International Van Lines Logo

International Van Lines

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6.7

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: July 3rd, 2023

International Van Lines was founded in 2000 primarily as an international and long distance moving business. After just 4 years providing moving services it began offering full-service, long-distance domestic moving services.

Today, with 19+ years of experience, it is recognized as one of the top moving companies in the nation and directly employs more than 100 people. International Van Lines partners with United Van Lines to offer a moving network comprised of more than 3,200 agents, both domestic and foreign. The company services over 180 countries and is licensed/credentialed by the following groups:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Federal Maritime Commission
  • American Moving and Storage Association

International Van Lines offers a variety of services:

  • Long-distance moving
  • International moving
  • Local moving
  • Full packing
  • Unpacking
  • Door to door, door to port, or port to port service
  • Ocean freight or air freight moving
  • Full container or less than container load (LCL) moving
  • Shipment tracking
  • Vehicle transport
  • Piano moving
  • Furniture disassembly and assembly

As one of the largest private moving companies, International Van Lines handles an average of 10,000 moves per year and 85 percent of the moves it performs are long-distance domestic moves; the rest are international and local.

While charges for local moves depend on the number of workers, truck use, scale of the move, and an hourly rate, longer-distance moves will depend on the weight or volume and several other factors.

Like many professional moving companies, International Van Lines requires a 25 percent deposit be paid before scheduling a moving date. The balance is paid in two parts. The first half is paid at pickup, and the second half when your items have arrived at your final destination. Cross country moves take from 2–3 weeks from pickup to delivery. While this company is the picture of professionalism working to get your belongings delivered in a timely manner, delivery dates and times aren’t guaranteed.

As part of the packing services that are offered, customers can purchase moving boxes and other packing materials online. Packing supplies are made into kits for a certain number of rooms or the room or type of household goods you need to pack and free shipping is available on orders placed before 4 p.m. eastern.

Pros, cons, and International Van Lines reviews from customers are listed below.

Top Ranked Companies

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The Good

  • Local and Long-Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Easy Moving Quotes
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Auto Transport Service
  • Standard Pricing Includes Several Services
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Storage in Transit

Local and Long-Distance Moving

International Van Lines provides long distance and domestic local moving options across the United states though it specialized in international and long distance moving. A free moving estimate can be obtained online to help you plan your move. Features of International Van Lines' long distance and domestic moving services include:

  • Packing
  • Storage
  • Crating
  • Other specialty services

International Moving

International moves don't just require more work, but much more planning. To ensure that all of the details of your move are taken care of, International Van Lines has over 3,000 partners globally to provide a custom moving solution just for you. The following options are offered as part of International Van Lines' international relocation services:

  • Ocean Freight — If you are looking to save money when moving overseas, ocean freight is the cheapest option.
  • Air Freight — This service is commonly used when shipping household goods. If you are only shipping a couple of boxes, or if you are on a time crunch, air freight is the best option for you.
  • Auto Transport — If you are. planning to ship other items with your car, you can have your car packed into a closed container with blocks and braces. If you are just shipping your car, you can drive your car to the port and have it loaded onto a ship. Unfortunately the car will be exposed to the elements if this is the case, so it is not ideal for high-end vehicles.

Easy Moving Quotes

Sometimes getting a quote for moving and relocation services can take a bit of time over the phone. You may even need to provide an itemized list of every piece of furniture to just get a ballpark price estimate.

International Van Lines’ quotes are easy and efficient. An artificial intelligence tool lets you record a quick walkthrough of your home on your phone. Then, the software scans and itemizes your inventory to provide a more accurate quote.

Customer Satisfaction

Reviews of International Van Lines praise all aspects of its customer service experience. Sales representatives and relocation coordinator staff are friendly and give helpful information from start to finish. One review said, "They went above my expectations in every aspect of the move."

All movers are background checked, trained, and certified. Moving crews that come to load and unload are professional, efficient, and hardworking. Very few customers experience broken pieces of furniture or delays.

However, if consumers do have an issue, they are assigned an account representative to help through the whole moving process.

Additionally, 24/7 customer support is available via phone, email, and live chat through the company’s website.

Auto Transport Service

This company offers an auto transport service if you are taking vehicles with you during a relocation. (See international moving)

Standard Pricing Includes Several Services

A standard long-distance move from International Van Lines includes several services, some of which aren’t covered in the basic price by other relocation services. These include the following:

  • Disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture (complicated furniture available as a paid add-on)
  • Loading and unloading
  • Use of pads and blankets to protect your furniture
  • First flight of stairs (7 steps) free
  • Tolls, mileage, fuel, and taxes included
  • Liability coverage up to $10,000
  • Other services (like additional packing protection, piano handling, more stairs, etc.) are available at an additional price.

While most homeowners insurance covers a long-distance move, International Van Lines offers to cover limited liability at $0.60 per pound per item or piece of furniture. This doesn’t cover cash, jewelry, fine art, or particle board items.

Cancellation Policy

International Van Lines has a 100 percent deposit refund for notice up to 48 hours before your moving day pickup.
If you need to change your moving date, there is no fee.

Storage In Transit

As a full-service moving company, not only does International Van Lines have packing and moving handled, it can also provide storage. If you need storage services during a move, International Van Lines offers both long term and short term options at temperature controlled storage facilities.

Short term moving storage in transit (stored at a destination warehouse) depends on the size of the load, requires re-delivery, and in-out fees. $0.50 per cubic foot per month. Long-term storage is done at the origin and then shipped.

The different flexible options that International Van Lines offers make for extremely excellent service and great moving reviews.

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The Bad

  • Minimum Size Requirements
  • Average Pricing
  • Lack of Availability in Peak Season
  • Balance Payment
  • Third Parties

Minimum Size Requirements

The minimum size requirement to use International Van Lines is 200 cubic feet or 1,400 pounds of furniture.

Average Pricing

Due to its quality work, International Van Lines does not offer super cheap pricing which has spurred consumer complaints. Several of our international Van Lines reviews mention corporate relocation, so this service may be geared towards business owners with higher budgets.

Pricing depends on the distance of your move and the quantity of furniture and/or belongings you need to be packed or moved. You can schedule a free price quote through the company’s website, internationalvanlines.com, contact customer service directly, and/or pick a callback time.

International Van Lines will try to match the price offered by a competing moving service, as long as the service and company level are comparable.

There are a few additional charges that shoppers should be aware of:

  • Long carry (over 75 feet) — $75 per 75 feet
  • Elevator fee — $75 per stop
  • Stairs (over 7 steps) — $75 per flight. No charge of stairs inside a single family home
  • Shuttle service if an 18-wheel trailer can’t be used at the destination — $1 per cubic foot, a minimum cost of $350, if needed
  • Bulky items that can’t be stacked — $150
  • Piano fees — $150-$350+, depending on size
  • Motorcycle handling — $350
  • Storage — $0.50 per cubic foot per month

Additional packaging materials will be charged if your original work estimate didn’t include full packing charges

Lack of Availability in Peak Season

Many moving companies, including International Van Lines, get booked up during the peak moving season. March through September is considered peak season for the moving industry. Consider booking the team early to ensure availability. For out-of-state moves, a minimum of two weeks notice is recommended during the off-season and four weeks scheduling notice is recommended for the peak summer months.

Balance Payment

Customers who hire International Van Lines have to pay a 25 percent deposit. This payment can be made with cash, credit card, check, or money order. However, the balance (half paid upon pickup and half upon delivery) can’t be paid with a credit card. You have to pay with a check, cash, or money order.

Third Parties

For the most part, the International Van Lines team can get your stuff moved, no matter your location or move destination. However, customers should know that third party moving and storage companies are hired in the following locations: Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

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The Bottom Line

Though International Van Lines started out as international and long distance movers, we recommend this company for local and interstate small moves, as well as international long-distance moves. Consumer reviews have rated International Van Lines to be one of the best relocation companies if you are worried about the product or service being different than advertised.

As a widely trusted moving company, International Van Lines should be considered for your upcoming move. Many moving and storage companies have a poor reputation due to extra fees, damage, or delays. International Van Lines maintains its positive reputation as it consistently pleases its customers. It would be a great option for a business owner, families, couples, singles, etc.

Have you moved or relocated with International Van Lines? Let us know about your experience with these professional movers in a quick review below.

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Star Rating

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4.6

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89 Reviews

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88%

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2 grade

2%

1 grade

10%

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Marie Harnishfeger Morristown, TN

Was told on first contact that same person would be handling our move, disappointing to have many people involved. No one knows what is going on, even though ya know they are looking at a computer with all the information. Took FOREVER to receive our truck of furniture. Was quoted a price in the beginning (~$4500) that grew to 10K when delivered. Untrustworthy. Very dishonest. Would not recommend.

2 years ago

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Lars Hamilton Carmel, IN

Moved across country. Final bill came in 75% higher than initial estimate to the tune of $6k more than budgeted. They came prepared with two trucks expecting me to go 100%+ over. At that point when the trucks are loaded and hours of moving into the day, you’re held hostage. I’m just glad they didn’t hold anything hostage on delivery as I’ve hear so many in the industry do. I’m just wishing I had comparison shopped or done it myself with more time.

3 years ago