A transport unit for carrying a plurality of lidded containers includes two parallel retaining plates, which have an arrangement of openings for retaining the lidded containers. The lidded containers are tubular containers with a closure lid at the top of the container which projects radially outward with respect to the container. Lidded containers of a group of lidded containers are held parallel to each other by the openings of one retaining plate, and lidded containers of another group of lidded containers are held parallel to each other by openings of the other retaining plate. The lidded containers of the one group are disposed oppositely aligned to the lidded containers of the other group and nested within each other.