A basket-style carrier (10) with an automatic bottom (24) for containing and carrying a plurality of articles (11-16) and having a reinforced, three-ply handle. The carrier comprises first and second end panels (18, 19) opposite each other and first and second side panels (21, 22) opposite each other and connected to the first and second end panels. The carrier also comprises an automatic bottom (24) connected to the end panels and to the side panels. The central handle (26) has first, second, and third handle panels (46, 47, 48) secured to one another. At least one of the handle panels is connected to the first end panel, and at least another of the handle panels is connected to the second end panel. A plurality of partition strips (36-39) are connected to and extend between the central handle and the first and second side panels. The first handle panel is positioned between the second and third handle panels.