A mobile data reading system for reading bulky data-associated articles being manually handled by a user includes a frame mounted on rollers to facilitate moving the frame over a support surface to selected locations. A reader having a reader head is mounted to the frame for receiving a data signal from a data-associated item to be read when the article is brought within a proximal distance to the reader head without requiring handling of the reader head by the user during scanning of articles. The mobile data reading system also includes a data storage device for receiving and storing data associated with the received data signal and a power supply for supplying power to the reader.