Abstract: A method and apparatus for positively loading and unloading containers onto and off of a truck without relying upon gravity includes an assembly driven longitudinally of the load carrying portion of the truck, actuator means responsive to driver commands, and a latching means carried by the assembly and responsive to the actuator means to cause latching/locking engagement with a container. The container is positively controlled and therefore can be either moved up and down an inclined load carrying portion of the truck or a horizontally disposed load carrying portion.