CARGO LOADER

A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with front and rear portions. A carriage is mounted on the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front and rear portions. Forks are mounted on the carriage and move therewith. Cargo is loaded onto the forks when the carriage is positioned on the front portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent the rear portion so that when the carriage pushes the forks and cargo thereupon longitudinally along the bed toward the rear portion, the forks and cargo are received inside the trailer. The drive assembly moves the carriage from the rear to the front portion to withdraw the forks from inside the trailer while a cargo retention assembly maintains the cargo inside the trailer.