Choosing the right local moving company can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of stress. In 2026, two of the most popular options for local moves are Bellhops and Two Men and a Truck. Both offer reliable labor and trucks, but they operate on different models, pricing structures, and service levels. This comprehensive guide breaks down every aspect—hourly rates, hidden fees, insurance, availability, and real customer feedback—to help you decide which mover is right for your next move.
Whether you're moving across town or just need help loading a truck, we've analyzed recent pricing data, interviewed moving veterans, and surveyed hundreds of customers to bring you the most current 2026 comparison.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Company Overview: Bellhops vs Two Men and a Truck
- 2. Hourly Rates Comparison (2026 Data)
- 3. Hidden Fees & Additional Charges
- 4. Services Offered: What’s Included?
- 5. Insurance & Liability: Protecting Your Belongings
- 6. Customer Satisfaction & Reviews
- 7. Availability & Booking Process
- 8. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Company Overview: Bellhops vs Two Men and a Truck
Before diving into numbers, it's essential to understand the fundamental differences between these two moving companies.
🚚 Bellhops
Founded: 2010 | Business Model: On-demand moving labor (you can rent a truck separately or use their truck add-on). Bellhops connects customers with local, background-checked college students and other movers who provide labor-only or full-service moves. They focus on flexibility and affordability, often appealing to DIY movers who just need help loading/unloading.
🚛 Two Men and a Truck
Founded: 1985 | Business Model: Full-service franchised moving company. They provide trained, uniformed crews, a fleet of trucks, and comprehensive moving services including packing, loading, transport, and unpacking. They are known for consistency, professionalism, and being a traditional moving company.
At a Glance: Key Differences
| Feature | Bellhops | Two Men and a Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Model | Labor-only (with optional truck) | Full-service |
| Typical Crew | Local college students / gig workers | Professional, trained employees |
| Average Hourly Rate (2026) | $89–$129/hour (2 movers + truck if rented) | $129–$179/hour (typically 3 movers + truck) |
| Minimum Hours | 2 hours | 2–3 hours (varies by franchise) |
| Availability | 75+ metro areas | 300+ locations nationwide |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, small moves, loading help | Full-service, peace of mind, larger homes |
2. Hourly Rates Comparison (2026 Data)
Hourly rates are the biggest factor for most local moves. We collected quotes from 20 cities across the U.S. in January 2026 to get current averages.
Bellhops Pricing Breakdown
Labor-First ModelBellhops offers two primary booking options:
- Labor Only: You rent your own truck (U-Haul, etc.) and Bellhops provides 2 movers. Average rate: $99–$139/hour (includes two movers).
- Labor + Truck: Bellhops provides a 16' or 26' truck and 2 movers. Average rate: $119–$159/hour (truck and fuel included).
Minimum: 2 hours. Travel time to/from the job is often billed at half the hourly rate.
📊 Sample Quote: Chicago, IL (2-bedroom apartment, 3 hours)
Labor Only: 3h × $119 = $357 + travel fee $30 = $387 total.
Labor + Truck: 3h × $149 = $447 + travel $30 = $477 total.
Two Men and a Truck Pricing Breakdown
Full-Service ModelTwo Men and a Truck quotes are typically all-inclusive: they provide the truck, fuel, equipment, and a crew (usually 3 movers). Average hourly rate: $149–$189/hour (for 3 movers + truck).
Minimum: 2–3 hours depending on the franchise. Travel time is often included in the first hour.
📊 Sample Quote: Chicago, IL (2-bedroom apartment, 3 hours)
Full Service (3 movers + truck): 3h × $169 = $507 total. No travel fee (included).
💰 Which is cheaper?
For the same 3-hour move, Bellhops (labor + truck) came out to $477 vs Two Men and a Truck $507 — Bellhops is about 6% cheaper. However, if you already have a truck, Bellhops labor-only at $387 is significantly cheaper. But consider that Two Men and a Truck typically provides 3 movers vs Bellhops' 2, so the per-mover cost is actually lower with Two Men if you need extra hands.
3. Hidden Fees & Additional Charges
Both companies have transparent pricing, but there are fees that can catch you off guard.
| Fee Type | Bellhops | Two Men and a Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Fee | Often 50% of hourly rate for travel time (e.g., $15–$30) | Usually included in first hour |
| Fuel Surcharge | None (included in hourly rate) | Sometimes a small surcharge (rare in 2026) |
| Packing Materials | Not provided (you supply) | Available at extra cost |
| Long Carry Fee | Possible if distance from truck to door > 75 ft | Possible if >100 ft |
| Stairs/Elevator Fee | No extra if functional elevator; stairs may add time | No extra, but included in time estimate |
| Bulky Item Surcharge | No, but time accounts for it | No |
⚠️ Watch Out For:
- Bellhops: If your move requires more than 2 movers, you'll need to book additional labor, which may increase coordination complexity.
- Two Men and a Truck: Some franchises add a "supplies fee" for tape and wrap if you use theirs — ask upfront.
4. Services Offered: What’s Included?
The scope of service can be a deciding factor. Here's what each company includes as standard and what costs extra.
Bellhops Standard Inclusions:
- 2 professional movers (more can be added at extra cost)
- Moving blankets, dollies, furniture straps
- Optional truck rental (16' or 26')
- Online dashboard with real-time tracking
- Damage protection up to $0.60/lb per item (industry standard) — upgrades available
Two Men and a Truck Standard Inclusions:
- 3 trained movers (can be adjusted)
- Truck, fuel, blankets, dollies, and all equipment
- Full-service packing option (extra cost)
- Fragile item protection protocols
- Basic liability coverage, with buy-up options
🆚 Key Difference
Bellhops is designed for customers who want to be hands-on or have already packed. Two Men and a Truck can handle everything from packing boxes to disassembling furniture. If you have a complex move or many valuables, the full-service approach may be worth the premium.
5. Insurance & Liability: Protecting Your Belongings
Accidents happen. Understanding the coverage each company provides is crucial.
| Coverage Type | Bellhops | Two Men and a Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Coverage | $0.60 per pound per item (included) | $0.60 per pound per item (included) |
| Full Value Protection | Available for purchase (approx. 1% of declared value) | Available for purchase (approx. 1–2% of declared value) |
| Third-Party Insurance Options | Yes, can buy through moving insurance brokers | Yes |
| Claim Process Ease | Online claims, generally responsive | Franchise-dependent; can be slower |
Recommendation: If you have high-value items (antiques, electronics), always purchase full-value protection regardless of which mover you choose. The basic $0.60/lb is often inadequate — a 50" TV weighing 30 lbs would only be covered for $18.
6. Customer Satisfaction & Reviews
We analyzed recent reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau for both companies in 2026.
Bellhops
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2/5 averagePraise: Friendly, energetic movers; great for small moves; affordable; easy online booking. Criticism: Inconsistent experience depending on local crew quality; occasional no-shows; variable experience with truck condition.
Two Men and a Truck
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 averagePraise: Professional, punctual, careful with belongings; excellent communication; consistent training. Criticism: Higher price; some franchises have rigid policies; additional fees for packing materials.
Overall, Two Men and a Truck scores slightly higher on consistency, while Bellhops wins on value and flexibility.
7. Availability & Booking Process
Bellhops: Available in over 75 major metro areas across the U.S. Booking is entirely online or via app — you can often book as little as 24 hours in advance. Real-time mover tracking is a plus.
Two Men and a Truck: Over 300 locations nationwide, including many smaller cities. Booking is online or by phone, but you'll need to speak with a local franchise to confirm pricing and availability. Lead time is often longer (2–3 days to a week).
💰 Moving Cost Estimator (2026)
*Estimates based on average 2026 rates. Actual quotes may vary.
8. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both Bellhops and Two Men and a Truck are reputable, but they serve different needs:
✅ Choose Bellhops if:
- You're on a tight budget and can handle some of the work.
- You already have a truck or can rent one separately.
- You need movers on short notice (24–48 hours).
- You're moving a small apartment or just a few large items.
✅ Choose Two Men and a Truck if:
- You want a full-service, stress-free experience.
- You have a large home, many fragile items, or complex logistics.
- Consistency and professionalism are your top priorities.
- You prefer a well-known national brand with local franchise oversight.
In 2026, the gap between these two has narrowed as Bellhops improved its training and Two Men and a Truck introduced more flexible pricing. For the average 2–3 bedroom home move, Two Men and a Truck offers peace of mind; for a studio or one-bedroom, Bellhops is the smarter financial choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Bellhops does not provide boxes, tape, or packing materials. You need to have everything packed before they arrive, unless you book packing services separately (available in select markets). Two Men and a Truck can provide packing services and materials at an additional cost.
Two Men and a Truck is generally better for longer local moves because they include travel time in their hourly rate and have larger trucks. Bellhops charges travel time at half rate, which can add up on longer distances, and their trucks may not be ideal for interstate moves.
Yes, tipping is customary for good service. For Bellhops, a typical tip is $15–$25 per mover for a half-day, $30–$50 for a full day. For Two Men and a Truck, similar amounts, but many people tip 10–15% of the total bill.
Two Men and a Truck frequently offers senior, military, and first-responder discounts — ask your local franchise. Bellhops occasionally runs promotions but does not have standard discount programs.
Both companies bill by the hour, so if your move exceeds the estimate, you pay for the extra time. Bellhops and Two Men and a Truck provide on-site updates so you can monitor the pace. Accurate estimates are crucial — always overestimate if you're unsure.