American Van Lines vs. International Van Lines (2026 Comparison)
Here’s the quick answer: American Van Lines beats International Van Lines overall for domestic moves, thanks to binding flat-rate pricing and specialty piano and antique handling. International Van Lines is the better pick for Alaska, Hawaii, or international moves, since it serves all 50 states and 140+ countries while AVL covers the lower 48. We scored both movers across five rounds using Better Moves Project reports and our research on the best interstate moving companies.
Jump to the AVL vs. IVL info you’re looking for:
Why moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
How do AVL & IVL customer reviews compare?
moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project collects detailed reports from real customers and has awarded $50,000+ in grants to people who share their moving experiences. Here’s what AVL and IVL customers told us.
American Van Lines
Customers who worked with American Van Lines praised its budget-friendly pricing, clear communication, and careful handling. A few reported late deliveries and last-minute price changes.
What AVL customers liked
- Affordable rates: After comparing options with our moving cost calculator, Allison chose American Van Lines for its competitive pricing.
- Good communication: Jen appreciated AVL’s steady phone and text updates as her moving day approached.
- Careful handling: Phoenix said her art, guitars, and other valuables arrived without damage.
What AVL customers didn’t like
- Delayed deliveries: Allison’s belongings arrived nearly a month late because of staffing issues.
- Scheduling concerns: Jen wished AVL had told her sooner when her crew would arrive.
- Inaccurate estimates: Phoenix faced a last-minute price increase when AVL underestimated the weight of her belongings.
rating
4.9 / 5
International Van Lines
Better Moves participants said International Van Lines gives helpful moving tips, offers competitive rates, and handles delicate items carefully. A few customers reported pricing surprises and spotty communication.
What IVL customers liked
What IVL customers didn’t like
- Inaccurate quotes: Mary said her final bill came in 30% higher than her quote, and she wished IVL had been clearer about its fees.
- Limited customer support: Fabiana wanted a dedicated move coordinator and more one-on-one updates.
- Moving day communication: Mary was frustrated by how little IVL told her about pickup and delivery.
rating
4.6 / 5
Which mover has the better reputation?
International Van Lines has the stronger reputation, with an A+ BBB rating and a 4.17/5 average Better Moves rating. American Van Lines scores lower on both, though it’s a moveBuddha Certified mover.
American Van Lines
- BBB rating: American Van Lines holds a C rating from the Better Business Bureau and isn’t BBB accredited, as of September 2026.
- Better Moves rating: AVL averages 3.3/5 across Better Moves Project reports.
American Van Lines is known for handling specialty items and for its flat-rate pricing. AVL is also a moveBuddha Certified mover, so you get $1,000 in added move coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong.
International Van Lines
- BBB rating: International Van Lines holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is BBB accredited.
- Better Moves rating: IVL averages 4.17/5 across Better Moves Project reports.
International Van Lines has built a solid reputation for international and long-distance moving services. Customers regularly credit its expertise and pricing.
Round winner: International Van Lines wins this round with its A+ BBB rating and higher Better Moves scores.
Which mover offers more services?
Both companies offer full-service long-distance moves with packing, unpacking, and storage. American Van Lines stands out for specialty items, while International Van Lines adds car shipping and international moves.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines specializes in high-value items like pianos and antiques, which makes it a strong choice if you have specialty needs. AVL also offers packing, unpacking, storage, and military relocations as a registered Department of Defense moving provider.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines focuses on international and long-distance moves. Its services include packing and unpacking, storage, and nationwide and international auto transport.
Round winner: American Van Lines takes this round for its specialty piano and antique services.
Where do AVL & IVL operate?
International Van Lines covers more ground, with service in all 50 states and 140+ countries. American Van Lines serves the lower 48 states only.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines handles long-distance moves across the 48 contiguous states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. AVL also runs local moves from its hubs in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines serves all 50 states and more than 140 countries. It also offers local moves in most U.S. cities, which makes it the more flexible pick wherever you’re headed.
Round winner: International Van Lines wins this round with broader state coverage and an international network.
How do AVL & IVL pricing compare?
American Van Lines usually costs less for domestic moves, based on Better Moves reports. Allison paid $4,050 for a two-bedroom move from New Jersey to Texas with AVL, while Suresh paid $4,500 for a two-bedroom move from Ohio to Texas with IVL.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines uses flat-rate, binding pricing, so the price you’re quoted is the price you pay for the listed items and services. AVL also offers discounts for seniors and military families, which helps budget-conscious movers.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines also provides binding estimates, which cap your cost for the items and services on your quote. IVL currently advertises 10% off when you book by phone, so ask about current promotions before you sign.
moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so you can see whether an AVL or IVL quote is in line for your specific move.
Round winner: American Van Lines wins this round for its overall affordability.
How do AVL & IVL quote processes compare?
Both movers provide binding estimates, but American Van Lines offers more ways to get one. AVL runs virtual and in-home walkthroughs, while IVL quotes by phone or in-home estimate.
American Van Lines
American Van Lines offers virtual walkthroughs by video and in-home estimates, then locks in a binding flat-rate price. Some Better Moves participants still reported occasional price changes when AVL’s weight estimate was off.
rating
4.9 / 5
International Van Lines
International Van Lines provides binding estimates by phone or through an in-home estimate. Some customers report unexpected costs when IVL brings in subcontracted local movers, so confirm who will handle your move.
Pro tip: Check every binding quote against moveBuddha’s 1,000+ live price points, refreshed monthly, and read our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates so you know exactly what your price covers.
rating
4.6 / 5
Round winner: American Van Lines takes the final round for more flexible and straightforward quoting, though both movers get mixed reviews on quote accuracy.
Is American Van Lines or International Van Lines better?
American Van Lines wins overall, taking three of five rounds for services, pricing, and quotes. AVL’s affordability, specialty handling, and moveBuddha Certified protection make it the better choice for most domestic moves.
International Van Lines is the stronger pick for international moves, moves to Alaska or Hawaii, and customers who put reputation first. Here’s how each round shook out:
| Round | Winner |
|---|---|
| Company reputation | International Van Lines |
| Services | American Van Lines |
| State availability | International Van Lines |
| Pricing | American Van Lines |
| Quote process | American Van Lines |
rating
4.9 / 5
American Van Lines vs. International Van Lines FAQ
Which is better, American Van Lines or International Van Lines?
American Van Lines is better for most domestic moves, thanks to binding flat-rate pricing and specialty piano and antique handling. International Van Lines is better for international moves and moves to Alaska or Hawaii. IVL also has the stronger BBB rating.
Does American Van Lines move to Alaska or Hawaii?
No, American Van Lines only serves the 48 contiguous states. International Van Lines serves all 50 states and more than 140 countries. Choose IVL or another mover that serves those routes.
Is American Van Lines a moveBuddha Certified mover?
Yes, American Van Lines is a moveBuddha Certified mover. Booking a Certified mover gets you $1,000 in added move coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong. Look for the Certified badge on a mover’s moveBuddha review page to confirm its status.
Do AVL & IVL offer binding estimates?
Yes, both movers offer binding estimates that lock in your price for the items and services listed. AVL provides them through virtual or in-home walkthroughs. IVL provides them by phone or in-home estimate.
Does International Van Lines ship cars?
Yes, International Van Lines offers nationwide and international auto transport. American Van Lines doesn’t list car shipping as a core service. Bundling car shipping with your household move can simplify scheduling.
How much does it cost to move with AVL or IVL?
Costs depend on distance, home size, and services. In Better Moves reports, Allison paid $4,050 for a two-bedroom move from New Jersey to Texas with AVL, while Suresh paid $4,500 for a two-bedroom move from Ohio to Texas with IVL. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your own move.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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