Abstract: A container for transporting and protecting forming packages of fiber strands, and especially glass fiber strands, is disclosed. The container comprises a tray to which the forming package is attached, a pair of end caps for protecting the fragile edges of the forming package of strand having means thereon for frictionally engaging a covering tube, and a covering tube frictionally engaging the pair of end caps and covering the end caps, the tray, and the forming package of strand. The composite container protects the strand from damage during transit and especially from damage to the edges of the forming package due to bumping. The composite container allows unwinding of the strand without the necessity of removing the forming package of strand from the container.