A method for loading a semi-trailer onto a rail car using the supporting cross-member (1) that can be removed and manipulated by a handling device for loading, unloading and securing a semi-trailer (2) onto a fixed, removable or movable supporting railway structure (42) on a rail transport car (3), the supporting cross-member (1) comprising a body and a support for receiving a fifth wheel (18) adapted to receive the kingpin (48) of the semi-trailer (2) and to ensure that the fifth wheel (18) is maintained during manipulation and rail transport, the cross-member (1) comprising a mechanical gripping interface (26, 27, 28, 29) so the cross-member (1) can be manipulated by a handling device (5);
- a mechanism for raising the position of the fifth wheel (18) relative to the body of the cross-member (1);
- a means for locking the fifth wheel in position relative to the body of the cross-member (1);
- at least one means (30, 31, 32, 33) for either immobilizing or retaining the cross-member (1) on the supporting railway structure (42);
- the body of the cross-member is a generally flat body formed of a metal base structure supporting the fifth wheel (18) that can be raised;
- and a contact means on the upper edges (38, 39) of the supporting railway structure (42), the method comprising the steps of:
- initiating the method when the semi-trailer (2) is separated from a towing vehicle and resting in a parking area to be loaded with its front portion resting on support posts (4), and when the supporting cross-member (1) having been brought either from another loading operation or from a storage area, is either positioned on the ground or already gripped by a fork of the handling device (5) which raises the cross-member (1) by engaging arms of the fork (6) in front openings (26, 27) and then rear openings (28, 29) of the cross-member (1);
- carrying the cross-member (1) to a height adapted for attachment to the kingpin (48);
- regulating, either manually or by actuating the forked lifting element (6) of the handling device (5), the height of the cross-member (1) relative to the ground or the distance between the cross-member (1) and the fifth wheel (18) so as to obtain the correct and necessary distance for the semi-trailer (2) to be located approximately horizontally in its transport position in the rail car (3) provided for this purpose, by acting on the lifting mechanism for the fifth wheel (18) that exists between the fifth wheel (18) and the cross-member (1);
- raising the front of the semi-trailer (2) to free the supports (4) from contact with the ground;
- pulling the semi-trailer (2) by the handling device (5) and its rear portion placed opposite the extremity of the supporting structure (42) of the rail car (3) while the rail car (3) is in an open position in which it moves backwards when pushed by the handling device (5);
- centering the supporting cross-member (1) once the supporting cross-member (1) reaches the indexes and contacts a stop block on each upper edge (38, 39) of longitudinal side elements (40, 41) of the supporting structure (42), so that immobilizing openings (30-33) are opposite immobilizing projections (34-37) on the supporting structure (42);
- moving the cross-member (1) downward to rest the cross-member against the upper edges (38, 39) of the supporting structure (42) on a flat area of each of its lateral edge portions (11, 12) and locking the cross-member in the area of the openings using either twisting or other type of locks;
- releasing the support posts (4) and locking the semi-trailer (2) in all directions in accordance with regulations in effect;
- and
- disconnecting the fork (6) from the cross-member (1) when the handling device (5) moves forward and thereby available for another operation.