Abstract: The uranium oxide shipping container includes an outer container having a plurality of cavities for receiving inner containers containing uranium oxide. The cavities comprise sleeves in the outer container body for receiving the inner containers in an ordered, preferably 3.times.3 array, in the outer container. Plastic foam material of different densities is provided in interstices between the sleeves and between the sleeves and the container walls. A container cover having high density polyurethane foam along its undersurface has recesses for receiving the upper margins of inner containers. The inner containers have side walls comprised of layered stainless steel, a nuclear poison such as cadmium, a nuclear moderator such as polyethylene, optionally a ceramic material for improved fire resistance and an outer wall of stainless steel.