Abstract: A means and method for reducing the operative height of the fifth wheel of a truck tractor as original equipment or by retroactively modifying a typical truck tractor frame. In retroactive modification an upper section of the framework supporting the fifth wheel is severed from the framework, the lower portion of this upper section is cut away and removed, and the upper section without the cut away portion is replaced on the original supporting framework. The upper section without the cut away portion is spliced to the fifth wheel framework by securing methods such as welding or securing apparatus. The securing apparatus can include an inner support which mateably fits interiorly between the upper section and fifth wheel framework to restore section modulus and strength. An outer securing support which includes a rigid plate can be secured between the upper section and fifth wheel framework.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting fluid or particulate material is described wherein a railroad car is placed on a truck-trailer unit and is transported over land by the truck-trailer to the source of the material. The railroad car is loaded with the material at the source of the material while the railroad car is on the truck-trailer unit and is then transported over land to a rail terminal by the truck-trailer unit. The loaded railroad car is then unloaded from the truck-trailer unit at the rail terminal for subsequent rail transportation. A second method of transporting the material is described wherein the railroad car is loaded with the material and is transported by rail to a rail terminal. The loaded railroad car is loaded onto the truck-trailer unit at the rail terminal and is transported over land to a material unloading location by the truck-trailer unit. The material is unloaded from the loaded railroad car at the material unloading station while the railroad car is on the truck-trailer unit.