Abstract: An integrated high volume method and system for transporting and dynamically storing articles, such as luggage, baggage, identified items of cargo, parcels, and the like, for sorting and routing them is provided. The method and system are completely integrated, synchronized, and controlled to facilitate sorting and routing and to permit stopping of the entire system without loss of position or timing of any of the designated articles in the system. The article handling system includes a series of individually operable intermediate conveyors arranged in a continuous path between an input station and a coding or routing station. These intermediate conveyors are individually operable and have article-sensing means and control means which activate and deactivate the individual conveyors. When the system is operating in the conventional operating mode, all the conveyors are activated to transport articles. The buffer conveyors near the coding station are selectively stopped as articles become stored thereon.