Abstract: A system and apparatus for the handling of cartons such as those in which lettuce heads are packed. The cartons are carried from the field on pallets, through a cooling chamber and mechanically loaded onto transport vehicles for shipment to the market. Special apparatus is provided for removing the pallets from the carton stack and for stacking the cartons at varying heights prior to loading into the transport vehicles. In addition a method and apparatus are provided for mechanically loading the transport vehicles with the cartons being stacked in a stable manner to prevent damage to the contents during shipment.