Abstract: An apparatus for transporting sliver cans between a sliver can handling location and a textile spinning machine includes a rod member having a plurality of uniformly spaced engaging members. A pair of preferably plastic, parallel sliding rails each extend parallel to the rod member on a respective side thereof for supporting the sliver cans for sliding movement therealong. The rod member is supported for axial and rotational movement and is operatively connected to a drive device which cyclically axially displaces the rod member by a uniform amount of travel corresponding to a uniform spacing between the sliver cans. The rod member is rotated 90.degree. to move the engaging members between horizontal disengage positions in which they are out of engagement with the sliver cans and vertical engage positions in which the engaging members project vertically for engaging the bottom rim portions of the sliver cans during axial displacement of the rod member.