The present invention relates to a cargo transfer apparatus of load-shifting type. The load-shifting type cargo transfer apparatus according to the present invention consists of a stationary unit and a mobile unit. The stationary unit comprises a series of equally spaced parallel projections of equal width and height. The mobile unit comprises a main frame of a hollow square section with a rectangular top, and a support equipped with a plurality of tines integrally attached like comb-teeth at equal intervals perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of said main frame, the tines having a H-shaped cross section and having rotatable rollers fitted to a plurality of shafts fixed at both ends to both ends of the underside of the tine at the same height. A cargo holder covers the top and both side surfaces of the tines in their longitudinal direction and has elliptical guide holes to engage a plurality of knock-pins provided at equal heights on the upper sides of tines. A flexible hose is sandwiched between the tine and the cargo holder, the flexible hose being connected through pressure ducts to the supply and exhaust mechanisms for a working fluid such as pressurized oil or compressed air.

A system is provided embodying a platform spaced on runners which is movable into and from a railway car having one entire side open when the hinged side is raised. This produces the most economical use of a closed car as it can be moved to an unloading dock where the mechanism of the system is advanced beneath the platform within the car and raised to free the platform from the floor so that it and its load may be withdrawn. The car is then advanced to a loading dock where a similar mechanism is employed having the platform loaded so that it and the platform can be advanced into the car and lowered onto the floor permitting the mechanism to be withdrawn and the side of the car closed and latched.

An improved door assembly has a single movable door and may have a separate movable high platform threshold. The door assembly is formed of an upper door section and a lower door section which is fixed to the upper door section. A support member may be integral with or slidably engaged with the door assembly, disposed as an angle iron fixed to the door assembly, or disposed on the side of a stairwell of a rail passenger car.

An improved door assembly has a single movable door and may have a separate movable high platform threshold. The door assembly is formed of an upper door section and a lower door section which is fixed to the upper door section. A support member may be integral with or slidably engaged with the door assembly, disposed as an angle iron fixed to the door assembly, or disposed on the side of a stairwell of a rail passenger car.