Abstract: A straddle carrier which may be driven over either end of a load to be lifted, the carrier having a chassis including spaced parallel elongated frame members which are connected together adjacent their ends by vertically disposed structural arches to form a rigid rectangular frame enclosing an unobstructed load bay. At least two pairs of wheels are disposed on each side of the chassis and a compressed air over oil suspension system is provided for attaching each wheel to the chassis. The compressed air over oil suspension system provides for decreasing the air space in the system to thereby enhance the stability of the carrier. A rectangular load lifting structure is disposed between the frame members and provides for guiding the load lifting structure during ascent and descent are provided to facilitate positioning of the load lifting structure from side to side between the frame members of the chassis.