Abstract: A composite radiation shield which provides physical and economic benefits for the shielding of radiation especially in containers for transporting radioactive material. The composite radiation shield contains rods of a high density material such as depleted uranium or tungsten. The spaces between the rods may contain smaller rods and are also backfilled with lead or other preferably high density material with a melting point lower than the material of the rods. The rod diameters and arrangement can be easily customized to accommodate any radiation shield configuration needed.