A coupler positioning device for railway cars comprising an elastomeric member connected to the shank of a coupler for lateral movement therewith and deflecting in shear upon such lateral movement. The lower surface of the elastomeric member is held against movement at a preselected position beneath the coupler shank and the upper surface of the elastomeric member is connected to the coupler shank for lateral movement with the coupler. Such lateral movement of the coupler is against the bias of the elastomeric member and the elastomeric member deflects in shear. After the deflection of the elastomeric member, the coupler is returned by the bias of the elastomeric member to the preselected position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the center sill. A coupler carrier adjacent the open end of the center sill is spaced from the coupler by the elastomeric member and acts as a stop to limit the downward movement of the coupler upon lateral swinging of the coupler and a vertical compression of the elastomeric member.