Sterilization of medical devices can be performed by stacking packages containing the medical devices. The packages are arranged in a partially-overlapping orientation which is at an oblique angle to the direction of irradiation. The partially-overlapping orientation and oblique angle are predetermined for high sterilization throughput and tight control of irradiation. Instead arranging the packages directly on a sterilization platform at a sterilization facility, the packages can be stacked in the partially-overlapping orientation into a transport container at a location remote from the sterilization facility. The transport container maintains the orientation of the packages. Thereafter, the transport container is placed on the sterilization platform, which results in greater uniformity in radiation exposure while maintaining a high level of sterilization throughput.