Abstract: A container assembly apparatus and method for assembling a roe shipping container. The lid of the container is manually positioned in contact with one edge of the container. A first button is pressed which allows swing arm to open and allow access by the container and lid to the assembly apparatus. As the container and lid move into the assembly apparatus, rails move the lid downwardly and into a closer relationship with the top edges of the container. A second swing arm terminates movement of the container and lid and maintains them in the assembly location under the apparatus. A second button is pressed and a platen moves downwardly to install the lid on the body of the container while simultaneously inserting a plug into an opening in the bottom of the container. The second button is released which allows the second swing arm to open the container to be moved from its assembly location.