your transition to a new home with its online resources and a concierge customer service team. Its comprehensive service selection includes professional packing and unpacking, ensuring its team handles your belongings carefully and efficiently.

We used a rigorous scoring methodology to find the best moving companies in the business, evaluating providers on their services, insurance coverage, customer service, and more. Read on to learn why IVL comes out on top and if it’s the right choice for you.

International Van Lines
4.9
Phone: 888-293-1891
BBB Rating: B
IVL stands out due to its great reputation
  • Our rating: 4.9 out of 5
  • BBB rating: B
  • Availability: 50 states
  • USDOT #: 2293832
Pros
  • Assists with moves anywhere in the U.S. and in over 180 countries
  • Offers full-service moves, including specialty items and automobiles
  • Provides comprehensive protection plans that most competitors lack
Cons
  • Research shows some higher-than-average pricing
  • Features below-average customer reviews on some popular review sites
  • Uses in-house movers and trucks for local moves in only six states

International Van Lines provides full-service moves in addition to the following services:

  • Added insurance
  • Assembly and disassembly
  • Crating
  • Loading/unloading
  • Packing/unpacking
  • Storage
  • Vehicle shipping

Our Take on International Van Lines

We scored IVL 4.9 out of 5 stars on our proprietary rating scale. In our evaluation of IVL, we noted the company’s wide range of moving services, global availability, and straightforward quote process. It offers one of the most comprehensive moving service selections compared to competitors. IVL also offers all standard loading and packing services and specialty services for artwork and antiques, piano moving, vehicle relocation, and storage options.

Moving Services
5 / 5
5 / 5
Additional Services
5 / 5
5 / 5
Insurance Coverage
5 / 5
5 / 5
Scheduling
5 / 5
5 / 5
Additional Benefits
3.8 / 5
3.8 / 5
Customer Service
5 / 5
5 / 5

We found its customer service representatives to be friendly and professional when we called for pricing information. IVL generated our sample quotes quickly and clearly, and representatives outlined potential extra charges.

IVL holds authority as a moving carrier but will give some of its contracts to partnered companies through its authorized broker authority, Ocean Star International (USDOT# 2247789). However, unlike a traditional broker, IVL still handles all paperwork and is responsible for any issues that might occur, given it maintains the status of a carrier. We uncovered mixed customer reviews regarding communication and the quality of service. Essentially, IVL can coordinate relocation services nationwide and around the globe by using its large partner network and its own in-house crews.

IVL stands out for its insurance coverage, which is beyond what most competitors offer. In addition to the two standard contents coverage options required by law, IVL offers its customers all-risk or named-perils insurance.

Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

Pros and Cons of International Van Lines

We like IVL’s large service area and offerings and had a positive experience when we called for a quote. However, we’d like to see pricing information on its website before calling.

Pros Assists with moves anywhere in the U.S. and in more than 180 countries Offers full-service moves, including services for specialty items and automobiles Provides comprehensive protection plans that most competitors lack
Cons Research shows some higher-than-average pricing Features below-average customer reviews on some popular review sites Uses in-house movers and trucks for local moves in only six states

What Is International Van Lines’ Availability?

IVL’s moving services are available in all 50 states and in more than 180 countries internationally. The company conducts long-distance moves to all 50 states, but it limits its local moving services to Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas. This means if you hire IVL for a local move outside of these states, you’ll most likely be connected with one of its moving parents. However, IVL remains the carrier of your move and maintains all responsibility if something goes wrong.


IVL is a licensed moving carrier coordinating local, international, and long-distance moving services. The company is a full-service provider, allowing you to manage your move without the heavy lifting or the hassle of driving a rental truck. Our February 2024 survey of 1,000 moving customers revealed that the top reason customers picked a full-service mover was “to have peace of mind and a more stress-free move.” We find that IVL easily supplies this desired outcome.

During our call with IVL, our customer service representative noted that we would receive 30 days of free storage with any long-distance move. Below, we’ve outlined more details about some of the moving services offered by IVL.

Packing Services

The company knocks it out of the park with its packing assistance. It boasts professional moving crews who pack every box for you, disassemble and reassemble furniture if necessary, and load, transport, unload, and unpack your belongings. IVL includes loading services with each quote, and our 2024 survey found that a majority of moving customers, 60%–75%, choose to keep this service.

Auto Transport

IVL provides open and enclosed auto transport services for varying needs and preferences. Open carriers are an economical solution for standard vehicles, whereas enclosed carriers offer added protection for high-end, classic, or luxury vehicles by shielding them from the elements and potential road debris.

IVL ensures the utmost safety of your vehicle during transit through its experienced and licensed drivers trained in secure loading and proper handling techniques. Its carriers come equipped with the latest safety features such as air-ride suspension and specialized vehicle tie-down systems, thus minimizing the risk of damage during transportation. Moreover, the company offers GPS tracking for an additional sense of security.

IVL includes motorcycle transportation as part of its full-service package for an additional fee.

Custom Crating

IVL offers custom crating for fragile and high-value items if you choose a full-service move. Its movers will use basic protective materials such as pads and blankets at no extra charge, but you can expect to pay an additional one-time fee of $250–$400 for items packed in custom crates. These crates offer more protection during transit for household goods such as artwork, antiques, and electronics.

Storage Services

Most IVL partners offer short- and long-term storage solutions, but the specific storage service you receive varies according to your move’s criteria and location. We noticed during our research that some of the company’s locations feature climate-controlled units. You can request the storage-in-transit option to have IVL hold your belongings closer to your destination.

International Moving Services

The company holds authority as a freight forwarder through the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to conduct international moving services. IVL can arrange to deliver your shipment by sea or air and will provide destination services, such as unloading and debris removal. IVL can combine your inventory into a shared container for small shipments to cut costs.

Contents Coverage and Third-Party Insurance

IVL offers basic liability protection for free and full-value protection for an additional fee, with several deductible levels ranging from $500–$1,000. It works with a third-party insurer to offer all-risk and named-perils coverage.

  • All-risk insurance: This insurance is for IVL’s full-packing service. It costs 4% of your items’ declared value and protects against any physical loss or damage to the shipment. Claims are handled directly by the insurance company instead of the movers. According to our research, this is a popular option, as 72% of 1,000 respondents in our 2024 survey of moving customers opted for a full-value coverage plan.
  • Named-perils insurance: This insurance is for IVL’s self-packing service. It costs 3% of your items’ declared value and ensures that the insurance company pays out claims if you have a total shipment loss due to conditions outlined in the policy.

Piano Moving

Piano moving is best left to trained professionals with the proper equipment and the most effective techniques for moving a heavy yet fragile item. IVL offers to move pianos for an additional fee that varies according to the type of piano, with a general range of $150–$350.

Corporate and Office Relocation

A full business relocation service includes standard packing assistance with add-on options such as IT removal and crating. You can also request that IVL assist with storage and debris removal.


How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

We used IVL’s instant cost calculator tool and called its customer service line to get the pricing estimates listed below. These are ballpark estimates. We recommend scheduling a visual or in-person estimate with an IVL representative for more accurate pricing. The quotes below include furniture protection, disassembly and reassembly, and 30 days of free storage. Both the local and long-distance moves require up-front deposits to book.

Estimates for Long-Distance Moves

Companies usually determine long-distance and interstate move costs by the weight of your items, distance, and the moving date. We simulated the quote process for a long-distance move with IVL and obtained the following quote:

  • $5,250–$7,688 (three-bedroom, 1,179-mile move from Orlando, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois)

These prices align with the average cost for a three-bedroom move with IVL, according to our 2024 survey of 1,000 moving customers. The average cost of a three-bedroom move with IVL was $6,037, while the total average cost for different types of moves was $10,933, based on 85 respondents.

Estimate for Local Moves

We simulated the quote process for a short, local move around the Orlando metropolitan area. Companies usually bill local moving services hourly and classify them as moving distances of fewer than 50 miles. The price below reflects a shorter move.

  • $900–$1,500 (two-bedroom local move with three movers)

Here’s a look at hourly rates depending on the number of movers needed, according to IVL’s website:

  • Three movers: $150 per hour
  • Four movers: $200 per hour
  • Five movers: $250 per hour
  • Six movers: $300 per hour

Steps to follow

IVL’s booking process is straightforward. We underwent the quote process with IVL and noted that it includes the following steps:

Request a free quote by calling 888-293-1891 or filling out an online form. You must provide basic information about your move, including the number of bedrooms, the projected move date, and the origin and destination cities.

Specify whether you intend to self-pack or use the company’s professional packing services. Mention whether the move requires multiple flights of stairs or an elevator, and inquire about custom crating for any high-end items. Remember that moving bulky items like pianos will result in higher fees. This is also the time to ask about vehicle shipping.

You can schedule an in-home or virtual survey of your home’s inventory. You can also request a rough estimate by self-reporting your inventory, but a survey will result in the most accurate cost for your binding estimate.

You must pay a 33% security deposit when you sign the contract to book your move. Fifty percent of the balance is due on your pickup date. You can pay with cash, cashier’s check, or money order. The remaining balance is due when IVL delivers your shipment.

Note: IVL will fully refund your deposit for cancellations unless you cancel within two days of your original booking date.


International Van Lines Customer Reviews: Reddit, BBB, Yelp, and More

We examined IVL’s customer satisfaction ratings and reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site and Yelp. The BBB doesn’t accredit the company, but its profile displays an A rating*. Unfortunately, Yelp reviews for IVL’s headquarters are mostly poor, and the company has a 3.51 out of 5-star rating as of March 2024. Our research shows that moving companies often have lower customer review scores due to customers undergoing a challenging claims process or other ongoing issues. Satisfied customers rarely return to praise the company as they’re typically occupied with other aspects of the moving process once relocated.

We also noticed some recent Reddit threads in which people mentioned being surprised that IVL wasn’t the actual moving company that physically relocated their belongings. As mentioned earlier, IVL remains the responsible party and the legal carrier when you use its services, but it might use a partnered company to fulfill your specific moving needs. We recommend bringing this up with your IVL representative when booking so there are no surprises.

We read reviews from happy customers who complimented the company and its team for being reliable, fast, and efficient. Negative reviews claimed that the company missed the delivery date and didn’t communicate sufficiently about third-party hired help.

BBB
Yelp

Positive Reviews

Items packed in a professional way
“A wonderful service from International Van Lines. Right from assessment of my household things, on the day movement till it is delivered to me. All household materials are packed in a professional way. It was transported safely and delivered on time. The team unpacked and arranged it in a proper way. Thank you.”
— Shaquera T., March 6, 2024, on BBB
Movers were very accommodating
“I had a very pleasant experience with this company. When I initially called to confirm what was being picked up to be moved. They were already N route. They were careful to accommodate my pickup quickly and display professionalism in all aspects of this job. They wrapped all my furniture well, and it all made it to its destination without any damage. Also, they had the best hourly rates around. They definitely helped ease my anxiety, making the moving experience easier.”
— Renee D., March 6, 2024, on BBB

Negative Reviews

Truck was too small
“[IVL] quoted a price of approximately $9,000. When the truck came[,] it was too small. I was then told as the movers came in that it would cost over $18,000!!! I had no one to call and was over a barrel due to having to be out of the house. … They had to make 2 trips due to the truck being too small. How does a quote go that far off! They did not send anyone to give me a good estimate.”
— Debra G., February 18, 2024, on BBB
Items were damaged
“We had an in[-]state move including what was supposed to be climate-controlled storage. Twenty[-]eight pieces of furniture were delivered damaged in transit and/or storage. Items were water-damaged, heat-damaged, functionally damaged, scratched, torn or totally destroyed. The claims process took two months and resulted in a payment offer of $404 based on $.60 per pound per item. It’s going to cost in the neighborhood of $10,000 to repair or replace the damaged items.”
— Stephen J., January 4, 2024, on BBB

How Does International Van Lines Compare to Other Moving Companies?

Learn how IVL compares to our other recommended movers to help you decide which is right for your move.

International Van Lines vs. American Van Lines

American Van Lines is another of our top moving companies. It operates exclusively as a carrier through the lower 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Aside from directly handling all moves, American Van Lines’ crews average 10 years of experience on the job. This makes them adept at carrying out special packing and crating requests.

IVL uses third-party partners for many of its local moves, which could make American Van Lines the better choice for long-distance moves within the United States. However, IVL’s international reach and ability to manage logistics for overseas relocations make it a better choice for international moves.

International Van Lines vs. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) works exclusively as a moving broker. It provides moving help in all 50 states and offers a quick and easy cost calculator tool on its site. It also has in-depth partner carrier bios and helpful moving resources online. It compares favorably with IVL for local moves, but IVL’s reach for international relocations makes it a more favorable choice for longer moves.

International Van Lines vs. Safeway Moving Inc.

Safeway Moving Inc. is another full-service carrier with an eye toward working with condo or homeowners associations (HOAs). The company exclusively partners with moving carriers who hold the necessary additional licenses and certificates of insurance required by HOAs. Most condo associations and HOAs require that movers carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance, whereas many standard moving companies only carry around $750,000. All of Safeway’s movers meet HOA requirements.

IVL can also assist with moves involving HOAs, but given Safeway’s focus on this type of move and insurance coverage, you might encounter more roadblocks if you choose IVL.

We recommend comparing personalized quotes among at least three movers before you sign a contract. See how IVL stacks up to other top moving companies below:

Star Rating BBB Rating Sample Quote Deposit Required Link
International Van Lines International Van Lines
B $2,519–$4,306 25% VISIT SITE
American Van Lines American Van Lines
A $4,544 Up to 50% up-front VISIT SITE
Safeway Moving Inc. Safeway Moving Inc.
A+ $4,000–$5,000 Up to 40% VISIT SITE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
B $3,823–$4,824 Up to 33% VISIT SITE
Moving APT Moving APT
B $3,566–$6,266 Varies between partners VISIT SITE
JK Moving Services JK Moving Services
A+ $5,600–$6,622 $250 up-front VISIT SITE
North American Van Lines North American Van Lines
A+ $4,700–$5,540 None VISIT SITE
Allied Van Lines Allied Van Lines
A+ $5,442 – $6,312 None VISIT SITE
United Van Lines United Van Lines
A+ Call for quote None VISIT SITE
Mayflower Mayflower
A+ $3,500–$4,500 None VISIT SITE
International Van Lines
Logo International Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Sample Quote $2,519–$4,306
Deposit Required 25%
VISIT SITE
American Van Lines
Logo American Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A
Sample Quote $4,544
Deposit Required Up to 50% up-front
VISIT SITE
Safeway Moving Inc.
Logo Safeway Moving Inc.
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $4,000–$5,000
Deposit Required Up to 40%
VISIT SITE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Logo Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Sample Quote $3,823–$4,824
Deposit Required Up to 33%
VISIT SITE
Moving APT
Logo Moving APT
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Sample Quote $3,566–$6,266
Deposit Required Varies between partners
VISIT SITE
JK Moving Services
Logo JK Moving Services
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $5,600–$6,622
Deposit Required $250 up-front
VISIT SITE
North American Van Lines
Logo North American Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $4,700–$5,540
Deposit Required None
VISIT SITE
Allied Van Lines
Logo Allied Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $5,442 – $6,312
Deposit Required None
VISIT SITE
United Van Lines
Logo United Van Lines
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote Call for quote
Deposit Required None
VISIT SITE
Mayflower
Logo Mayflower
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Sample Quote $3,500–$4,500
Deposit Required None
VISIT SITE
Company Star Rating BBB Rating Sample Quote Deposit Required Visit Site
4.9
B $2,519–$4,306 25% VISIT SITE
4.4
A $4,544 Up to 50% up-front VISIT SITE
4.2
A+ $4,000–$5,000 Up to 40% VISIT SITE
4.4
B $3,823–$4,824 Up to 33% VISIT SITE
4.4
B $3,566–$6,266 Varies between partners VISIT SITE
4.7
A+ $5,600–$6,622 $250 up-front VISIT SITE
4.5
A+ $4,700–$5,540 None VISIT SITE
4.8
A+ $5,442 – $6,312 None VISIT SITE
4.8
A+ Call for quote None VISIT SITE
4.8
A+ $3,500–$4,500 None VISIT SITE

Why Should You Read the Fine Print in a Moving Contract?

Understanding your moving contract is key to having a positive moving experience. We recommend keeping copies of your contract and estimate once you’ve booked your move. Some of the moving industry terminology can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with these contracts, so below are some things to look for on your move contract.

Carriers vs. Brokers

Binding vs. Nonbinding Estimates

A carrier is a mover that directly handles the moves it books. This means it will send its owned and operated trucks and immediate employees to carry out your relocation. A moving broker will contract your move out to third-party carriers. A broker’s partners in your immediate area will largely determine what services are available to you.

IVL operates legally as a moving carrier. It serves all 50 states, which enables it to handle moves in any location.

Pay attention to the wording on any copies of your estimate that you receive when you get a quote from a moving company. Nonbinding estimates are typically subject to change, depending on market fluctuations between quote day and moving day, and are typically yielded over the phone or from online quotes.

Binding estimates, however, will not shift unless your inventory or service needs change between quote day and moving day. You’ll typically need an in-person consultation or video call estimate to get a binding quote. In either case, pay attention to the wording on your contract and estimate to avoid paying unnecessary fees or higher rates than expected.


Should I Book My Move With International Van Lines?

We recognize IVL as one of the industry’s best long-distance and international moving companies because it offers all moving services imaginable through its extensive partner network. However, if you are looking for a mover on a budget or for a local move, you might want to consider a different company given IVL’s limited local availability and high pricing. You can get a free quote by filling out this quick online form. A representative will contact you to set up your free moving estimate.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three other moving companies before committing to one provider. You should begin researching different movers at least eight weeks before your move date and consider your specific requirements before choosing. This will ensure you book with the best mover to satisfy your needs.


FAQ About International Van Lines

What items aren’t included in my moving quote from IVL?

IVL might not include some expenses or services in your initial quote. IVL aims to provide comprehensive and transparent pricing, but common items are often excluded and include specialty item handling, storage services, shuttle services, stair carry charges, additional valuation coverage, and rescheduling fees. Other crucial aspects of your home’s layout might change the quote, such as elevators, multiple flights of stairs, and a long carry from the home to the truck. You can view the company’s website for more details on these circumstances and their associated extra fees.

What is IVL's cancellation policy?

IVL requests that its customers give sufficient prior notice when canceling. The moving service deposit is refundable if you notify the company of your cancellation up to 24 hours before your move date. The company won’t issue a refund if you cancel less than 24 hours before your reservation. You can contact the company’s Cancellation Manager to finalize your request.

Is International Van Lines licensed?

IVL holds licenses issued by the Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the FMC. You can view its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) snapshot through this link.

Where is International Van Lines located?

IVL is headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, with regional offices in Illinois, California, Texas, New York, and Arizona.

Is International Van Lines legit?

Yes, IVL is a legitimate and long-standing moving company that operates in the United States and holds a carrier license with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT# 2293832).


Our Methodology and Moving Research Process

We’re committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. We’ve researched moving companies for hundreds of hours, including deep-diving into each company’s website. We obtained contents protection plan information through their websites or by calling and interviewing customer service representatives. We analyzed each mover’s service options and compared them with industry standards. We also underwent a sample quote process with each company to get an accurate idea of each provider’s pricing. 

We ensured each provider followed standard moving procedures, such as offering detailed, binding estimates, and checked whether the companies were licensed and insured through the FMCSA. We analyzed recent customer reviews through popular review sites such as the BBB, Yelp, and Google Reviews to gain further insight into what it’s like to interact with each provider’s customer service staff and movers.

We cross-checked all of our findings through surveys with thousands of moving customers and interviews with experts in the industry. We also have another industry expert fact-check our articles. We then created a rating system for moving providers based on six factors:

  • Moving Services (30%)
  • Additional Services (29%)
  • Insurance Coverage (8%)
  • Scheduling (8%)
  • Additional Benefits (13%)
  • Customer Service (12%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.