Abstract: A molded plastic pail has a pair of continuous annular flanges molded integrally on its outer wall extending radially outwardly and defining between them a free, continuous channel of constant cross-section extending around the entire circumference of the pail. The flanges facilitate the handling of the filled pails on automatic handling apparatus having grab fingers which can engage in the channel between the flanges without disturbing the lid of the pail. The inner surface of the downwardly-depending rim of the lid is formed with a series of axially-extending grooves which, when the lid is applied over the container, define venting spaces between the lid and the outer side of an outwardly-turned bead on the upper edge of the container, thus relieving the pressure of air trapped under the lid as it is applied over the mouth of the container.