Abstract: A tray carrier includes a base plate having a first and second pairs of opposed sides as well as opposed first and second surfaces. Channel-shaped corner members provide containment formations for trays stacked at the first surface of the base plate. Tray carrier gripping cavities provided in the first pair of opposed sides can be engaged by gripping formations of an automated gripper to facilitate gripping the tray carrier. Raised portions at the first surface of the base plate provide a tray-gripping space engaged by gripping formations of the automated gripper to facilitate gripping trays stacked at the first surface of the base plate. Handle members at the second sides of the base plate facilitate manual handling of the tray carrier, and a pair of opposed recesses in the first sides of the base plate provide a narrowed intermediate portion of the base plate for manual handling of trays.