What makes a qualified international moving company
Short answer: A qualified international moving company holds active federal licensing, performs a visual or video survey before quoting, explains shipping modes and customs clearly, and provides written estimates with insurance options.
Cross-border and overseas moves involve customs paperwork, port handling, and transit schedules that local movers never touch. The company you hire should coordinate pickup, export documentation, ocean or air freight, destination clearance, and final delivery as one managed process.
International Van Lines has handled international relocations since 2000 from our Coral Springs headquarters. We serve clients nationwide and coordinate overseas shipments through licensed freight partners. We do not claim branch offices outside Florida, but we run regular routes to Canada, Europe, Latin America, and dozens of other destinations.
In this guide
- Verify licensing and insurance
- Get a real survey, not a phone guess
- Compare shipping modes
- Evaluate packing and crating
- Read the quote line by line
- Check reputation and claims process
- Red flags that should end the conversation
- Questions to ask on your first call
- Frequently Asked Questions
Caption: A pre-move survey, in person or by video, is the basis for an accurate international quote.
Verify licensing and insurance before you sign
Interstate household moves in the U.S. require FMCSA authority. Search the company USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER system. Ocean freight and NVOCC activity may also involve FMC registration. If the company cannot provide a USDOT or MC number, stop there.
Ask for proof of cargo insurance and how claims are filed at destination. Your homeowner policy rarely covers goods in transit overseas. A professional mover should explain declared value coverage and third-party insurance options in writing.
Our guide on how to verify a mover DOT license walks through the lookup step by step. IVL displays USDOT 2293832 and MC 796971 on estimates and contracts.
Get a real survey, not a phone guess
Federal rules expect binding estimates to reflect a visual survey of what you are moving. For international shipments, volume drives pricing even more than domestic weight.
A coordinator should document rooms, bulky items, access at pickup and delivery, and anything that needs crating. Photos and video work when an in-home visit is not practical. Quotes built on guesswork lead to re-weighs, re-surveys, and surprise charges at port.
Schedule your survey at least eight to twelve weeks before an overseas move. Peak summer weeks fill faster on popular lanes.
Compare shipping modes: sea, air, and ground
Short answer: Most full household moves ship by sea container. Air freight fits small urgent shipments. Cross-border Canada moves often move by truck with customs clearance at the border.
| Mode | Best for | Typical timeline | Cost profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared sea container | Studio to two-bedroom homes, consolidated freight | 6 to 12 weeks door to door | Lower per cubic foot |
| Full container (FCL) | Three-bedroom homes and larger | 5 to 10 weeks door to door | Higher base rate, faster processing |
| Air freight | Documents, essentials, small high-priority boxes | 1 to 3 weeks | Premium pricing by weight and volume |
| Ground + customs (Canada/Mexico) | Cross-border household goods | 1 to 2 weeks | Mid-range, route dependent |
Read our comparison of container vs air freight for international moving for a deeper breakdown. Door-to-door service through a single coordinator reduces handoffs. Learn more about our door-to-door international moving process.
Caption: Export paperwork and inventory lists should be prepared before your goods reach the port.
Evaluate packing, crating, and inventory control
Professional packing protects goods through long transit and multiple handling points. Ask whether the quote includes full pack, partial pack, or owner packed cartons. Owner packed cartons may limit damage claims.
Items that need special care include:
- Glass tabletops and marble surfaces
- Electronics and studio equipment
- Artwork and antiques
- Pianos and oversized furniture
Custom crating adds cost but prevents damage on ocean voyages. Your survey should flag these items early. See our professional packing services page for what full-service packing includes.
Read the quote line by line
Short answer: Compare quotes only when they include the same services, volume, insurance level, and delivery type (door to door vs port to port).
An international moving quote should list:
- Origin pickup and loading
- Export documentation and terminal handling
- Ocean or air freight charges
- Destination port or airport fees
- Customs clearance support
- Final delivery and unpacking (if included)
- Insurance and declared value
- Storage, if needed
Use our international moving cost calculator to build a budget before you collect formal quotes. Calculators help you understand volume tiers. They do not replace a survey.
Caption: Match service levels across quotes before you choose the lowest number.
Check reputation and claims process
Read recent reviews on Google, BBB, and independent platforms. Look for patterns in how the company handles delays, damage claims, and communication during transit.
Ask directly:
- Who is my single point of contact?
- How do I track the shipment?
- What happens if customs holds the container?
- How are damage claims documented at delivery?
Our international moving reviews page links to third-party ratings. Awards matter less than consistent recent feedback from customers on your route.
Red flags that should end the conversation
Walk away if you notice:
- No USDOT number or a number that does not match the company name on SAFER
- Large cash deposit before any survey
- Estimate far below every other quote with no explanation
- Vague answers about who actually transports the goods
- Pressure to sign today for a steep discount
- No written inventory or bill of lading discussion
Broker activity is legal when disclosed. It is not legal for a broker to pretend to be the carrier. Confirm who performs pickup and delivery.
Questions to ask on your first call
- Are you licensed for interstate and international household goods?
- Will you perform an in-home or video survey before quoting?
- Do you offer shared container, full container, and air freight?
- What customs support do you provide at destination?
- Is delivery door to door or port to port?
- What insurance options do you offer and what are the deductibles?
- What is the expected transit window for my destination?
- Who handles claims if something is damaged?
Write down the answers. Legitimate companies welcome detailed questions.
Plan your international move with IVL
Ready to compare options for your route? Request a free international moving quote. We will schedule your survey, explain shipping modes for your destination, and provide a written estimate with clear line items.
You can also explore our full international moving services and household goods shipping overseas pages before your call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book an international moving company?
Start eight to twelve weeks before your target pickup date. Summer moves, school-year relocations, and popular destinations like Canada and Western Europe book earlier. Rush bookings limit container space and increase cost.
What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a moving company?
Many international movers act as freight forwarders for ocean and air cargo while also providing packing and pickup. The important part is transparency: you should know who packs, who loads, who clears customs, and who delivers. IVL coordinates the full chain from our relocation team in Florida.
Do I need to be present when my container is packed?
Yes. You or an authorized representative should be present during packing and loading to confirm the inventory, note existing damage, and sign the bill of lading. This documentation supports insurance claims if needed.
Can I move my car with the same company?
Many international movers, including IVL, coordinate auto transport alongside household goods. Vehicles ship under separate documentation and timelines. Ask for one coordinator even when the transport modes differ.
Is the cheapest international moving quote usually the best?
No. An unusually low quote often excludes port fees, customs charges, or proper packing. Those costs appear later. Compare total door-to-door scope, not just the first number.
What documents will I need for an overseas move?
Common requirements include a passport copy, visa or residency proof, detailed inventory, and value declarations. Rules vary by country. Your mover should provide a destination checklist. See our international moving checklist for a starting point.
Does International Van Lines serve my state if you are based in Florida?
Yes. We coordinate pickup nationwide from our Coral Springs headquarters and partner network. We do not operate local branch offices in other states, but we run regular long-distance and international routes across the U.S.
