Abstract: The apparatus comprises a rectangular frame (20) disposed horizontally, which is fixed to the forks (25) of a lift truck. Gates (29) depend downwards from the sides of the frame, and each gate carries a pad (32). When the gates are operated hydraulically the pads clamp a pallet-sized layer (43) of cardboard cases (36) therebetween. Other layers of cases resting on the clamped layer may be picked up along with the clamped layer. The layer is clamped on all four sides, and the pads are long enough that no bottle (38) can "escape" the clamping force. The apparatus allows a high clamp force to be used, without the danger of damaging the cases or bottles.