International Van Lines  Reviews 

DO NOT USE - A disaster from start to finish.

They packed all my valuable, fragile items haphazardly (none were wrapped, they were all thrown together in a box) which resulted in most being broken. They destroyed a sentimental, expensive antique piece of furniture. And much of my items had water damage. This is thousands of dollars worth of damage that they created with their carelessness, let alone the emotional damage of things that are important to you being destroyed. Do not, under any circumstances, use this company.

If I could give a zero I would. All of our patio furniture (6 pieces) are missing, brackets for dresser mirror and desk hutch are missing, leg on expensive dresser broken off, office desk scratched badly, office desk not fully assembled and driver/IVL employee refused to finish it, gave up on assembling one of the bed frames and did not finish, expensive paper shredder broken, only 1 guy showed up for the first hour to unload and assemble a 3 bedroom and one den house, second guy showed up but only did unloading and no assembly, other pieces were broken and or scratched. The driver/foreman would not take any input and was rude and never apologized or seemed concerned at all about the broken items etc. I have contacted Customer Service 4 different times with a promise to send me a claims form. Have received nothing. This was a terrible experience and I would never recommend using them.

We are using International Van Lines for our move from Florida to North Carolina and we are extremely happy we chose them. The entire process has been easy and hassle free. From our initial call, virtual walk through until today when the crew of Omar and Cory arrived. They are pleasant and professional. The treated our 40 years of furniture etc. like it was their own. It is such a relief knowing the materials of our life are in such competent hands. Omar and Cory will be delivering to us in NC which we are equally grateful for. We highly recommend IVL and if you’re lucky you might get Omar and Cory too.

1 Star – I would not recommend International Van Lines

Unfortunately, my experience with International Van Lines was one of the worst customer service experiences I've had.

The biggest issue was unexpected charges that I don't believe were made clear when we booked. After our belongings had already been loaded onto the truck, we were told we had to pay significantly more than the original quote. At that point, we had no real choice because everything we owned was already in their possession. The same thing happened again the night before delivery to New York, when we were told we had to pay additional fees before our belongings would be delivered. In my view, these costs should have been disclosed upfront, not after we were already committed.

To make matters worse, our furniture arrived with thousands of dollars in damage. We paid an additional $600 for extra insurance, yet received only around $100 through the insurance claim. International Van Lines then offered an additional $200, which felt completely inadequate given the extent of the damage.

When I raised my concerns with management, I was told that if I didn't accept the additional charges, my belongings would be placed into storage and I would be charged storage fees. I felt completely backed into a corner.

What I found particularly disappointing was that the additional $200 was only offered if I signed an agreement saying the matter had been positively resolved. I declined because I didn't believe that reflected my experience.

I'm sharing this review so others can make an informed decision. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend International Van Lines.

If I could give International Van Lines (IVL) zero stars, I would.

From the beginning, the sales process was built on promises that turned out to be false. The salesperson assured me that my belongings would be transported on a dedicated truck and gave me a delivery timeframe that was a significant factor in my decision to hire IVL. Neither representation proved to be true.

The problems only got worse after my belongings were picked up. IVL attempted to charge me an additional $200 “long haul fee” that had never been disclosed. After I refused to pay a surprise charge, IVL ultimately agreed to split the fee with me.

Communication was equally unacceptable. A customer service representative assured me IVL would contact me as soon as a delivery date had been scheduled. Instead, I received a call from an unknown third-party moving company saying they planned to deliver my furniture the very next morning. Since no one was available at the delivery location, I asked that delivery be made the following day. They then attempted to charge me an overnight storage fee because of their own lack of communication. I refused, and IVL ultimately agreed to absorb that charge.

This experience was characterized by misleading sales tactics, surprise fees, poor communication, and a lack of coordination. Had IVL been honest about the delivery process, use of third-party carriers, and possible additional charges, I could have made an informed decision. Instead, I spent unnecessary time disputing fees and resolving problems that should never have occurred. I would strongly discourage anyone considering IVL from relying on the promises made during the sales process.

One of the worst experiences of my life. When delivered, boxes were ripped, torn, crushed. Many plastic bins were cracked, dented, lids broken. Many furniture items had never been wrapped, stored/shipped properly. Many furniture items were damaged, broken, missing pieces. Furniture that was taken apart was not put back together. Very poor communication and it takes well past 48 hrs. to hear from anyone in the company for any reason- takes days and days. Little communication about transit and delivery. You will have no idea who has your stuff, where it is or where it is going. I was told that the delivery was to be on a Monday or Tuesday and my things were not delivered until the following Sunday. Don't bother contacting IVL directly because no one responds. They will also low ball the moving estimate and then charge thousands of dollars more upon pick up because no one comes to your home and assesses the size of you belongings. You pay IVL for the space on the truck not for how many items you have. Even though you give an inventory list, they are strictly charging you for SPACE. Even if you send them dimensions of certain items, they will ignore it. So if no one comes to accurately assess the size of your furniture, then they will charge you more on the day of pick up when the movers actually see the size of your things. STAY AWAY! Hire someone else!

We moved about halfway across the country a few weeks ago and IVL was our moving company. The contract clearly states that only IVL trucks were to be used, but they contracted it out on both the pickup and drop off. Not one IVL vehicle was used as clearly stated in the contract, only contractors.

The pickup went as planned and my wife and I did all the boxing, labeling as requested and had it well organized. It was on time and the movers were great to work with. Our possessions were sent to a warehouse where they were offloaded and sat for nearly two weeks! Again not what we were told when we signed.

But the delivery was the biggest issue. The driver, again a contractor hired two locals to unload which we expected. The first guy showed up about 90 minutes late and second guy about 2.5 hours late. Both complained loudly about doing the job and how they weren’t being paid enough. I gave them each a few extra dollars to help out and we bought them lunch. They paid no attention to the labeling on the boxes and just stacked it all in one room, promising to sort it out at the end of the day. Furniture was all brought in with the blankets still on and no clue what was inside. Again just tossed into the living room, garage or wherever they wanted with no regard to where it should go.

Within a couple hours BOTH helpers disappeared! It was now the driver and my wife and I, both retirement age left to sort it all out. My wife and I did almost all the unwrapping of furniture and we were left with a pile of boxes to unravel and sort through. We worked for5 straight hours that after the help disappeared non stop just to get the idiot driver out of our house before dark! They insist on being paid before unloading, so we had no options what to help or he would have been there until midnight. On a Sunday

I contacted IVL after the move and they were completely unresponsive. They asked for “proof”and documentation of everything but how do you document incompetency?

We have moved long distances twice before and used a different company and had a great experience both times. Not with IVL. I would recommend looking elsewhere if you want a moving company that cares. IVL does not.

I would not recommend International Van Lines based on my recent cross-country move. I was told explicitly, both in my contract and on the phone, that IVL does not use brokers and that my move would be handled by their own registered movers. That was not true — the delivery was handled by a third-party driver operating his own truck, who told me directly he doesn't work for IVL.

My delivery window was 8:00–11:00 AM. At 11:10 AM the driver called to say he'd overslept at a truck stop. He didn't actually arrive until roughly 2:20 PM — over three hours late. He also showed up alone, without the helper he'd arranged, so I ended up doing more than half of the physical unloading myself, over about 5.5 hours.

On top of that, boxes were not placed in the labeled rooms as promised, and multiple items were damaged in transit: a standing desk destroyed, a dresser leg snapped off, a lamp bent, and wall décor broken.

I was also quoted and given a binding price, which was reversed to a higher number at pickup and justified with a vague "±10% tolerance" clause that didn't actually support the increase. And rather than paying IVL directly, I was repeatedly asked to send payments — thousands of dollars — via Venmo to personal email addresses I didn't recognize, which in hindsight is a major red flag for undisclosed broker/subcontractor use.

IVL has a good BBB rating and a long track record, which is why I chose them — but my actual experience was disorganized, unprofessional, and not what was represented at booking. If you're evaluating them, ask in writing (not just verbally) exactly who will be handling pickup and delivery, and don't assume a binding quote will hold.

IVL states on their estimates that they are a carrier and not a broker. For us, they DID contract with another mover and, despite estimating 2300 cf for our move, they sent a 26-foot box truck and two men to move a 3100 sqft, 5 BR home...like they'd never done this before. The second partially full truck they sent did not have enough room for the rest of our belongings and we were forced to rent and load a POD at an additonal $2K to ourselves because they were already using their "backup date"-- which they say is rarely used and for which we were given no reason--there was no time to wait for another truck, and we had to be out of our house.

Communication was laughable. I was passed to 5-6 different people throughout and NOBODY seems to be held accountable.

These guys are totally incompetent. I have a LOT more to say but there is not space to say it.

There were things we contracted for that we didn't get and I was still charged full amount.

Also, it's suspicious that they have all 1 or 5-star reviews and nothing in between. Makes me think they are paying people to raise their average.

I would give negative stars if I could.

FYI, this appears to come from Sweden, where I am vacationing (I feel that strongly) but I am a US citizen who moved from Texas to Colorado.

Worst experience for any service, ever. I would leave negative stars if I could.

This is a small carrier, they have 14 trucks & 12 trailers per the FMSCA. Other well known interstate movers have 100s.

They over promise up front, then just not deliver after pick up, with basically zero communication. I was told it could take 2-21 days, after the First Available Delivery Date (FADD), to deliver our belongings, but typically takes less than 10 days. They are mandated by the FMSCA to take no more than 30 calendar days to deliver your goods. My FADD was May 26th, its now June 27th and I've yet to receive my delivery or receive any proof its been picked up or on its way. Response time by phone is zero, response via email is measured in days, if they respond at all. I've received only three email updates since they picked up my stuff 36 days ago. The first two updates stating my stuff was being picked up were essentially false, maybe even lies. The third email was them admitting they've exceeded the maximum timeframe, offering a $50/day discount every day until my stuff arrives, but still no proof its in route or been picked up. Considering it will likely never show up, I guess it will end up being free. Lawyers will likely be involved within a few days here.

After they packed and loaded up my things into the truck, they took the second round of payment. Magically, the price went up over $2400. It took over an hour, several calls/emails, until I could get a hold of someone to verify the original cost in the binding estimate. They made it sound like a "mistake", when I think this was a tactic to scam you out of extra money once everything is already packed up. Also, the only accepted forms of payments are cash, money order or Zelle - none of which can be charged back or disputed once they have your things and never deliver.

A bunch of dishonest crooks who will not respond to your emails, let all calls go to their voicemails, then never call you back.

My experience with International Van Lines (IVL) was disappointing and costly (March 2026). We selected IVL because of its reputation, years in business, and apparent experience with international household moves. Especially as a Disabled retired veteran. Based on those factors, we believed our belongings would be handled by experienced professionals using proper packing and shipping procedures.
What we did not fully understand at the time of booking was the extent to which critical portions of the moving process would be performed by subcontracted crews. This was not disclosed, by our sales rep or anyone else. It was disclosed by the actual day crew when packing out goods with their hands out expecting a tip! I want that money back as well!
In our experience, the quality of packing and handling fell well below what we expected from a company marketing itself as an international moving specialist.
Upon delivery, multiple items arrived damaged, including expensive and difficult-to-replace furnishings. The damage was not limited to normal wear associated with a long-distance move. Several items showed signs consistent with inadequate packing, insufficient protection, poor load stabilization, improper handling, or a failure to follow accepted moving industry best practices.
Examples included:
• Structural damage to furniture requiring professional repair.
• Broken cast-aluminum components.
• Damage to finished surfaces and other household items.
• Multiple items requiring repair, replacement, or insurance claims.
The most frustrating aspect of this experience is that many of these damages appear preventable. Proper wrapping, padding, crating, reinforcement, and quality-control inspections could have significantly reduced the risk of damage.
My advice to anyone considering IVL or any international mover is to perform extensive due diligence before signing a contract:
1. Ask specifically which portions of the move will be subcontracted.
2. Request the names of all packing and moving companies that will physically handle your shipment.
3. Verify who is responsible for quality control throughout the process.
4. Obtain written clarification regarding valuation coverage and damage claims.
5. Photograph every valuable item before packing.
6. Closely inspect packing methods before the shipment leaves your home.
7. Do not assume that a company’s years in business guarantee consistent service quality from subcontracted crews.
International moves are expensive and place valuable personal belongings at risk. Based on our experience, consumers should thoroughly investigate not only the company they hire, but also the subcontractors who may ultimately perform the packing and handling of their possessions.
We trusted the company’s reputation and experience. Unfortunately, the condition in which several of our belongings arrived did not reflect the level of care we expected for a professional international relocation service.

Another factor that leads us to believe the damage occurred before or during loading is the chain of custody of the shipment itself.
Our household goods were transported in a dedicated overseas container that was only approximately 60% full. Once the container was loaded and sealed, it remained secured throughout the transatlantic shipment. We were informed that the container would not be opened unless selected for a customs inspection. In our case, customs did not open or inspect the container.
As a result, the container arrived in the same condition in which it left the origin location. The items inside were arranged exactly as they had been packed and loaded by the moving crew. This makes it difficult to attribute the damage to any handling that occurred after loading or during customs processing.
Based on the condition of the damaged items, the packing methods used, and the fact that the container remained sealed throughout transit, we believe the damage is more likely attributable to inadequate packing, insufficient protection, improper load securement, or poor handling during the initial loading process rather than any post-loading event.
This is particularly concerning because proper packing and load stabilization are among the most important responsibilities of an international moving company. Customers hire experienced movers specifically because they expect these risks to be understood, anticipated, and mitigated. I have pictures as proof of the sub standard, irresponsible packing!

I had a review below and received a reply: I'm posting again because i cannot respond to that reply inline.. I stand by my review, this was a bait and switch which is in now way misleading and exactly describes my experience with IVL. I do not use these words lightly.

HI Paul,
We understand that people like to use harsh and misleading verbiage when they are dissatisfied. Using words like "bait & switch" to make us appear to be some sort of a group of bad people. Under no circumstances do we benefit or want customers to have more than the agreed-upon rate. We schedule movers, containers, documents, etc., based on the information we have and verify. In your case, you needed a 40' HC container, not a 40' container. The cost went up because you had more items. Trust me, if we could have sent everything in a 40' container, we would have. Additionally, the storage increased because you needed more space. Our company does not profit from your needing a larger container, and we did everything we could to accommodate you. We have been in business for 20+ years and handle over 30,000 moves per year, so clearly we are not a "bait & switch" company. With that said, I see you are dissatisfied. I will look over your file and contact you so we can try to reach a resolution.

I stand by my review. In or case WE DID NOT need the 40' high cube container we were told we did- the container was completely empty for the last 6' and had a 2' gap at the top along a further 20'length of the container before it was filled to the roof. The difference in size between a standard and a standard high cube is 12 cubic metres. We had 20 cubic metres empty. About half the wardrobe boxes they packed everything into were only 50% full, leaving another approx 5-10 cubic metres of wasted space. The responder also said they would review and contact me - they did not.

They will promise the moon at signing time and collect your hard earn dollars for a deposit and commitment to them. They will show up in a timely manner and collect more money and your things. Then hide until they can figure out how to deliver your things. To date we are without our entire home of items for 25 days. Now we are getting. “it’s the bust season”. now we are getting. contracturally we have 21 BUSINESS days to deliver. meanwhile half our hold is in a warehouse 661 miles away. and the other half is 880 miles away where we moved from due to they didn’t have a large enough truck from the get go!! air tag as many things as possible ! the small investment in some AirTags will atleast show you were they have your items. first time today. 25 days in and I got I’m sorry and then lectured not to use foul language. 😂 everyone we know and talk to has never seen anything like this. I borrowed that line from Trump. “No one has seen anyone like it. ever. thank you for your attn to this matter.

I tottaly recomand the boys it was super easy moving process

Great Customer service, good communication and on time, will definitely use them again, thanks!!

Absolutely the best, i moved stress free and the communication was amazing with them. Took great care of everything as well. Would recommend if you’re looking to move.

When I rang to get advice and a quote they were very helpful and compared to other companies they were the most professional with there advice and price was well within my budget, they gave me exact times of picking up my stuff and had extra coverings for my delicate collectables an moved my stuff as if it was they’re own, anything that had to be secured and covered with moving blankets and used proper snap straps so it was all secured,I was impressed with the help they gave they even took time to help pack things we were still putting in boxes, what can I say the were well presented and spoke and did everything in a professional manner, we put labels on everything like the rooms stuff had to go in, it made our move really smooth, they gave me a date my stuff would arrive and time an they didn’t disappoint they made sure every box went to the right rooms and all my white goods and dining tables and lounge were all in perfect condition my wife was so happy her cupboards and cabinets weren’t damaged at all I did mention they strapped everything with care and all my electronics weren’t damaged and they even offered to set it up for us but I was so grateful because of there work ethic and how professionally they did everything that made our move swiftly safely and on time, so from a phone inquiry to our new place took a lot of stress off my mind, you hear so many stories of people moving and things have gone missing or damaged but I had none of that they came prepared for all situations you could think of to keep everything safe and secure I would recommend them to everybody.

The best of the best, I highly recommend it !