6 best international moving companies of 2024
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Moving anywhere is logistically complex, but moving overseas has many extra layers. The best international moving companies will handle your belongings with care and guide you through every step of the moving process without pressuring you into a deposit or upselling you on necessary services. But how do you know where to find them?
Every moving company will claim to be the best, but few have what it takes to stand out. We’ve prepared a short list of the best international moving companies based on our in-house rating system. We consider dozens of factors, including services offered, reputation, states covered, and more, so we can provide the best recommendations to our readers.
Atlas Van Lines: Best international moving company
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Deposit required?: No
No. of liability coverage options: 2
Specialty services: Vehicle transport, pianos, pool tables, playsets
Why we picked Atlas Van Lines
Atlas Van Lines is our highest-rated moving company due to its diverse service offerings, high standards of its employees through real-life simulations for training and background checks, strong reputation within the industry and far-reaching availability around the globe.
Who should use Atlas Van Lines
We suggest everyone planning an international move request a quote from Atlas Van Lines because they have a wide range of services and excellent employee training. We doubly recommend them to AAA members because they offer special discount opportunities.
Pros
Discounts for AAA members
Background checks for all employees
Online portal with substantial features, such as shipment tracking
Cons
Franchised, so service quality varies between locations
Storage facilities aren’t available in all states
North American Van Lines: Best for flexible pricing
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Deposit required?: No
No. of liability coverage options: 2
Specialty services: Installation/assembly, debris removal, car shipping
Why we picked North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines’ rating puts it neck and neck with our best overall pick. It offers a full range of full-service moving accommodations, including, but not limited to, packing, vehicle shipping, storage, junk removal and appliance hook-up for local, long-distance and international moves.
Who should use North American Van Lines
We recommend North American Van Lines to customers looking for the name recognition of a well-known company, plus a pricing guarantee that ensures they won’t be hit with any hidden fees on moving day.
Pros
Upfront claims support with easy-to-find forms and process
24/7 customer service team
Bottom-line pricing guarantees quotes
Cons
Out-of-date website lacks info
Need an in-person walkthrough for a binding estimate
Mayflower Transit: Best for large moves
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Deposit required?: No
No. of liability coverage options: 2
Specialty services: Electronics packing and installation, partial packing, car shipping
Why we picked Mayflower Transit
Mayflower earns its spot on this list for its more than 100 years of experience, complete with a stellar reputation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and fewer Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database complaints than many of its competitors.
Who should use Mayflower Transit
We recommend Mayflower to customers with a substantial volume of goods or many valuable items because the company automatically includes full-value replacement coverage with all its bookings. It can also be a good fit for customers who like to pick and choose what they do themselves and what they hire out for because Mayflower allows customers to purchase services independently instead of bundled into a package.
Pros
Includes full-value replacement with all reservations
Services can be purchased a la carte
Tons of moving tips and advice on the website
Cons
Outsources to third-party carriers sometimes
May be more expensive than competitors due to included liability coverage
United Van Lines: Best for liability coverage
Star rating: 4.2 out of 5
Deposit required?: No
No. of liability coverage options: 2
Specialty services: Car shipping, military moves, small moves
Why we picked United Van Lines
United Van Lines stands out for its liability protection options. Not only does it offer basic full-value protection with its reservations, but it also offers several upgrade options and resources that explain the full extent of its coverage.
Who should use United Van Lines
Customers who aren’t afraid to pay a little extra for peace of mind will relish United Van Lines’ liability coverage options. While the typical moving valuation only covers a few situations, United Van Lines offers several add-on options, including an Act of God waiver, which provides additional protection if your items are damaged due to a natural disaster or similar event.
Pros
Is a broker and a carrier, which allows it to meet a wider variety of customer needs
Offers additional services, such as debris pickup
Manages everything from packing to customs clearance with a custom moving plan
Cons
Doesn’t service Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont or West Virginia
Complaints about unreliable customer service and damage
Suddath Relocation Systems: Best for military moves
Star rating: 4.2 out of 5
Deposit required?: No
No. of liability coverage options: 2
Specialty services: Employee relocation and military moves
Why we picked Suddath Relocation Systems
Suddath Relocation Systems stands out for its dedication to employee training and its innovative self-survey system that allows customers to submit inventory details without an in-person appointment, which many moving companies require before they can give a quote. We also like that the company has more than 100 years of experience handling the complexities of military moves.
Who should use Suddath Relocation Systems
We recommend Suddath Relocation to military members and their families who want an experienced moving company. Suddath assigns a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) to help movers anticipate issues and effectively strategize their moving timeline.
Pros
Employees have to complete 250+ training hours
Self-survey system makes it easier to receive an accurate quote
Has thorough guides and resources for military moves
Cons
Doesn’t offer online quotes
Large volume of negative reviews
Allied Van Lines: Best for full-service moves
Star rating: 4.1 out of 5
Deposit required?: No
No. of liability coverage options: 2
Specialty services: Portable storage containers, military moves, virtual surveys
Why we picked Allied Van Lines
We picked Allied Van Lines for its wide range of services, including full-service moves with packing and loading help, plus hybrid options, such as its portable storage container that allows customers to maintain autonomy through the moving process.
Who should use Allied Van Lines
We recommend Allied Van Lines to anyone who wants their pick of moving options without sacrificing the experience of a legacy moving company. Allied Van Lines provides an extra level of support compared to other moving companies because it assigns a moving coordinator who can talk customers through their concerns and match them with a service that meets all their needs.
Pros
Offers portable storage containers in addition to full-service moving services
Donates unwanted items to the Salvation Army
Assigns a moving coordinator to all reservations
Cons
Advertises “instant quotes” but requires a callback
No customer service on weekends
Our picks at a glance
What didn’t make the cut
You may notice that International Van Lines, and American Van Lines don’t appear on this list but often top the lists written by our competitors.
While both companies have far-reaching availability in many countries abroad, International Van Lines and American Van Lines have a significant volume of FMCSA complaints between 2021 and 2023.
They’re still reputable international moving companies, but they didn’t meet the criteria to rank on our list.
What to look for in an international moving company?
Look for an international moving company with the following:
Clear website: A user-friendly website with concise information signals the moving company puts effort into its services and reputation.
Knowledgeable customer service: Experienced customer service representatives who thoroughly understand their company’s services demonstrate low employee turnover and a strong customer relationship.
Transparent quotes: You should be able to understand exactly what you’re paying for and why. Avoid any company that dodges questions about pricing.
Liability coverage: Liability coverage gives you recourse if your items are damaged or lost in transit. Offering this coverage is a show of good faith that the company considers their liability and yours.
Positive reviews: Ask for referrals and cross reference reliable review sites like BBB, Trustpilot and Yelp. Read reviews for situations like yours, so you know what to expect.
How much do international movers cost?
International movers cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $10,000. These costs vary dramatically depending on each client’s unique situation.
For example, a 20-foot container shipped by ocean freight to New York City from Shanghai, China, costs about $2,300, while a 40-foot container costs about $3,100 in the same conditions. The same 20-foot container may only cost $980 if it was sent to Melbourne.
Portable storage container moves across land are generally priced by the mile. International Van Lines estimates that the typical move from New York City to Toronto will cost between $4,400 and $7,000, but you may be able to reduce costs by doing some or all of the labor yourself.
Costs will also vary depending on the degree of service, so a full-service international move would cost more than a DIY move.
Factors that impact international movers’ cost
There are several factors that impact international moving quotes:
Distance between origin and destination location: Moves over long distances are often, but not always, more expensive than moves in closer proximity. Cost can also be related to the demand for moving services in each market.
Liability coverage: All U.S. moving companies have to include basic valuation, a type of insurance that reimburses for a portion of the damaged item’s value, but full-value replacement coverage often costs extra.
Seasonality: Moving is a seasonal business. During peak moving season, estimates are often higher to offset the increased demand.
Services: If you hire packing, loading, or other moving labor, you’ll pay extra for these services.
Size of move: The weight and volume of your belongings play an important role in the cost of your move.
Storage: If you need storage for any length of time before or during your move, many moving companies can factor it into your total costs.
Taxes, fees and duties: Your moving company may have surcharges, taxes, and fees for your origin and destination locations.
Additional services offered by international movers
Many full-service international moving companies go above and beyond transporting belongings. Here are a few services to consider adding to your base moving services:
Coordinating: Full-service moving companies will often offer logistics help and timelines to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
Furniture assembly/disassembly: Some full-service moving companies offer white-glove services, including disassembling and assembling furniture and electronics.
Junk removal: Some moving companies will clear your old home of its junk so you have less clutter to move.
Packing/unpacking: Many moving companies partner with third-party packing and organizing teams that can efficiently pack items and provide supplies.
Storage: Some moving companies will securely store your belongings if you have a gap between your living arrangements.
Tips for moving internationally
Here are a few tips for moving internationally:
Give yourself at least six months to plan: While not all movers have the luxury of advanced notice, those that do should take full advantage. Plan your move details and make necessary reservations to avoid scrambling at the last minute.
Compare quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you get, and don’t be afraid to shop around. Request at least three quotes until you find the best value for your needs and budget.
Understand immigration steps: Schedule a meeting with an immigration attorney so you are prepared with all your documents, visas and healthcare.
Secure housing: Consider hiring a relocation consultant or real estate agent in your new country so you don’t have to make too many decisions from afar.
Consider taxes: Many Americans are still liable for federal income tax while living abroad. Make sure you understand your tax liability in your new home and country of origin so you can budget appropriately.
Alternatives to international moving services
If you don’t want to splurge on international moving services but still have some sentimental or practical items to bring with you, there are a few options. The most straightforward is using a parcel service, like Fedex or UPS. Alternatively, you can take your belongings with you on the plane over time if you frequently visit before your move.
Methodology
To determine the rankings for moving companies, the CNN Underscored Home editorial team analyzed 52 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by a variety of factors, including:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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