Pros
- Over 80 years of experience in the moving industry.
- Offers a complete range of full-service moving options.
- Provides binding estimates, which prevents surprise costs.
- Excellent for government and military relocations.
- Online shipment tracking available for long-distance moves.
Cons
- Pricing can be higher than some competitors.
- Customer service reviews can vary by location.
- An upfront deposit is required to book your move.
- Availability may be limited in some rural areas.
- Some services may be handled by partner agents.
About Interstate Van Lines
Choosing a moving company requires trust and confidence. Interstate Van Lines has built a reputation over many decades. Founded in 1943, this company started in Springfield, Virginia. It has grown into a major player in the moving industry. Interstate is known for handling a wide range of relocations. This includes government, military, and corporate moves. Their long history suggests a deep understanding of the moving process. They operate as both a carrier and a broker, giving them flexibility in managing moves across the country.
Key Services and Features
Beyond standard moving services, Interstate Van Lines provides several special features that add value and peace of mind. These additional benefits can make a significant difference, especially for complex or high-value moves. They focus on security, convenience, and protection of your belongings. These features showcase their commitment to a comprehensive and professional moving experience. Explore some of the key benefits you receive when you move with Interstate.
- Storage Solutions: Interstate offers both short-term and long-term storage options. Their secure, climate-controlled warehouses are perfect if you have a gap between leaving your old home and moving into your new one. Your items are kept safe until you are ready for delivery.
- Vehicle Shipping: If you need to move your car, truck, or motorcycle, Interstate can handle it. They provide open and enclosed auto transport services. This saves you the time and effort of driving the vehicle to your new destination yourself, especially on a long-distance move.
- Packing and Unpacking Services: You can choose from a range of packing options. They offer full packing, where they pack everything in your home. They also offer partial packing if you only need help with fragile items like dishes or artwork. Unpacking services are also available to help you settle in faster.
- Valuation Coverage: All moves include basic liability coverage at no extra cost. However, this provides minimal protection. For greater security, Interstate offers Full Value Protection plans. This ensures that if an item is lost or damaged, it will be repaired, replaced, or you will be compensated for its current market value.
Services Offered by Interstate Van Lines
Interstate Van Lines provides a comprehensive menu of services to cover nearly any moving scenario. Whether you are moving down the street or across an ocean, they have structured offerings to assist. Their services are designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose the level of support you need. From simple transportation to full-service packing and unpacking, they aim to manage the logistics of your move. Here is a breakdown of their primary service categories.
Local Moves
For moves within the same city or metropolitan area, Interstate offers reliable local moving services. These moves are typically charged by the hour. The rate includes the truck and the moving crew. They handle all the heavy lifting, loading, and transportation. This service is ideal for people seeking professional help for a short-distance relocation.
Long-Distance Moves
Cross-country or interstate moves are a core specialty for this company. They leverage their large network to manage complex logistics. For these moves, pricing is based on the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels. You are usually assigned a move coordinator to guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring clear communication along the way.
International Moves
Moving to another country can be very complicated. Interstate Van Lines simplifies this process with its international moving services. They assist with customs clearance, shipping regulations, and safe transport. They can coordinate both sea and air freight depending on your budget and timeline. This full-service option helps reduce the stress of a global relocation.
Corporate Relocation
Interstate also works with businesses to relocate their employees. They offer customized packages to meet corporate policies and budgets. These services ensure a smooth transition for employees and their families. They manage every detail, from packing personal belongings to setting up the new home.
Rates and Fees
Understanding the cost of your move is a top priority. Interstate Van Lines aims for transparent pricing by offering binding estimates. This means the price they quote is the price you pay, as long as the inventory of items to be moved does not change. A deposit, typically around 10% of the total estimate, is required to secure your moving date. While they are not the cheapest option, their pricing reflects a full-service experience. To give you an idea of potential costs, here are some sample estimates. Please remember these are averages and your actual cost will depend on a detailed quote.
| Move Size | Move Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Approx. 3,500 lbs) | 500 Miles | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Home (Approx. 5,000 lbs) | 1,500 Miles | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| 4-Bedroom Home (Approx. 9,000 lbs) | 2,500 Miles | $8,000 – $11,000 |
Note: These prices are estimates for informational purposes only. For an accurate price, you must get a binding estimate from the company.
How to Get a Quote and Book a Move?
Booking your move with Interstate Van Lines is a structured process. They have designed a clear path to ensure all details are covered and you receive an accurate quote. Following these steps will help you plan your move efficiently and understand exactly what to expect. The process starts with a simple request and moves toward a confirmed booking with a dedicated team.
- Request an Initial Quote: Begin by visiting their website or calling their customer service line. You will provide basic information about your move, such as your origin, destination, and desired moving date.
- Complete a Home Survey: An Interstate representative will schedule a survey of your belongings. This can often be done virtually using your smartphone, or an agent can visit your home. An accurate inventory is crucial for a binding estimate.
- Receive Your Binding Estimate: Based on the survey, Interstate will provide you with a written binding estimate. This document details the services included and the total cost of your move. Review it carefully before proceeding.
- Book Your Move and Pay the Deposit: Once you are satisfied with the estimate, you will sign the contract and pay a deposit. This officially books your moving date and assigns a move coordinator to your relocation.
- Prepare for Moving Day: Your move coordinator will guide you on the next steps. This includes preparing your home, packing items if you are doing it yourself, and understanding the schedule for pickup and delivery.
Customer Support and Claims Process
Strong customer support is essential during the moving process. Interstate Van Lines understands this and provides multiple resources to assist you. From the moment you request a quote until your last box is unpacked, they offer channels for communication and support. A dedicated move coordinator acts as your single point of contact. This person helps answer questions, resolve issues, and keep you informed. They also offer online shipment tracking for long-distance moves, allowing you to see where your belongings are in real-time. This level of support is designed to reduce uncertainty and provide a smoother moving experience.
Bottom Line
Interstate Van Lines stands out as a highly experienced and capable moving company. With a history spanning over 80 years, they have proven their ability to handle moves of all types and sizes. Their greatest strengths lie in their comprehensive services, especially for long-distance, military, and international relocations. The use of binding estimates is a major plus, removing the risk of unexpected price increases. This makes budgeting for your move much more predictable.
However, this level of service and experience often comes at a higher price point. If you are on a tight budget for a small, local move, you might find more affordable options elsewhere. Some mixed online reviews suggest that the customer experience can depend on the specific agents handling the move. Despite this, Interstate is a solid and reliable choice for anyone who prioritizes a full-service, professional moving experience over getting the absolute lowest price. If you want a company to manage every detail with a proven track record, Interstate is certainly worth considering.
