Interstate Van Lines Review

In the last 75-plus years, Interstate Van Lines has used this to expand from a one-truck operation to a 300-truck nationwide and international player in the moving industry. From their headquarters in the greater Washington DC area, IVL maintains partnerships with more than 1,500 service partners around the world.

So, in order to help you see if this full-service moving company is the right fit for you, we’ve done thorough research into their history and business practices. In this article, you’ll find out about IVL’s:

• Transparency: If customer reviews are a good indicator, this company discloses costs very well through the quote process. This leads to happy clients and stress-free moving, whether it is a local or interstate move.
• Pricing: IVL’s price points look to be at or below the average in the current market. This is shocking, when you consider this carrier’s size and how long they have been in business. Their complaint history with the FMCSA is a fairly clean one – just a single client report for the 2020 calendar year is considered excellent for any van line of this size.
• Moving services offered: Interstate Van Lines handles everything from local residential moves, to international commercial relocation services. Their dedicated staff in each department ensures that you will always have the best movers for your job, no matter what it entails.
• Reputation amongst clients: With any moving carrier this large, client experiences will vary greatly. For this reason, seeing sound reviews on Google, as well as an A+ rating on BBB is unusual – in a good way.  Interstate Van Lines’ reviews show that they are one of the best interstate moving companies in the US today. From pickup to dropoff, and at all other points, Interstate has been a model of customer service.

Transparency

As evidenced by customer reviews across the board, Interstate Van Lines is fairly consistent in its adherence to estimates. Their customer service representatives are accessible and will work with their clients to arrive at an acceptable dollar figure for each move.

Pricing on add-on services is fairly straightforward. For example, packing is billed according to supplies used and the number of items packed, instead of an hourly rate. Many other moving services carried by IVL are billed at flat rates as well. If a moving company isn’t clear with you on billing practices during the estimate or leading up to a move, it should be an indicator to book with someone else. For reference, here is a short guide on how moving companies calculate costs. You should always get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision.

Pricing

Recent reviews show that, if clients have an issue with Interstate Van Lines, pricing is likely not it. For medium-length interstate moves, IVL’s price points are below average in the current moving industry. For example, one move quote from the last year shows a $2,600 price tag on a move from Florida to Missouri. Across the board, moves of that length (600 miles or more) average at least $3,000.

For much longer moves, prices level out to normal levels. One review on a move from Pennsylvania to California (around 2,500 miles) showed a price of $2,300. The cost of moving a studio that far can range from $2,000 to $3,000 once external factors are considered. Walkups, furniture assembly, packing services, and any other add-on will always cause the price to jump.

For long-distance moves, it is important to remember that cost is calculated using both shipment weight and distance traveled. Hourly rates are usually not used unless any service beyond basic moving is added on. Even then, larger movers could bill those a la carte service packages at flat rates to avoid any confusion when it is time for the client to pay. If you’re curious about the possible cost of your upcoming move, you can look to tools before making a phone call to schedule an estimate. Doing so can help to avoid any next-day sticker shock when you hear your final move quote.

When discussing payment methods with your customer service rep, you should bear in mind that most moving companies prefer cash or cashier’s checks. Any form of payment with a processing timelike credit cards – may need to be taken well in advance of move-in day. For larger payments, there may be a processing fee attached as well. Such fees never figure into cash payments.

Moving Services Offered

Local & Long-Distance Moving

Similar to most moving companies, International Van Lines got its start as a local moving company in the residential sector, moving household goods. Though their moving processes have definitely changed over the years, IVL goes into each job with the same principles that have always carried them through.

As a long-distance moving company, IVL tailors every aspect of its interactions with clients to provide the most stress-free moving experience possible. All employees receive 80 hours of training in IVL’s particular processes. In addition to this, you will be assigned a dedicated move coordinator at the beginning of your job. They will handle all logistics and scheduling of your move, from start to finish.

IVL is also very experienced as an international moving broker and carrier. Interstate carries a FAIMplus certification from FIDI – the largest quality control agency for international moving. Their extensive know-how and partnerships with other moving companies around the world make your overseas move a stress-free process.

As a nice added feature, all of International Van Lines’ moving trucks are outfitted with GPS tracking. You will always have access to your shipment’s location, no matter where it may be.

• Packing services: IVL offers a full suite of packing and unpacking services. Whether you require full-service packing, fragile item-only packing, or moving supply kits for a DIY pack, International Van Lines can help you. Unlike local movers, IVL will not bill this as an hourly service. Instead, you will be charged per unit packed. You’ll effectively be paying for the number of items you need packed, not the complexity of actually packing them.
• Assembly & disassembly: International Van Lines also offers specialized installation services for appliances and complicated electronics. This includes wall-mounting TVs, assembling and disassembling gym equipment, etc.
• Storage services: IVL has large storage facilities in multiple locations in Maryland and Virginia. They are privately owned, not subcontracted from another provider. IVL also maintains 24/7 video surveillance on all units, as well as climate-controlled options. All units are fully inventoried during storage to ensure minimal – if any – loss of personal belongings.
• De-cluttering: Are you preparing your house for a big move and potential sale? If so, IVL offers the perfect service option for you. For a low flat fee, IVL will send two movers to your home, with storage containers and packing supplies (if needed). They will spend four hours loading the containers with any unneeded items, then store the containers at one of IVL’s storage facilities for up to two months at no added charge. This can then be added back into your full move with ease. This service lessens the amount of work you will have to do on the back end of your move while cleaning up your house for realtor showings or other necessary activities before your movers arrive on the big day.

Commercial Moving

The office and industrial arm of IVL provides an entirely different, more specialized array of services from its professional movers. Their commercial move coordinators, or Certified Office Industrial Consultants, are able to provide guaranteed fixed pricing on any commercial move.

IVL’s dedicated commercial moving teams are trained in all manner of specialty services and extras. They will custom crate your special equipment, assemble and disassemble office furniture, and set up your workspace in your new location upon request. That includes server racks and specialty items.

• Government relocations: As the second-largest moving company in the greater Washington DC area, IVL has handled its fair share of clients from the political sphere. This company is equipped to create a global mobility program that complies with all federal and worldwide statutes to make these complicated moves a breeze.
• Military relocations: Military families move a lot. Luckily, IVL has plenty of experience in making these relocations manageable. When military personnel are required to relocate, they and their families will have access to a dedicated military moving logistics expert if they book with Interstate.

Logistics Services

Aside from standard commercial moving, Interstate Van Lines offers a full line of logistics management for large firms. From full distribution management to a wide range of warehousing and storage options, IVL has you covered. Their commercial moving brand is just as diverse and well-reviewed as their residential one is.

• Distribution chain management: IVL’s commercial moving arm handles all manner of the supply chain. From full storage to white glove installation of assets on delivery, they are truly a full-service brand.
• Healthcare facility moving: Interstate offers full custom crating and sterilization of all specialty healthcare equipment. They also have a HIPAA compliant service for moving private patient files, post-move office setup, and climate-controlled storage if needed.
• Educational institution moving: Whether you’re moving your school or university to a new building, or just re-organizing, this AMSA Pro Mover has the experience needed to help. Their fleet of trucks and number of long-term storage facilities are at your disposal. And, if you’re just upgrading the furniture, they are able to haul away your old materials for disposal.

Reputation

International Van Lines has a near-perfect rating on Better Business Bureau. Customer reviews most often cite professional, yet friendly service on the part of their interstate movers. One review there states, “Packers and Movers showed up on time and were professional and easy to do business with. I would be happy to work with this company again!” This kind of review shows the type of service one can expect when booking IVL. Even on Yelp, where reviews are far more mixed, their happier clients’ praise cannot be ignored. Their customer service compares well with that of their rivals, American Van Lines, United Van Lines, and Mayflower.

Interstate Van Lines has a great reputation when it comes to providing add-on services. This video illustrates just some of the differences in quality you can experience by hiring IVL for all aspects of your move. If you’re moving just across state lines, or around the world, their services come highly recommended. These long-distance movers are able to complete any task within the scope of general moving. If they aren’t equipped to do so on their own, then someone in their network of partners around the world is.