Described are cargo transport systems, cargo transport vessels that are used in combination with removable carriers that can be loaded and unloaded into the cargo transport vessel, and methods of using these systems, vessels, and removable carriers.

An automated hatch system for hopper railcars having a unitary hatch; guide assemblies connecting one longitudinal side of the top of the railcar to the hatch, each guide assembly has a lower mount mounted on the lateral edge of the top of the railcar; an upper mount mounted to a lateral edge of the hatch and having rollers on its outer edges for rollable engagement with a guide, the guide extending between the lower mount and the upper mount; a drive tube slidingly engaged through the lower mount; and means for moving the drive tube longitudinally between a closed position and an open position.