A portable load-breaking and pickup apparatus for handling a load associated with a power distribution system is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second spaced-apart connectors electrically connected by a load break assembly. The load break assembly includes first and second outer contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a low-resistance path between the first and second connectors, and first and second inner contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a high-resistance path between the first and second connectors. The load break assembly transitions from an open position to a closed position in two stages. The two stages include closing the high-resistance path prior to closing the low-resistance path, and closing the low-resistance path after the high-resistance path has been closed.