Independent consumer guide

Choose the Right International Moving Company Before You Pay a Deposit

This independent guide helps you compare international moving companies using real public reviews and BBB records. We also check each company's estimate type, deposit and payment terms, destination charges and Federal Maritime Commission license status.

Real reviews from Google, Trustpilot, BBB & Yelp
Estimate, deposit & payment terms checked on each company's site
FMC license & destination fees
Updated October 2026

How we rate

Every company is summarized with the same three checks, using public sources linked on each card.

Reviews

Star ratings and review counts from Google, Trustpilot and Yelp, plus each company's most recent 1-star reviews.

Complaints & BBB

Better Business Bureau grade, complaint counts where available, and Federal Maritime Commission license status.

Pricing & payment terms

What each company's own terms say about binding vs non-binding estimates, deposits, destination charges and how you pay.

Binding vs non-binding: we flag whether each company offers a guaranteed binding price. A guaranteed binding price can't go up if your inventory stays the same; a non-binding estimate often goes up once goods are loaded or measured.

Compare International Moving Companies: Reviews, Estimates & Fees

Last updated: October 2026

Moving abroad? This page compares well-known international moving companies using their public review ratings, BBB grades, recent 1-star reviews, and what their own terms say about estimates, deposits, destination charges and payment.

International Van Lines logo

International Van Lines Reviews

Mixed
internationalvanlines.com
Google 4.3 (1,178)Trustpilot 3.8 (502)Yelp 1.3 (84)BBB A+
Price No guaranteed binding price SourceFMC License 021051 (self-stated) SourceDelivery Late delivery complaints Source
See screenshotsInternational Van Lines Google rating screenshotInternational Van Lines Trustpilot rating screenshot
Recent 1-star reviews
  1. Julie S. · 2026-10-16 · TrustpilotThis company is HORRIBLE!!! Do NOT trust your precious stuff with them. I have never moved out of state and I hired them after doing research. At the beginning they were ok but when the truck arrived 10… Read review
  2. Mike · 2026-10-08 · TrustpilotWow, so much to say but maybe someone can benefit from my information. My experiences with IVL were just terrible. In June, my household items were relocated by IVL to another state. During the roughly 20 business days… Read review
  3. Daniel W. · 2026-09-22 · TrustpilotI cannot overstate how horrible our experience with this company was. Do not hire them. If you do, buy the insurance. We were extremely prepared and repeatedly identified our most valuable piece, a $20k vintage sculptural wood table.… Read review
  4. Soban T. · 2026-09-11 · TrustpilotAvoid International Van Lines at all costs. They misrepresented themselves as a direct carrier, then secretly brokered my move to American Knights. My binding estimate was $7,344.51, yet halfway through loading they demanded an extra $1,000. At delivery,… Read review
  5. Paul S. · 2026-09-05 · TrustpilotInternational Van Lines (IVL) and its delivery agent, Fast Move Van Lines, provided consistently poor service characterized by delays, contradictory information, missed delivery commitments, billing discrepancies, and inadequate communication. IVL initially described our shipment as two deliveries, but… Read review

Source: Trustpilot 1-star reviews, newest first. Excerpts are verbatim, trimmed with …

Schumacher Cargo Logistics logo

Schumacher Cargo Logistics Reviews

Mixed
schumachercargo.com
Google 3.9 (373)Trustpilot 3.9 (196)Yelp 2.5 (213)BBB A+
Price No guaranteed binding price SourceDestination Destination charges billed per separate tariff SourceDelivery Late delivery complaints Source
See screenshotsSchumacher Cargo Logistics Google rating screenshotSchumacher Cargo Logistics Trustpilot rating screenshot
Recent 1-star reviews
  1. Beatrice · 2026-10-16 · TrustpilotDo not give your things to this terrible company!!! They broke a large piece of furniture, a family heirloom, and took absolutely no responsibility for not packing it properly. This is absolutely a cash grab operation!!! Read review
  2. Fanny K. · 2026-08-20 · TrustpilotI had used Schumacher logistics twice in the past for cross-Atlantic moves. I was very happy with their service both times, so I chose them again. I took no insurance out because i did not think I needed… Read review
  3. Willie C. · 2026-08-11 · TrustpilotBased on my experience with Schumacher Cargo Logistics, I cannot recommend this company for an international household move. I hired a company specializing in international relocation specifically because I expected them to understand the process, coordinate all the… Read review
  4. Preeti M. · 2026-08-05 · TrustpilotTook about 2 months to deliver boxes to my apartment after they arrived in USA. I had to follow up so many times. Also tried to charge me extra. definitely not happy. Read review
  5. Gorden · 2026-06-14 · TrustpilotNo assistance at all Nobody can be reached No feedback Read review

Source: Trustpilot 1-star reviews, newest first. Excerpts are verbatim, trimmed with …

★ Top rated
Sunset International Shipping logo

Sunset International Shipping Reviews

Solid
sunsetmoving.com
Google 5.0 (68)Trustpilot 4.8 (37)BBB A+
Price Guaranteed binding price SourceDelivery Timely deliveries SourceFMC Licensed OTI, No. 023860N
See ratings
Sea & Air International logo

Sea & Air International Reviews

Mixed
sea-air.net
Google 4.4 (76)Trustpilot 3.7 (1)BBB A+
Price No guaranteed binding price SourceBalance Prepay by cash, certified check or money order SourceFMC OTI/NVOCC licensed (self-stated) SourceDelivery Late delivery complaints Source
See screenshotsSea & Air International Google rating screenshot
International Sea & Air Shipping logo

International Sea & Air Shipping Reviews

Mixed
internationalmoving.com
Google 4.5 (239)Trustpilot 4.3 (316)BBB A+
Price No guaranteed binding price SourceFMC FMC licensed (self-stated) SourceDelivery Late delivery complaints Source
See screenshotsInternational Sea & Air Shipping Google rating screenshot
Recent 1-star reviews
  1. Teri · 2025-09-26 · Trustpilot16 weeks later we finally heard from Bliss Moving in Italy—only to be told we had to pay an additional €1,000 in “fees” before delivery could be scheduled. … Read review

Only 1 recent 1-star review shown.

Source: Trustpilot 1-star reviews, newest first. Excerpts are verbatim, trimmed with …

Allied Van Lines logo

Allied Van Lines Reviews

Mixed
allied.com
Trustpilot 2.0 (10)Yelp 1.7 (645)BBB A+
Price Binding estimate on request SourceDelivery Late delivery complaints Source
See screenshotsAllied Van Lines Trustpilot rating screenshot
Recent 1-star reviews
  1. Cody R. · 2026-09-01 · TrustpilotI paid Allied Van Lines $7,680.74 for an interstate move and am now dealing with roughly $16,000 in damaged property. If I could go back in time, I would gladly pay the same amount just to have Allied… Read review
  2. Stephanie B. · 2026-03-24 · TrustpilotThere is NO WAY I would every use this company! I tried to return a call & ask questions about the move & the contact at (419) 897-4019 was unbelievably rude me & said he did not want… Read review
  3. William W. · 2025-06-10 · TrustpilotEstimation/sales went fine. Came to moving day, turns out the move coordinator was useless and AWOL. Finally got a supervisor, found out hours after they were due, the local agent's driver quit. Allied blamed it on the local… Read review
  4. Alexandre · 2025-04-10 · TrustpilotTitle: Avoid Allied Van Lines / Coleman Worldwide Moving – Over $10,000 in Damages, Zero Accountability Review: My experience with Allied Van Lines and their agent Coleman Worldwide Moving was nothing short of a nightmare. I hired them… Read review
  5. Dave · 2024-08-19 · TrustpilotFilled out contact form. Received instantly a phone call. Person had a broken English. Person was not really friendly, just told me that they will need to send an agent to my location so they can take note… Read review

Source: Trustpilot 1-star reviews, newest first. Excerpts are verbatim, trimmed with …

North American Van Lines logo

North American Van Lines Reviews

Mixed
northamerican.com
Google 3.3 (34)Trustpilot 1.8 (16)BBB A+
Price Binding estimate on request Source
See screenshotsNorth American Van Lines Google rating screenshotNorth American Van Lines Trustpilot rating screenshot
Recent 1-star reviews
  1. Cindy B. · 2026-04-29 · TrustpilotAfter talking with one of the reps and getting a list of items to transport, my husband and I decided not move forward with them for a few reasons. The rep did not like this and was honestly… Read review
  2. Deb A. · 2026-02-18 · TrustpilotI WOULD NOT USE NORTH AMERICAN...THEY MIGHT LEAVE YOU SCRAMBLING FOR ANOTHER MOVER THE DAY OF YOUR MOVE!!! When I called around for quotes, I would only deal with companies that would send a salesperson to my home… Read review
  3. Kaliz · 2026-01-05 · TrustpilotMy move resulted in damaged furniture, including two beds that were disassembled by the movers and later left unusable, along with two boxes delivered completely wet. Since November, I sent countless emails and made repeated calls to the… Read review
  4. Mark · 2025-08-08 · TrustpilotThese guys sub-contracted our packing and movement to the port to "Moving Solutions, Inc" of 8001 Moving Way, Mentor, Ohio. This was the worst experience we have ever had in 20 years of international moves. It started when… Read review
  5. Djibi D. · 2025-05-04 · TrustpilotMost 4- or 5-star reviews are fake profiles. Every time you put a negative review, NPVL goes behind to put two positive ones. Check for yourself, and you'll see that those who leave the right reviews, are only… Read review

Source: Trustpilot 1-star reviews, newest first. Excerpts are verbatim, trimmed with …

United Van Lines logo

United Van Lines Reviews

Mixed
unitedvanlines.com
Trustpilot 1.8 (18)BBB A+
Price Binding estimate on request SourceDeposit No deposit required (as advertised) SourceDelivery Late delivery complaints Source
See screenshotsUnited Van Lines Trustpilot rating screenshot
Recent 1-star reviews
  1. Palmer H. · 2026-09-16 · TrustpilotUnited Van Lines’ handling of our interstate move through their Armstrong Relocation (Canton, MA) agent exposed serious failures in chain‑of‑custody, documentation, and damage accountability. Our belongings were packed onto one truck and delivered on a different truck, with… Read review
  2. Theron C. · 2026-09-07 · TrustpilotIt is now 7 years since United Vanlines over changed us and also lost a lot of our things, including business files that was not to be picked up but did and they lost them , this is… Read review
  3. Elizabeth O. · 2026-08-16 · TrustpilotOver $2500 worth of damaged and lost items including a smashed television, broken chairs, and lost cantilever umbrella. Lost both parts and hardware for a bed that was unable to be assembled upon arrival. When reported to the… Read review
  4. Andrew · 2026-07-11 · TrustpilotMerit Moving Systems Inc. along with Figueroa Relocation LLC recently moved my father. My father and I did a recent inventory of my late mother‘s jewelry box. My mother had recently died so we know what exactly was… Read review
  5. Sarah P. · 2026-02-19 · TrustpilotAVOID UNITED VAN LINES AT ALL COSTS – Deliberate Tampering, Privacy Violation & Massive Destruction! This was the worst moving experience imaginable and feels like outright sabotage. United Van Lines crew intentionally and recklessly tampered with my personally… Read review

Source: Trustpilot 1-star reviews, newest first. Excerpts are verbatim, trimmed with …

Mayflower logo

Mayflower Reviews

Mixed
mayflower.com
Trustpilot 2.2 (21)BBB A+
Price Binding estimate on request SourceDelivery Late delivery complaints Source
See screenshotsMayflower Trustpilot rating screenshot
Recent 1-star reviews
  1. Gemini · 2026-07-15 · TrustpilotFirst I would give Mayflower 0 if I could. Moved from Pennsylvania to Indiana. Nothing special 10 hour distance. The pickup went fine, and then my stuff went missing. Every day during the drop off window, I contacted… Read review
  2. Stephen N. · 2026-06-22 · TrustpilotMade load excuses book to pick up from Stock at 11 30pm still not picked up by 12 30 never again had get friend pick us up with our children Read review
  3. Pamela B. · 2026-05-29 · TrustpilotFirst, let me say that the gentleman that loaded and unloaded our truck were fabulous. Everyone else not so much. Carl did a walk-through of our house with us and he marked every little item on his iPad.… Read review
  4. Natalia S. · 2026-04-21 · TrustpilotPacking team is bad! I mover a 3 weeks ago. I still can find my stuff! I have no idea where they pack it! I open all my boxes. I can't find my items! There were things that… Read review
  5. Mandie M. · 2026-04-17 · TrustpilotComplete con merchants. Paid extra for fast delivery. Said I would receive a text. I didn’t so I had to email them . They then said they wouldn’t deliver until the next day but no refund. RIP off.… Read review

Source: Trustpilot 1-star reviews, newest first. Excerpts are verbatim, trimmed with …

International moving FAQ

What is a guaranteed binding price for an international move?

A guaranteed binding price is a fixed total, in writing, that can't go up as long as your inventory stays the same. With a non-binding estimate the price is only a guess and the final bill can rise once your goods are loaded, weighed or measured. Ask every company for a guaranteed binding price in writing, including destination charges, before you pay a deposit.

What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate is a fixed price in writing for the services listed. A non-binding estimate can change after your shipment is weighed or measured, so the final bill may be higher.

What are destination charges?

Destination charges are fees at the destination port or country, such as port handling, terminal, customs clearance and delivery fees. Some quotes leave them out and they are billed separately by an overseas agent.

Do I have to pay customs duties when moving abroad?

It depends on the country. Many countries allow used household goods in duty-free if you are moving your residence, but you usually need documents such as a passport, visa or proof of residence. Ask your mover for the destination's customs requirements.

What is an FMC license and why does it matter?

The Federal Maritime Commission licenses Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs), including freight forwarders and NVOCCs, that arrange ocean shipments from the U.S. Licensed OTIs must show financial responsibility, such as a bond. You can check a company on the FMC's OTI list.

Should I choose a full container or a shared container (LCL)?

A full container (FCL) is used only for your goods and is often faster. A shared container, or less-than-container load (LCL), is cheaper for smaller shipments but can take longer because it waits to be consolidated with other shipments.