A semi-rigid rooftop cargo carrier and method employing straightfront and streamlined steps for its assembly and disassembly provided by its innovative configuration of a collapsible frame including at least two elongate side members preferably equipped with extendible push bars (“EPB”) each having a first and second side arm member and EPB securing mechanism engagable for abutted lengthwise alignment whereby extending the elongate member exerts opposing pressure onto end members to simultaneously push the collapsible frame and mount the external waterproof pliable shell thereon in an assembled position and also readily disaasembled without tools or loose components into a light, compact, easy-to-store configuration.