Cargo container handling system and associated method

An apparatus for positioning at least one cargo container within a transport vehicle having a floor, the apparatus comprising:

• a lifting mechanism connected to the floor of the transport vehicle;
• a pylon connected to the lifting mechanism, the pylon comprising a plurality of slots, each of a pair of slots defined in opposed surfaces of the pylon, the pylon configured to move in a first direction so as to raise and lower at least one cargo container relative to the floor;
• a number of restraint pins positioned within the pylon, capable of extending and retracting within each of the pair of slots, the number of restraint pins configured to move in a second direction so as to extend and retract within the plurality of slots to engage and disengage the at least one cargo container, the first direction and the second direction configured substantially normal to each other;
• and
• an actuator configured to move the number of restraint pins in the second direction.