the present invention provides for a scanning device including a radiation scanning component for scanning the contents of cargo containers . the radiation scanning component is attached to a spreader bar of a crane system such that the container is surrounded on either side by the radiation scanning device upon securement of the container to the spreader bar . the scanning and unloading / loading of cargo are a simultaneous operation providing for time and cost efficiency . the present invention further provides for a method of scanning a container using the scanning device of the present invention .