A package or palletized load comprises a lower section of elongated articles which are disposed in a side-by-side abutting array and are upended so as to be supported upon one of the longitudinally extending side surfaces thereof. Additional elongated articles, disposed in an array comprising multiple rows and columns and forming an upper section of the package or palletized load, are then stacked atop the lower section of the package or palletized load. Due to the fact that the articles comprising the lower section of the package or palletized load are relatively inflexible along their transverse extents, the elongated articles disposed within the upper section of the package or palletized load will be properly supported so as not to be adversely affected by means of gravitational forces to which the multiplicity of elongated articles will be subjected during shipping, handling, transportation, and storage.