A pneumatic container transport system conveys specialized, cylindrical containers between stations within an automated container filling system. Low-pressure, high-velocity air moving through plastic tubing propels the containers through switching gates, air impellers and deceleration devices from one station to another. Annular ridges around the circumference of the containers minimize contact with the inside tube walls and deter scuffing of paper labels which carry machine readable indicia upon which the container filling system relies for directing the containers. The air impellers include at least one aperture for adjusting the air pressure and velocity. Actuator-operated gates in the tubing system respond to control signals from management software to direct each container to its next station. At selected stations, decelerators slow the containers upon arrival to cushion their impact upon arrival and to protect the contents from damage due to jarring.