container(n = noun.artifact) - any object that can be used to hold things (especially a large metal boxlike object of standardized dimensions that can be loaded from one form of transport to another);
Derived form verb contain₂, verb containerise₁, verb containerize₁

1.  One who, or that which, contains; particularly, an artifactual object that is designed to contain some fluid or solid material, object or objects, especially for convenience in transporting the contained objects. [1913 Webster]

2.  a large metallic box designed to hold many smaller boxes or packages, and used for convenience in loading and unloading large quantities of freight, such as on ships, trains, or airplanes. [PJC]

container, n.
1 a vessel, box, etc., for holding particular things.
2 a large boxlike receptacle of standard design for the transport of goods, esp. one readily transferable from one form of transport to another (also attrib. : container ship).