Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo handling system including cargo containers (10) having recesses (68) extending through the lower central region of the containers. The containers straddle and are transported over a route that is formed by four types of conveyor modules: lateral transfer modules (16) which move cargo along a straight line path; turntable/elevator modules (20) for transfer of containers between modules that are horizontally and vertically displaced from one another; ship connector modules (26) for linking shore-bound modules to shipboard modules (28); and shipboard modules for stowage of the containers during transit on a ship.