Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 27 2025
The cost of hiring services like "Two Men and a Truck" for a local move primarily depends on the size of your move and the scope of work involved. Generally, for moves over 100 miles, you can expect to pay between $2,000 to $5,000. This price range varies based on factors such as the number of items being moved, the distance of the move, and any additional services like packing or special handling of items.
When planning a local move and considering services like "Two Men and a Truck," the cost is a key factor to understand. Typically, for a move that covers a distance of over 100 miles, the price range falls between $2,000 to $5,000. This cost varies depending on several factors, including the size of the move, the total distance to be covered, and any extra services such as packing, furniture disassembly, or handling of fragile items.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Local Moving Companies
Local moving companies base their prices on several factors. Large and heavy items to move have the biggest impact. Heavy objects require more labour and larger vehicles, increasing costs. Due to their special handling and care, pianos, antiques, and valuable artwork may cost more.
Beyond inventory, your former and new home's location and layout matter. Movers usually charge more for complicated situations like moving items up multiple flights of stairs or parking far from the home's entrance. For disassembling and reassembling furniture or packing services and materials, most companies charge extra. These factors affect the cost of hiring a local mover.
The Role of Distance and Time in Hauling Costs
Distance significantly affects local moving costs. Hauling companies usually charge by mileage from start to finish. A company may charge a fixed amount for the first ten miles and a certain amount per mile after that. Thus, if you are relocating long distances within the city, mileage charges will increase your costs.
Time is another important factor in local move pricing. This is especially true during peak shifting seasons. Due to higher demand for relocating services on weekends and at the beginning and end of the month, prices may rise. If your move takes longer due to more items or special handling, it may cost more.
Labor Costs in the Moving Industry
Moving service prices depend on the workforce. Moving companies pay most of their direct costs to trained professionals who pack, load, unload, and drive. Their skills, experience, and physical labour are crucial to the cost. Task complexity and workforce requirements also affect labour costs.
Wage regulations and industry standards also affect hauling labour costs. Federal or state minimum wage laws set movers' hourly wages, and violating them can result in legal action against the moving company. Health insurance and other employee benefits increase costs. Understanding labor costs is essential for determining moving service pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
A two men and a truck local move typically costs $90 to $150 per hour, with most small apartments finishing in 2 to 4 hours. That puts common totals between $250 and $600. Pricing reflects 2 movers, truck size, travel time within the metro area, stairs or elevators, and loading distance. Local moves are usually under 50 to 100 miles and billed hourly through a local moving service.
The average hourly rate for two men and a truck ranges from $100 to $140 per hour in most U.S. cities. Rates include labor, truck use, fuel, and basic equipment. Urban areas with traffic congestion or higher labor costs trend higher, while suburban markets are lower. Hourly billing is standard for local moves handled by movers by the hour.
Standard pricing usually includes two professional movers, a moving truck, fuel within the service area, dollies, straps, and basic furniture protection. Loading and unloading time counts toward billable hours. Packing materials, stair carries, long walks from parking, and bulky items may add time or fees. These services are common with local full service movers.
Costs rise with larger move sizes, heavy furniture, stairs without elevators, long-carry distances, tight parking, and traffic delays. Packing help, disassembly, or fragile-item handling also increase time. Weekend and end-of-month moves often cost more due to demand. Clear access and prepared boxes help keep local moving costs controlled.
Two men and a truck works best for studios, one-bedroom apartments, and partial household moves. Most finish within 2 to 4 hours if access is straightforward. Larger two-bedroom units or buildings with stairs may require additional movers to avoid overtime. Apartment moves commonly use this setup through apartment movers.
You can reduce costs by packing ahead, labeling boxes clearly, disassembling furniture, and reserving elevator access. Securing parking close to the entrance shortens carry time. Booking midweek or mid-month often lowers hourly rates. Efficient preparation directly reduces billable hours for local moving crews.
Most companies require a 2 to 3 hour minimum for local moves, plus travel time. This covers crew scheduling, truck dispatch, and basic operating costs. If you only have a few items, minimums still apply. Confirm minimum charges in advance when booking a local moving service.
