Abstract: A method of transporting containers from a first station to a second station within a container filling machine. Each container defines opposing first and second end sections, with the second end section forming a longitudinal recess defined by an inner surface of a sidewall. The method includes providing a carrier plate having at least one mounting piece. A container is loaded onto the mounting piece such that the second end section is positioned over the mounting piece and the mounting piece frictionally engages the interior surface of the longitudinal recess. The carrier plate is moved from the first station to the second station with the mounting piece securing the container relative to the carrier plate during movement of the carrier plate.