Best Moving Companies for International Moving

Moving households, offices, or employees internationally can be a tough journey to plan on one's own. Hiring professional help is the best way to go about international moving from overhead costs to packing all the items you need.

Finding the best moving company for international moving, though, can also be a tough decision, as the wrong choice may cost you more than what you bargained for and potential loss or damage to your belongings. In this article, we will guide you on what you need to consider before finding a moving company for international moving and then present you with our top three moving company recommendations.

Factors to Consider When Looking for an International Moving Company

1. Company's credentials

Moving companies should hold certain kinds of credentials that allow them to transport goods across state lines and oceans. Here are the most common credentials, memberships, and affiliations international moving companies should hold to be regarded as reliable:

• Registered International Mover (RIM): The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) provides the RIM certification to moving companies that have established universal standards in moving goods and their personnel. For a moving company to receive the RIM certification, it must meet industry standards for equipment and facilities in handling quality international household goods relocation safely and efficiently.
   
• Overseas Mover Network International (OMNI): OMNI is a global network made up of professional moving companies in the industry that are committed to delivering relocation services while mitigating any possibilities of risks and corruption.
   
• ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS): The ISO 9001 quality management system sets the benchmark for companies that abide by quality management principles such as focusing on customers and delivering high-quality services.
   
• Federal Maritime Commission (FMC): The Federal Maritime Commission is responsible for ocean freight. It enforces regulatory shipping laws and handles ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, ports, and ocean transportation intermediaries. In addition, it also takes care of implementing fair and regulated practices, managing trade monitoring, verifying carriers and their tariffs, and integrating the laws and practices of foreign governments.
   
• Department of Transportation (DOT): DOT certification or DOT number is a number provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which acts as a seal of quality that proves drivers have enough competent skills to drive commercial vehicles on U.S roads and highways.
   
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The Better Business Bureau ensures international movers have trustworthy. BBB ratings are a good signal of a business's quality of services; it ranges from A+ to F.
   

2. Quote Estimates and Prices

Your next factors to consider are prices and quote estimates. Before settling for an international moving company, you should request quotes from several companies and compare their prices so you make sure you do not overpay for your move. Also, those quote estimates should be free of charge and obligation-free.

You should be wary of high deposit requirements; if a moving company asks you to pay more than 20% deposit of your quote, then chances are it is a scam.
 

3. Online Reviews

Word of mouth is a lifeline of any business. Reading online customer reviews can inform you how well the company treats its customers and its quality of services.
 

4. Blacklists

When you choose an international moving company, make sure it is not blacklisted. Online research can provide you with a list of endorsed and blacklisted companies, which can narrow down your research.

Finally, you are advised to ask your moving company a lot of questions before signing a service contract. Such questions can include:

• Are you a licensed moving company?
• How is your price estimated?
• How much experience do you have in international shipping?
• Will my goods be shipped directly?
• Do you offer customs broking?
• Who are your overseas partners?
• What are your insurance options?

Now that you are familiar with how to pick your international moving company, it allows us to present you with our top three candidate recommendations, which we are sure will meet your needs and facilitate your move to wherever you need to go.
 

Best Moving Companies for International Moves

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines is the U.S's top-rated moving company. It offers complete moving services for both domestic and international moves of any size. IVL's moving services include the following:

• Long-distance moves
• Auto transport
• Corporate relocation
• Office moves
• Government & Military relocation
• International moving
• Ocean freight
• Air freight

International Van Lines also offers a full-service option that lets its team handle the entire process from packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking.

2. United Van Lines

United Van Lines has been operating since 1928, and in 1992 it became the number one van line in market share and volume. United Van Lines offers a range of moving services, including international moving, plus the following:

• Long-distance moves
• Packing & unpacking
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Local moves
• Overseas corporate relocation
• Small moves
• Military moves

United Van Lines also offers unique real estate cash back awards upon selling your old home and purchasing your new one.

3. Atlas Van Lines

Atlas Van Lines is America's second-largest moving company. It has over 1,500 global partners in 17 countries and works with over 430 independent moving companies across the U.S and Canada. Atlas Van Lines is known for its high ratings in the industry and well-esteemed reputation. It offers complete moving solutions such as:

• Residential moves
• Long-distance moves
• Corporate relocation
• Military moves
• Government moves
• International moves

Atlas Van Lines provides impeccable moving services, a customer portal, and special AAA membership discounts.