International Van Lines Review 2024: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: We’re impressed with International Van Lines’ (IVL) commitment to customer service and transparent pricing for international, local, long-distance, and cross-country moves, so much so they are one of our favorite moving companies in the country.
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
IVL is an international moving company that serves 180 countries, while also offering long-distance moves, local moving services, and auto transportation. Most moving companies only offer a portion of the specialty services that International Van Lines offers.
Suresh heard from a friend who moved with International Van Lines that they were a great company. This glowing review prompted him to hire IVL to move his family 1,050 miles from Ohio to Texas in the spring of 2023.
Suresh’s story is one of countless testimonials we’ve collected through our Better Moves Project to provide our readers with first-hand moving reviews of the companies we feature.
Read on to learn about International Van Lines’ services and compare it to the other best moving companies in the nation.
Pros and cons of moving with International Van Lines
- Handles international moves to 180+ countries
- 30 days of free storage services
- Donates a portion of profits to charity
- Discounts for seniors and bundled services
- Provides comprehensive insurance with higher compensation rates
- No online quotes (you’ll have to call, email, or wait for them to contact you for a quote)
- Not always the most affordable moving option
- Subcontracts local moves to other companies that might not be as reliable
Jump to the International Van Lines info you’re looking for:
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
What customers had to say about International Van Lines
Generally speaking, moveBuddha Better Move Project participants choose International Van Lines thanks to their helpful customer service representatives, fair pricing, and broad scope of available services.
When Suresh hired International Van Lines to move his 2-bedroom home cross-country, he was impressed with the quality of the service he received. He was grateful for IVL’s open line of communication, noting that they reached out to him regularly during the moving process to keep him updated.
He also appreciated IVL’s careful consideration for his fragile glassware—the professional movers got all of his belongings to his new home without any damage.
His move went off without a hitch, and he couldn’t have been more satisfied with the stress-free professional service.
Fabiana was incredibly cautious because a mover damaged her household goods during a previous move, but IVL’s communicative customer service and binding estimate during the quote process gave her confidence.
After a lot of online research, she ultimately tapped them to move her belongings from a storage unit in Miami to her new home in New York, and her items arrived unscathed.
That being said, not all International Van Lines customers have a great experience. When Mary used IVL to move the contents of her one-bedroom apartment from Austin, Texas, to New York City, she experienced a variety of communication issues with IVL and their brokered movers, as well as several delivery delays.
These challenges were largely a result of the brokered moving company IVL contracted for the move, with issues like the workers arriving late to load the moving truck, and crated items not being able to be unloaded at her new apartment at the same time as everything else.
International Van Lines pricing: How much it costs to move
International Van Lines’ cost varies depending on the specific factors of your move, but the company works hard to provide its customers with adequate pricing and payment information.
While every move is different, IVL offers plenty of resources to help customers understand how much each move will cost.
They give free quotes after prospective customers fill out a short form, or call or email them directly. To get started, customers must provide their pickup and drop-off locations, move type, and contact information.
Fabiana’s move cost $4,153 for 3,941 pounds of items—her actual moving cost was precisely what IVL quoted her at the beginning of the moving process. She chose International Van Lines because their pricing fell right in the middle of the other quotes she received.
She didn’t want to be too cost-conscious and risk damage to her items or work with a self-service company, but she also wanted to make sure she wasn’t overpaying. Here’s how Fabiana’s full-service moving quotes compared:
| Company | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| JK Moving | $7,069 |
| Safeway Moving | $5,991 |
| International Van Lines | $4,153 |
| Colonial Van Lines | $3,102 |
| American Van Lines | $2,500 |
IVL provides binding estimates to most long-distance moving customers. Binding estimates lock in the amount due as long as the scope of your move doesn’t change. The moving company prices local moving a little differently compared to cross-country moves.
The shipping carrier charges hourly if you’re moving within 50 miles of your pickup location. International Van Lines provides a breakdown of what customers can expect to pay hourly for their local move during the quoting process.
It’s important to note that moving costs will vary depending on the details of your move. Take a look at what our Better Moves participants paid for their moves with IVL for a more accurate snapshot of the company’s rates.
| Better Moves Participant | Approximate Distance | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suresh | 1,050 miles | Columbus, OH, to Plano, TX | $4,500 |
| Mary | 1,750 miles | Austin, TX to New York | $6,400 |
| Fabiana | 1,300 miles | Miami to New York | $4,153 |
To get a quote on your move and find out about the best movers in your area, check out our moving cost calculator.
International Van Lines services
International Van Lines has vast experience and provides a long list of moving services. Here’s a quick overview of its standout services:
- Local moving: With locations across the country, International Van Lines offers local moving anywhere in the United States. Services include packing, loading and unloading, disassembly, and storage.
- Long-distance moving: IVL is one of our best long-distance moving companies for customer service. The company can ship customers’ household items anywhere nationwide, including Hawaii and Alaska.
- International moving: IVL is high on our list of the best international moving companies, providing air and ocean freight transport to more than 180 countries. They can even deliver vehicles.
- Office relocation: IVL can create personalized plans and work with business owners to formulate the logistics required for each move.
- Furniture assembly and disassembly: IVL movers will reassemble furniture in your new home, if necessary.
- Short- and long-term storage: International Van Lines has access to storage facilities nationwide and offers 30 days of free storage with their moves.
- Government and military moves: International Van Lines is authorized to work with the U.S. government. The company can handle temporary or PCS military moves.
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
How International Van Lines stacks up against the competition
International Van Lines compares favorably to many of its top competitors, including big names like American Van Lines and Safeway Moving.
International Van Lines has consistently stood out for its helpful customer service reps, customizable move options, and competitive pricing. Read on to see how it compares to a few of our other top moving companies.
| Company | Our Rating | BBB Score | State Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | 4.45/5 | A+ | 50 | Customer service |
| Safeway Moving | 4.85/5 stars | B- | 50 | Overall value |
| Mayzlin Relocation | 4.9/5 stars | A- | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Personalized service |
| American Van Lines | 4.5/5 stars | A | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Moving experience |
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International Van Lines vs. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving is another of our favorite moving companies. Customer reviews praise their competitive pricing and professionalism, particularly when it comes to obtaining quotes, though communication during the rest of the move process can be a bit hit or miss.
Safeway Moving shares some of the same pros and cons as IVL. They offer 30 days of free storage on their moves, but you can’t get an instant online quote. However, Safeway Moving also offers price matching and flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees to help you get a good deal for your move.
One big drawback of Safeway Moving is a lack of local moving services and auto shipping. While IVL also services local moves, Safeway does not.
Although Shayndel would’ve appreciated a little more communication from Safeway leading up to her move, she was wowed by how carefully they wrapped her belongings to protect them from inclement weather.
International Van Lines vs. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin is ideal if you’re looking for a tailored yet budget-friendly moving experience and transparent, accurate quotes for a move in the US. Their focus on customer satisfaction and straightforward pricing makes them a great choice if you value consistency and communication throughout the move.
International Van Lines, however, stands out for its versatility, with extensive coverage for everything from local to international moves. Their additional services like auto transport may give you added flexibility for more varied moving needs.
Both companies require a 25% deposit, so the choice may come down to the range of services you need and your preferences.
Jana praised Mayzlin for handling her belongings carefully, communicating clearly, and making her delivery quick and seamless.
International Van Lines vs. American Van Lines
American Van Lines is a standout moving option for the continental United States, offering exceptional customer service and some of the best pricing in the industry. With free no-obligation quotes and binding estimates, you can have confidence when working with them.
While American Van Lines is an excellent moving option, it’s worth noting that their services are only available in the 48 contiguous United States (while IVL also services Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations). They also don’t provide auto shipping.
American Van Lines also requires a large upfront deposit of up to 50% of your total moving cost.
When Allison moved cross-country with American Van Lines, she was happy with the company’s competitive rates and willingness to reimburse her for moving delays.
How moving with International Van Lines works
International Van Lines strives to provide customers with quality customer service throughout the moving process. Here’s a breakdown of how the moving process works.
Getting a Quote
Customers can book an appointment using the phone number or email on IVL’s website. The company also provides a live chat feature for customers to initiate the quoting process.
International Van Lines also gives its customers access to its virtual in-home estimating app. Customers can share the belongings included in their shipment directly with a relocation specialist without an in-person visit.
Booking and moving
If you book with IVL, you’ll need to pay a deposit to secure your moving date. The shipping carrier also offers a refund on deposits if you cancel at least 48 hours before the move.
Fabianna requested quotes from five moving companies before deciding International Van Lines was the best fit for her needs. She liked that they offered a binding quote that included loading and unloading, door-to-door transportation, elevator charges, shuttle charges, and limited liability coverage of $0.60 per pound per item.
After scheduling her move and paying the deposit, IVL confirmed her appointment the day before she moved. While IVL provided a three- to 21-day delivery date window for her items in New York, it took just seven days for her belongings to join her at her new home.
The moving company confirmed delivery a few days ahead of time so Fabiana could be there to receive it, and the crews gave her an estimated arrival time.
FAQ
Is International Van Lines a mover or a broker?
International Van Lines is both a carrier and a fully licensed moving broker. A broker is a moving company that arranges relocation services for its clients, while a carrier provides moving services directly.
According to the Department of Transportation, all brokers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and use FMCSA-registered movers for all services.
Does International Van Lines charge an extra fee for specialty items?
Yes, International Van Lines charges an extra fee for add-on moving services for specialty items because they require more labor, space, and care than other items.
Specialty items may include exercise equipment, pianos, motorcycles, and large furniture. If you’re looking for movers who are great with antiques, check out our guide on finding the best antique moving companies.
What is International Van Lines’ cancellation policy?
International Van Lines’ cancellation policy will return the full deposit amount (25% of the moving estimate) up to 48 hours before your scheduled moving date. So even if your plans change with short notice, you’re not getting totally screwed.
Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we’re committed to providing accurate and reliable ratings and information so you can select the best moving company for your needs. Our rigorous moving company methodology is designed to help you confidently make your decision.
Here’s how we evaluate International Van Lines and other full-service movers:
- Customer satisfaction (30%): We rely heavily on the first-hand experiences of our Better Moves Project participants, as they have no incentive to make positive or negative comments. We also evaluate third-party reviews from the BBB, Google, TrustPilot, and other trusted sites.
- Standard services (20%): We look at which offerings a full-service mover provides as part of its base contract, in comparison to which services will result in an extra fee.
- Reputation (15%): We investigate the company’s industry ratings with the BBB and other services, as well as whether it is properly registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. We also look at how accurate the company’s estimating process is.
- Add-on services (10%): This covers any add-on services a company offers to streamline a move, such as packing and unpacking, custom crating, or storage options.
- Availability (10%): We look at whether a moving company offers nationwide service, or if it is only available in select states. We also evaluate the availability of its local and long-distance moving services.
- Type of mover (5%): The type of mover you work with (such as a full-service mover or a moving container company) will impact the services it can provide.
- Payment (5%): Does the company make it easy to submit payment, preferably by offering multiple payment options?
- Scheduling (5%): How easy is it to schedule your move, and how much lead time is needed? How a mover handles delivery windows and delays is also considered.
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