Abstract: An apparatus for handling, loading, unloading and transporting containers, load supporting bodies, pallets and like bulky and heavy objects with the use of a transport vehicle and a fork lift type lifting device disposed on the transport vehicle. The fork lift device is pivoted to one end of the transport vehicle in such a way that the frame carrying the fork lift device can be pivoted between a vertical position and a position coplanar with the chassis of the transport vehicle. Coupling means associated with the fork lift device is designed so as to permit being coupled with mating coupling means associated with the end of a load supporting body which is usable as a transportation support for containers and like objects. When the load supporting body is coupled with the fork lift device, the body can be pulled onto and lowered from the transport vehicle under simultaneous pivotment of the frame of the fork lift device and shifting of the fork lift device along the frame thereof.