provided such as a single ram actuating the rods 16 or alternatively a small hydraulic ram can be attached to each locking plate the beam 7 is provided with pairs of brackets 19 carrying rollers 20 so that the beam runs on the rails 3 as shown in fig3 the beam 7 can be lowered down the tilted rails to be locked onto a container resting on the ground the winch then pulls the container up the rails with the vehicle rolling backwardly while the container is drawn onto the rails when the container rests on the rails the rails can be lowered to the horizontal position and the container moved fully forward either before or after the rails are lowered to their horizontal position the container can be removed by raising the rails to the tilt position and then by controlling the winch and moving the vehicle forwardly the container can be placed on the ground as shown in fig4 means are provided to lock and secure the container in position this includes a pair of rear locking pins 21 only one being shown mounted on a movable carriage member 22 mounted on cross struts 23 by legs 24 the member 22 is controlled by hydraulic ram 25 attached by a bracket 26 on the rail 3 when the container is loaded on the rails the rear locking pins engage in the holes in the sides of the base of the container and thus locked and locate the rear of the container thus it will be seen that according to the invention no ancilliary equipment is required for the loading and unloading of a sea container.