International Van Lines Review (With Customer Feedback)
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Ad Disclaimer
International Van Lines (IVL) is one of the biggest players in the moving space. As a full-service mover, it does everything from packing your belongings to shipping vehicles and handling specialty items. It also has one of the biggest service areas of any moving company we’ve reviewed, including all 50 states and more than 180 countries. However, it may not be a fit if you’re moving locally or want to save money with self-service options.
To help you decide if International Van Lines is the right company for your move, we analyzed its website and service offerings, compared it to other major van lines using key factors, and gathered sample quotes to get estimated pricing. After this assessment, we chose IVL as one of our top long-distance moving companies. Learn what we like and don’t like in our review.
*Cost data is based on multiple long-distance moving quotes ranging from 500–800 miles for a two-bedroom home.
**A USDOT number indicates that a moving company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, meaning it meets federal safety and operational standards. Only companies with a valid USDOT number are legally allowed to transport goods across state lines.
Company Overview
International Van Lines is a full-service moving company with locations across the globe. It can handle everything from moving a single room to full-home international moves. The company operates as both a carrier and broker, meaning it sometimes uses an in-house team of movers and other times outsources moves via its broker authority, Ocean Star International (USDOT# 2247789). However, the company still manages all the paperwork and takes responsibility for any issues, whereas broker-only providers leave issues like lost or damaged items up to their third-party contractors.
Pros
- Assists with moves anywhere in the U.S. and over 180 countries
- Offers full-service moves, including specialty items and vehicles
- Has more comprehensive insurance plans than other providers
Cons
- Has higher-than-average pricing for local moves
- Has below-average customer reviews on some popular review sites
- Doesn’t have a mobile app for communication and tracking
Services Offered
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Crating
- Storage
- Vehicle shipping
- Additional insurance
- Piano moving
- Corporate and office relocation
Services Not Offered
- Appliance disconnection
- Junk removal
Our Take on International Van Lines
We ranked International Van Lines as one of our top five moving companies. Compared to other movers, IVL offers one of the most comprehensive sets of services, from standard packing and loading to specialized options like moving artwork, pianos, vehicles, and even storage. We also like that IVL has a large service area, including every state plus over 180 countries, so you don’t have to worry about availability at your destination or vice versa.
When we reached out for pricing, IVL’s customer service reps were friendly and professional. They gave us clear, comprehensive quotes. We especially liked that they went over any potential extra fees, as other providers might not mention these, leading to surprise charges.
We did find mixed reviews from International Van Lines customers about communication and service quality. However, this is likely due to moves being outsourced to other companies in its broker network, which is a common practice in the moving industry. This primarily happens with IVL’s international moves. To avoid variation in service quality, ask your rep how to ensure IVL remains the carrier, or if you can keep as much of your move in-house as possible.
The other issue with International Van Lines is that it simply offers fewer perks than other major van lines. For example, other top-rated movers have useful mobile apps for tracking and communication. Other companies also tend to offer more financial flexibility through optional self-service moving services. IVL doesn’t offer these things.
We Recommend IVL If You:
- Are moving internationally
- Need a lot of moving services that you want bundled together under one company
- Have expensive items that you want plenty of insurance coverage for
We Don’t Recommend IVL If You:
- Have high-end appliances that you want careful and specialized handling for
- Are moving locally, as pricing runs higher than average for this move type
- Prefer a cheaper self-service move
Comparing International Van Lines to Other Top Moving Companies
The table below compares International Van Lines to other highly-rated moving companies. Though IVL is a solid choice for international and interstate moves, other companies may be a better fit depending on your needs. For example, Safeway is good for moves involving condos or homeowners associations (HOAs) because it specializes in meeting the higher insurance requirements needed for these relocations. If you prefer a self-service move, we recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT, which offers sturdy, affordable portable storage containers.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Deposit Required | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | Up to 25% | Get Quote | ||
 | A+ | None | Get Quote | ||
 | A+ | $250 | Read Our Review | ||
 | A | $500 | Get Quote | ||
 | B | Up to 33% | Get Quote |
*The Better Business Bureau is a third-party organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?
International Van Lines costs an average of $900–$4,306 for a two-bedroom move, depending on the distance. This is on par with other full-service movers. To determine this pricing, we used the instant cost calculator on IVL’s website and called its customer service team for quotes. We’ve listed pricing for specific move types below. Note that these are rough estimates; for more accurate pricing, we recommend scheduling a visual or in-person consultation. The quotes we got include services like furniture protection, disassembly and reassembly, and 30 days of free storage.
Keep in mind that all International Van Lines moves require a deposit of up to 25% to book. Deposits are common in the moving industry to lock in your specific date.
Your total price will vary depending on the following factors:
- Distance: The farther you’re moving, the more you’ll pay. The price of long-distance moves is typically based on mileage and fuel costs. Local moves are typically priced by the hour, but distance still matters when considering travel time and fuel.
- Full-service vs. partial service: With a full-service move, the movers handle everything—packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and even unpacking your belongings. This convenience comes at a higher price than a partial-service move, where you might pack your own items or handle parts of the process yourself. The more help you need, the more it will cost.
- Number of floors in your home: If you live in a multistory house or apartment building, expect extra fees for navigating stairs or elevators. Moving bulky furniture up or down multiple floors also increases the overall price.
- Weight and size of your items: The heavier and bulkier your belongings, the higher your cost. Movers often base part of their pricing on the weight of your shipment because it impacts how much room your items take up in the truck and the amount of labor required to move them.
- Single-day vs. multiday: A single-day move is generally less expensive than a move that takes multiple days. If your move involves long distances or more extensive packing and transporting, it could stretch over several days, increasing labor and travel costs.
- Time of year you move: Moving during peak times—typically in the summer or over weekends—will cost more due to higher demand. Moving during off-peak seasons or on weekdays will likely save you money since movers have more availability and are often willing to lower rates.
Long-Distance Moves
A long-distance move is considered anything over 50 miles. Companies usually determine pricing by the weight of your items, distance, and moving date. We received the following quote for a long-distance move with International Van Lines:
- $2,519–$4,306 (two-bedroom, 783-mile move from Atlanta, Georgia, to Dallas, Texas)
This range is lower than the average for a two-bedroom move with IVL, according to our 2024 survey of 1,000 moving customers. The average cost of a two-bedroom move with IVL was $8,998, while the total average cost across different types of moves was $10,933, based on 85 respondents.
While it’s possible our respondents had more expensive move types, we’ve noticed during our research that initial ballpark quotes are typically lower than the final quote, as they don’t require a full inventory and are thus less accurate. We recommend requesting your own quotes from at least three companies to get an understanding of your move price.
Local Moves
A local move is considered anything under 50 miles that doesn’t cross state lines. These moves are typically priced by the hour. For a short, local move around the Houston metropolitan area, we received the following quote from International Van Lines:
- $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:
| Amount of Movers | Price per Hour | Price per Hour with Full Packing |
|---|---|---|
| Three movers | $150 | $180 |
| Four movers | $200 | $230 |
| Five movers | $250 | $280 |
| Six movers | $300 | $330 |
Note: IVL only offers local moving in Florida and Texas at the following locations: Parkland, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Miami, Miami Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Aldine, and Houston.
Deposit
International Van Lines requires an upfront deposit to book your move, which is common among moving companies. The deposit can be up to 25% of the total cost of your move, depending on your credit score and the specifics of your move. IVL will fully refund your deposit if you cancel within two days of your original booking date. It’s nonrefundable after that, though IVL may offer some flexibility with rescheduling, depending on the timing and circumstances. The remaining balance is generally paid closer to the moving date or upon delivery of your items.
Extra Fees
There are several potential fees that can be tacked on to your move. To avoid surprises, ask about the following before booking:
- Bulky item fees: Items like a piano, pool table, or giant fish tank aren’t just heavy, they require special handling and sometimes extra workers or equipment. Each bulky item usually comes with its own special fee.
- Elevator fees: While they’re better than stairs, elevators can actually slow movers down. They might have to wait for other tenants, hold doors, and make multiple trips. So, if you’re in a building with an elevator, expect a possible fee for that extra time.
- Fuel surcharges: Moving trucks guzzle gas, and someone has to pay for it. The longer the distance, the higher the fuel charge. These fees can fluctuate based on current gas prices, too.
- Long carry fees: Movers expect to park their truck pretty close to your door, but sometimes that’s not possible. For example, if you live in an apartment complex without close parking. When movers have to walk your stuff more than 75–100 feet, they’ll usually charge extra for the effort and time.
- Packing material costs: While you can save money by packing yourself and getting your own materials, you’ll need to pay to have your movers do it. Start collecting boxes early if you want to save some cash.
- Shuttle service: If you’re moving to a house on a narrow street where a big moving truck just won’t fit, they’ll need to transfer your stuff to a smaller truck to complete the delivery. That extra truck and time leads to additional fees.
- Stair fees: If movers have to lug your couch up to a third-floor walkup, they’ll typically charge per flight of stairs. Some companies give you one flight “free” but charge for additional flights. And yes, this includes external stairs leading up to your front door if there are enough of them.
- Storage fees: Sometimes timing doesn’t line up perfectly. If you need to store your stuff between homes, most companies offer storage, but it isn’t free. They usually charge by the month, and there might be fees for putting items into storage and taking them out again.
- Weight adjustment fees: This is a big one for long-distance moves. If you tell them you have 5,000 pounds of stuff but it turns out to be 7,000 pounds, you’ll pay for that difference—and it can be substantial.
Cost-Saving Tips
Here are some tips for getting a good price with International Van Lines and a few things to keep in mind when working with them:
- Be flexible with dates: International Van Lines might offer better rates if you can be flexible with your moving date or time, especially if you avoid weekends.
- Book early: Try to lock in your moving date at least two to four months in advance. Rates tend to go up closer to your move, especially during peak seasons.
- Declutter before moving: The fewer items you have, the lower your moving cost will be. Take time to get rid of anything you don’t need before getting your final estimate.
- Get multiple quotes: Even if you’re leaning toward IVL, it’s a good idea to get quotes from a couple of other companies for comparison. IVL might price match if they’re not the lowest.
- Get in-person or virtual estimates: Always try to schedule an in-person or virtual estimate for a more accurate quote. Ballpark estimates online or over the phone can sometimes be off.
- Move during the off-season: If you can, plan your move for the fall or winter, or even midweek. Summer is the busiest (and most expensive) time to move.
- Understand the deposit and cancellation policy: Remember that International Van Lines requires a deposit to secure your move. Be sure you understand its cancellation or rescheduling policies in case your plans change.
- Budget for tips: It’s not mandatory, but a tip is definitely appreciated if the movers do a good job. A good general rule is $4–$5 per mover per hour, or around 10%–15% of the total moving cost. You can adjust based on the size of the move and how hard they worked.
What Services Does International Van Lines Offer?
International Van Lines is a licensed moving carrier that does local, international, and long-distance moves. 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 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.”
- Local moves: IVL offers local moving services that are usually priced by the hour. The mover handles everything from packing and loading to unloading and unpacking. Local moves are generally quicker and more straightforward than longer moves, but IVL still makes sure your items are protected and safely transported.
- Long-distance moves: Long-distance moves are more complex, so IVL considers factors like mileage, fuel, and the size of your shipment. The company provides options for full-service moves, where they’ll do everything for you, as well as partial moves if you want to handle some things yourself to save money. When we called IVL, a customer service representative noted that we would get 30 days of free storage with any long-distance move.
- International moves: IVL excels in handling international moves. If you’re moving overseas, the company takes care of everything from customs paperwork to coordinating the shipping and delivery of your belongings. IVL is authorized as a freight forwarder by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to provide international moving services. It can arrange delivery of your shipment by sea or air and offers destination services, including unloading and debris removal. For small shipments, IVL can consolidate your inventory into a shared container to reduce costs.
- Corporate moves: IVL has corporate moving services designed to handle both personal relocations if you’re moving for work and large-scale office moves if you’re moving a whole office. The company is experienced with moving employees and entire teams, and it’ll make sure everything from computers to office furniture is transported safely. Plus, it offers custom solutions based on your needs, such as designing a logistical plan around your company’s budget.
Optional Services
You can also opt for the following services from International Van Lines:
- Car transport: International Van Lines provides open and enclosed auto transport services for varying needs and preferences. Open carriers are a cheaper option 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 includes motorcycle transportation as part of its full-service package for an additional fee of $350.
- Custom crating: IVL offers custom crating for items that need extra protection, such as artwork, antiques, or anything fragile. This means that the movers will build a crate specifically designed to keep your valuable or delicate items safe. The company will use basic protective materials such as pads and blankets at no extra charge, but you can expect to pay an additional fee for items packed in custom crates. This fee changes according to the items’ dimensions and materials.
- Packing: If you’re short on time or just don’t want the hassle of packing your entire house, IVL offers full packing services. It will bring the boxes, pack your belongings, and even unpack things on the other end. If you’re on a budget, you can also opt for partial packing, where you pack some things yourself and leave the trickier items to the pros. Our 2024 survey found that a majority of moving customers, 57%, chose to use a full-packing service.
- Piano moving: Pianos are heavy and fragile, so it’s best to leave moving up to trained professionals with the proper equipment and techniques. IVL will move pianos for an additional fee that varies by piano type, generally ranging from $150–$350.
- Storage: IVL offers short-term and long-term storage options. This is great if your new place isn’t ready yet or you just want to store some things while you figure out what to do with them. 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. IVL’s website notes that you’ll be charged for storage at a monthly rate of $0.65 per cubic foot.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Car transport | At least $350 |
| Custom crating | $250–$400 |
| Packing | $500–$1,000 |
| Piano moving | $150–$350 |
| Storage | $0.65 per cubic foot |
IVL Customer Reviews: Reddit, BBB, Yelp, and More
We read International Van Lines’ customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Yelp. While the BBB doesn’t accredit IVL, it does give the company an A+ rating. Yelp reviews for its headquarters aren’t as positive, with a 1.7 out of 5-star rating as of October 2024. However, moving companies often get lower reviews because people dealing with claims or issues are more likely to leave feedback.
Overall, happy customers praised IVL for being fast, efficient, and reliable. Some negative reviews pointed to missed delivery dates and not enough communication when third-party help was involved.
We also came across some Reddit threads where people were surprised to learn that International Van Lines wasn’t the company physically moving their stuff. Even though IVL is the legal carrier and remains responsible for the move, it sometimes uses partner companies. We recommend asking about this when booking so you know exactly what to expect.
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
How International Van Lines Protects Your Belongings
When you’re trusting a moving company with all your stuff, it’s important to know how it’ll keep it safe. Here’s a quick overview of the protections International Van Lines offers.
Insurance
IVL provides a few different types of insurance to cover your belongings during the move. Here’s a summary of each:
- Released value protection: This is the default insurance option, and it doesn’t cost extra. However, it only covers your items at 60 cents per pound, which might not be enough to replace valuable items. For example, if your expensive flat-screen TV weighs 50 pounds and gets damaged, you’d only get $30. This insurance is good for peace of mind, but not much protection if you’re moving high-value items.
- 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. All-risk insurance was popular among the moving customers we surveyed, with 72% of 1,000 respondents choosing it.
- 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 will pay out claims if it loses your items due to conditions outlined in the policy, such as fire, lightning, flooding, or theft. The specifics of your coverage vary according to your contract, but essentially, this insurance pays out for circumstances otherwise not reimbursed.
- Third-party insurance: If you want extra coverage beyond what IVL offers, you can buy insurance through a third-party provider. This is especially helpful if you’re moving high-value items like artwork, antiques, or anything else that would be expensive to replace. It’s more comprehensive, but of course, it’ll add to your overall cost.
Professional Movers
International Van Lines vets its employees through background checks and ensures they’re properly trained to handle your belongings. For some moves, especially local ones, IVL might partner with third-party movers, but IVL background checks, trains, and certifies all of these movers. IVL maintains responsibility for your belongings throughout the entire process. This means if something goes wrong, you’ll still deal with IVL directly to sort it out.
Booking Process and Timeline for a Move
International Van Lines’ booking process is straightforward. We went through the quote process and noted that it includes the following steps:
- Request a quote: 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.
- Choose your services: Specify whether you want to self-pack or use the company’s professional packing services. Mention whether the move requires multiple flights of stairs or an elevator, and ask about custom crating for any high-end items. Remember that moving bulky items like pianos will cost more. This is also the time to ask about vehicle shipping.
- Survey your inventory: 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.
- Book your move: You must pay a 25% 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.
Our Experience With International Van Lines
We liked our overall experience with International Van Lines. The customer service representatives we spoke to were friendly and helpful. They were a little pushy when we expressed that we were only calling for ballpark estimates and weren’t ready to book. However, they ultimately respected our wishes and made clear that the cost estimates they gave weren’t as accurate as binding estimates from a virtual or in-person survey. We experienced hold times of less than a minute, and IVL provided multiple follow-up calls. Though follow-up calls from companies can sometimes feel spammy, IVL’s stopped once we explained that we decided to go with a different mover.
International Van Lines’ website is one of the best we’ve used. It’s easy to read and navigation is simple. The company is also one of the few movers that will provide ballpark cost figures on its website rather than requiring you to call. Plus, we like that IVL sells packing and moving supplies on its website, as well as shares plenty of useful resources like checklists and moving guides.
Feedback From an IVL Customer
To learn more about what it’s actually like to work with International Van Lines, we talked to multiple customers. Andy H. used IVL for his move from the United States to China and said that IVL provided excellent guidance. Though he said that some fragile items could have been packed better, no items were damaged, and IVL did a great job labeling each box with its consignment number. Andy said this saved a lot of time when he was unpacking everything at his new home.
| Company | Our Score | BBB Rating* | Average Cost | Deposit | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $5,250 | Up to 25% | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $5,370 | None | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $7,171 | $250 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A | $2,547 | Varies | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B | $5,054 | Up to 33% | GET ESTIMATE |
FAQ
What items aren’t included in my moving quote from IVL?
IVL might not include some expenses or services in your initial quote, such as special item handling, storage services, shuttle services, stair carry charges, additional valuation coverage, and rescheduling fees. Other 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 about these circumstances and their associated fees.
What is IVL’s cancellation policy?
IVL’s cancellation policy requires that you cancel at least 48 hours before your move date to get a refund of your deposit. The company won’t issue a refund if you cancel less than 48 hours before your reservation. You can contact cs@internationalvanlines.com with your reference number to finalize your request.
Does International Van Lines offer discounts?
IVL doesn’t advertise any ongoing discounts on its website. However, you should ask your IVL representative if there’s a possibility for any discounts, such as a senior or military member discounts.
Where is International Van Lines located?
IVL is headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, with regional offices in Illinois, California, Texas, New York, and Arizona.
How We Evaluated Moving Providers
We’re dedicated to providing well-researched and unbiased reviews of moving companies. We research each mover thoroughly, read websites and sample contracts, review customer feedback, and speak to customer service representatives and industry experts.
Our Rating System
To identify top moving providers, we created a rating system based on six factors that reflect the overall quality and reliability of each company. Here’s what we looked at:
- Services Offerings (19%): Top providers offer comprehensive moving services, including local and long-distance moves, packing/unpacking, and custom options tailored to specific needs. Poor providers offer limited or restrictive services. The more services a company offered, the higher it scored.
- Item Protection (20%): All movers are required to offer two insurance options, but many offer additional options to maximize the protection of your belongings. We scored companies that offer at least three options highest. We also awarded more points to movers that offer additional protections such as antique and specialty services, custom crating, and GPS tracking.
- Customer Service (18%): Exceptional customer service gives you peace of mind during a stressful time. Companies with high BBB ratings and high customer response rates received more points. We also awarded more points to movers who offered easy access to moving calculators, checklists, and contact information on their website.
- Reputation (14%): In addition to customer service, we analyze a company’s overall reputation in the industry. We check each provider’s licensing status and award more points to those who operate as carriers, as this is a more streamlined experience. We also note if providers mention their background checking process and how their inspection rate compares to the average FMCSA fail rate.
- Value (18%): We gathered five quotes from each mover to create an average price for a two-bedroom move between 500 and 800 miles. The cheaper the price, the higher we rated the company. We also awarded more points to providers that offer binding estimates rather than ballpark quotes, as well as those that offer more financial flexibility through portable storage container moves.
- Scheduling (11%): A reliable mover makes scheduling straightforward, with flexible availability and clear timelines. The best movers are easy to work with and accommodate tight schedules, while less reliable companies may overpromise and underdeliver. We gave more points to companies that offer at least two contact options, have a mobile app for tracking, and offer virtual surveys for quotes for added convenience.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
