Abstract: The present invention relates to a material handling apparatus, commonly known as a slewing bridge shiploader or more specifically a linear shiploader, having front and rear pivotal supports. The front end support of the bridge is movable along a linear track extending transversely to the bridge and the rear support is movable in a direction perpendicular to the linear track. The bridge contains a conveyor running along its length which is fed from the rear end of the bridge. The linear track supporting the front end is oriented parallel to the ship or carrier to be loaded, and the linear track supporting the rear end is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ship. As the front end of the bridge moves along the linear track in a direction parallel to the ship being loaded, the rear end simultaneously pivots and moves longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the ship being loaded.