System and method for loading a container for transport

A system for loading a container on a mobile carrier unit, the container resting on supports that raise a bottom surface of the container slightly off the ground and the supports being positioned such that at least a portion of longitudinal edges of the bottom surface of the container does not have supports thereunder, the system comprising:

• the mobile carrier unit having a lowered position configuration wherein a rear wheel on each rail of a pair of rails is off the ground and a horizontal surface of each rail of the pair of rails is lower than the bottom surface of the container and the mobile carrier comprises the pair of rails, each attached to and extending longitudinally from a first horizontal actuator, and being parallel to each other, each rail of the pair of rails comprising a horizontal surface and at least one rear wheel moveably attached thereto supporting the rail when the mobile carrier unit moves longitudinally;
• the mobile carrier unit having a raised position configuration wherein the at least one rear wheel on each rail is on the ground, permitting the rails to move longitudinally;
• the mobile carrier unit having an expanded position configuration wherein the pair of rails are wider than the container;
• the mobile carrier unit having a contracted position configuration wherein the horizontal surface of each of the pair of rails is underneath the bottom surface of the container when the container is between the pair of rails;
• the mobile carrier unit further comprising:
• a first horizontal actuator, operably connected to an operator area and each of the pair of rails, wherein the first horizontal actuator expands and contracts laterally, moving the pair of rails between the contracted position and the expanded position;
• a forward vertical actuator, operably connected to the operator area and the pair of rails, that raises and lowers the carriage, and a pair of rear vertical actuators, one on each rail, to one of the rails and its respective rear wheel, that expand and contract to raise and lower the rear wheels,
• wherein the forward vertical actuator and the pair of rear vertical actuators expand and contract to move the mobile carrier between the raised position and the lowered position.