Abstract: A container system for packing live lobsters and other crustaceans has two sidewall components, and optional intermediate wall components, with mating faces formed with uniformly spaced vertical pockets. There may be a separable bottom component as well. The components may be separately molded for interchangeable fit, or cut out from a common core molding as a matched set. Together the y form an open top box, with pockets aligned to form open top cells for holding lobsters, tail first. A top is used to contain the live lobsters under a cooling gel pack or layer of ice. The closed box may be further enclosed in a sleeve and liner for additional security and protection against leakage. The box can be opened one component at a time, exposing only one layer of lobsters at a time, permitting easy inspection and removal of each lobster.