Abstract: This invention covers self loading-unloading of containers or pallets in a lateral motion, avoiding lifting, applying particularly to rail cars, trucks, and fixed platforms. The railway embodiment includes a central power control unit, unique platform cars with gripper-equipped arms, and scanning devices for monitoring operation plus reading indicia on the containers. The crew in the power control unit, which includes a novel driving arrangement, operates the train and the on-off loading equipment, either manually or automatically, remotely. By integration with similarly equipped trucks, freight handling can be fast, shock-free, door-to-door, and superior to existing modes.