A system for transporting shipping containers using a tractor with a first support assembly attached to its fifth wheel, and a wheeled, second support assembly. Both the front and rear assemblies include cargo-container-engaging vertical frames that are raised and lowered by pivoting main cylinders. As the main cylinders raise the vertical frames and the container to which the vertical frames are secured to, two locking arms telescope with the vertical arm to hold the raised container in position. The second support assembly may be self-propelled for maneuvering into position with respect to the container or may be manually pulling short distances with by hand.