Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two parallel slats fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart and parallel relationship. Each slat has at least one longitudinal rib. At least one pair of brackets is provided, one of the brackets being fastened to the rib of each of the slats. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. At least one transverse rail is provided, each end of the transverse rail being fastened to one of the brackets.