Abstract: An automotive draft vehicle and an independent load platform are provided which are especially adapted for use as the components of a unique composite automotive vehicle. The resulting composite vehicle utilizes the basic carry-pull technique of a conventional composite rig formed from a prior art truck tractor and a semitrailer, but the load platform is captured against lateral movement and does not have the tracking characteristics of a semitrailer. Also, the composite vehicle retains the handling-steering characteristics of the draft vehicle. A method of constructing and/or using the aforementioned composite vehicle and/or the components thereof is also provided. The invention is especially useful in restructuring basic two-axle four-wheel and six-wheel trucks of the lighter duty series for use as the draft vehicle component, and in adapting prior art semitrailers for use therewith as the independent load platform component.