If you have booked a U-Haul and need people to load or unload it, Oregon Trail Moving’s Portland crews do the heavy lifting. Two movers with equipment are $125 per hour with a two hour minimum, plus a flat $45 service fee within 10 miles of central Portland. You reserve the truck, and we bring the muscle, the blankets and the tools.
Renting a U-Haul is the cheap part. Loading a 15 foot truck by yourself on a Saturday is where the day goes wrong: sore backs, scuffed walls and a half-empty truck at sunset. A trained crew turns that into a few hours of work.
What our crews do at a U-Haul move
- Load at your old place. We wrap furniture with moving blankets and shrink wrap, and we pack the truck in a tight, strapped load that rides well.
- Unload at your new place. You tell us where each piece goes, and we place it. We bring hand tools to put beds and tables back together.
- Protect your floors. Neoprene floor runners go down before heavy carrying starts.
- Handle the awkward pieces. A piano dolly, lifting straps and extra crew members are available for heavy and oversized items.
You can book loading, unloading, or both. Each end of the move is a separate job, so choose the crews you need. For a closer look at the service, see our U-Haul movers help page.
Match your U-Haul to your move
A well-loaded truck holds more than most people expect. Many customers tell us the crew fit everything into a smaller truck than they had planned for. Before you reserve, check U-Haul’s truck sizes and rates, and read our guide on what size moving truck you need. Call us if you want a second opinion based on your furniture list.
How to line up your U-Haul and your crew
- Reserve the truck first. Pick the pickup time that gets the truck to your address before the crew arrives.
- Call us with your date and address. Share what is being loaded and any stairs, tight doorways or heavy items.
- Park close. The nearer the truck is to your door, the fewer minutes on the clock.
- Meet the crew. Our billing starts and stops at your location, and the crew stays until the job is done.
What it costs to load or unload a U-Haul in Portland
- Two movers and equipment: $125 per hour, two hour minimum
- Each additional mover: $60 per hour
- Flat service fee: $45 within 10 miles of central Portland
- Heavy items over 300 lbs or 500 lbs carry a fee of $0 to $150, based on size, weight and location
As an example, two movers working three hours comes to $375 in labor plus the $45 service fee, about $420. See the full breakdown on our rates and services page, or read how much Portland movers cost for more examples.
A quick checklist before the truck arrives
- Tape boxes shut and label them by room.
- Empty drawers that could slide, and set aside anything fragile you want to carry yourself.
- Clear halls and stairs, and check that elevator or building rules allow a move on your date.
- Keep documents, medication and valuables in your own vehicle.
Need a more detailed plan? See our Portland moving labor guide.
Book Portland U-Haul movers
We have been loading Portland trucks since 2011, with more than 1,200 five star reviews. Schedule your move or call (503) 922-2225 for a free estimate. Crews are available seven days a week from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Can you load a U-Haul I already reserved?
Yes. Reserve your truck, then call us with your date, address and a list of what needs to be loaded. Our crew meets you at your location and loads it.
Can I hire movers only to unload a U-Haul?
Yes. Many customers book unloading only. Our movers carry everything to the rooms you choose and bring tools to reassemble furniture.
How many movers do I need for a U-Haul?
Two movers is the standard starting crew and is our two hour minimum booking. Larger homes, stairs and heavy items often call for a third or fourth mover, at $60 per hour each. The office will recommend a crew size when you describe your move.
How much does it cost to load a U-Haul in Portland?
Two movers are $125 per hour with a two hour minimum, plus $60 per hour for each additional mover and a flat $45 service fee within 10 miles of central Portland. A three hour job with two movers comes to about $420.
What equipment do your crews bring?
A hand truck, a four wheel piano dolly, hand tools, lifting straps, shrink wrap, moving blankets and neoprene floor runners.
How far ahead should I book?
Book as soon as your U-Haul date is set. Our crews work 8 AM to 6 PM seven days a week, and the office will tell you what is open for your day.
Truck Booked? Now Book the Crew
Skip the sore back and the half-loaded truck. Two movers and all the equipment start at $125 per hour, and the clock runs only while they work at your location.
Or call (503) 922-2225 · Crews available 7 days a week, 8 AM to 6 PM
