Shipping Pallet X-Ray Scanners

Pallet x-ray scanners are large-tunnel X-ray inspection systems designed to screen full shipping pallets, oversized cargo, and bulk freight without unpacking or manual inspection. The system passes the pallet through an X-ray beam that produces a detailed cross-section image of the contents — revealing the shape, density, and material composition of items inside regardless of packaging, concealment methods, or wrapping.

All Products

2MX-180180D Large Tunnel Dual-View Pallet and Cargo X-Ray Scanner

2MX-100100H Large X-Ray Baggage and Parcel Scanner

2MX-150180 Heavy Duty Pallet and Cargo Inspection Scanner

What Are Pallet X-Ray Scanners?

Pallet x-ray scanners are large-tunnel X-ray inspection systems designed to screen full shipping pallets, oversized cargo, and bulk freight without unpacking or manual inspection. The system passes the pallet through an X-ray beam that produces a detailed cross-section image of the contents — revealing the shape, density, and material composition of items inside regardless of packaging, concealment methods, or wrapping.

Unlike baggage or parcel X-ray scanners, pallet X-ray systems handle tunnel openings from 600×400mm up to 1,800×1,800mm and conveyor weight capacities from 200kg to over 1,000kg. They are designed for continuous high-throughput operation at freight terminals, ports of entry, customs facilities, government secure storage, and high-security distribution centers.

Where Are Pallet X-Ray Scanners Used?

Pallet and cargo X-ray systems are deployed in environments where the volume and size of shipments make manual inspection impractical or where detection standards exceed what visual inspection can provide:

Industries Using Pallet X-Ray Scanners

Pallet-level x-ray scanning has moved from purely government customs inspection into private-sector logistics operations driven by liability management, cargo insurance requirements, and client audit programs:

  • Third-party logistics (3PL): Warehouse operators accepting pharmaceutical, high-value electronics, or government contract cargo increasingly face client requirements to screen inbound pallets at receiving. Pallet x-ray scanners at dock doors provide documented scan records for client audits.
  • Pharmaceutical distribution: DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain Security Act) requirements combined with DEA Schedule II product handling create a need for inspection documentation at receiving and outbound staging. A pallet x-ray scanner provides visual verification before chain-of-custody transfer.
  • Air freight and express courier: Air cargo operators screening freight for prohibited items (lithium batteries improperly declared, dangerous goods) use pallet x-ray scanners as the primary screening method for consolidated pallets before loading.
  • Port terminals and customs: C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) certified importers use pallet x-ray scanners to meet CBP screening requirements for high-risk origin lanes. Scanner records support C-TPAT audit documentation.
  • Food processing and cold chain: FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and buyer verification programs require inspection documentation for certain commodity flows — pallet x-ray scanners support incoming goods inspection for contaminant detection.

Pallet X-Ray Scanner Models: Single-View, Dual-View, and Drive-Through Options

2M Technology carries 4 pallet x-ray scanner models covering tunnel openings from 600x400mm to 1500x1800mm. The right model depends on pallet dimensions, conveyor speed requirement, and whether dual-view AI detection is specified by your compliance program.

Scanner Configuration Tunnel Size View Type Throughput Best Application
Compact pallet x-ray scanner Up to 800x600mm Single-view 150-200 pallets/hr Pharmaceuticals, small-parcel operations, courier hubs
Standard pallet x-ray scanner Up to 1000x800mm Single or dual-view 120-180 pallets/hr General warehouse, 3PL, distribution centers
High-capacity dual-view scanner Up to 1200x1000mm Dual-view AI detection 100-150 pallets/hr C-TPAT compliance, pharmaceutical cold chain, high-value cargo
Drive-through cabin scanner Up to 1800x1500mm Dual-view 60-90 pallets/hr Port terminals, freight forwarders, customs inspection zones

Not sure which scanner is right for you?

Our cost guide compares every model by tunnel size, throughput, and all-in installed price. Factory-direct from $18,500.

Single-View vs. Dual-View Pallet X-Ray Scanners

Single-view systems capture one X-ray image from one angle, providing a 2D cross-section of pallet contents. They are cost-effective for lower-security applications requiring basic threat detection. Dual-view systems capture images from two perpendicular angles simultaneously, producing near-3D awareness of cargo. Dual-view is the standard for customs enforcement, contraband detection, and applications where the precise location and orientation of threats within the pallet must be identified.

All 2M Technology pallet X-ray scanners feature dual-energy imaging that color-codes materials by atomic density: organic materials (drugs, explosives, wood, plastics) appear orange, metals appear blue or green, and mixed materials appear green. This color differentiation accelerates operator screening and reduces false alarm rates compared to single-energy grayscale imaging.

Single-View vs. Dual-View: Comparison

Feature Single-View Dual-View
Imaging Angles 1 (top-down) 2 (perpendicular)
Threat Localization Approximate Precise 3D position
Dual-Energy Color Optional Standard
Contraband Detection Basic High accuracy
AI Threat Detection Available Included on most models
Best For Low-security internal screening Customs, high-security facilities

AI-Assisted Threat Detection

Advanced pallet X-ray systems from 2M Technology include AI-assisted automatic threat detection that flags suspicious shapes, density profiles, and material signatures matching known contraband patterns. AI detection works continuously without operator fatigue, highlights items of interest on-screen, and logs all flagged events for audit review. For high-throughput applications where screening speed is critical, AI assistance allows one operator to manage multiple conveyor lanes simultaneously.

Integration and Software

2M Technology pallet X-ray systems include dedicated operator workstations with image archiving, case management, and reporting software. Images are stored locally and optionally in secure cloud archives. All systems support network connectivity for remote review, multi-station access, and integration with access control or ERP systems. Contact 2M Technology at (214) 988-4302 for a system recommendation based on your throughput requirements and tunnel size needs.

Real Deployment: Pallet X-Ray Scanner at DFW Logistics Hub (2024)

A contract logistics operator at a 280,000 sq ft DFW facility handling pharmaceutical distribution for three major clients received an audit requirement from their largest client specifying pallet-level x-ray inspection at receiving for all Schedule II medication shipments. The facility had existing dock security cameras but no x-ray capability.

2M Technology deployed a dual-view AI pallet x-ray scanner at the primary receiving dock, integrated with the facility’s WMS to generate an inspection record linked to the inbound ASN. All 180-200 Schedule II pallets per week are scanned on arrival. The AI detection software flags anomalies in packaging density — catching three discrepancies in the first quarter of operation that were resolved through vendor investigation. The facility passed its next client audit with the scan log as documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pallet X-Ray Scanners

Pallet X-ray scanners inspect shipping pallets and large cargo for concealed contraband or security threats without unpacking. Used at ports of entry, customs facilities, freight terminals, and high-security warehouses.

Single-view scanners image cargo from one angle. Dual-view scanners image from two perpendicular angles simultaneously, providing near-3D understanding and significantly improved threat detection – the standard for customs and high-security screening.

Yes. Dual-energy technology distinguishes organic materials (drugs, explosives) from inorganic items by color-coding the image. AI threat detection flags suspicious density profiles matching known contraband signatures.

2M Technology offers pallet X-ray scanners from 600x800mm up to 1800x1800mm tunnel sizes. Standard EUR pallets (1200x800mm) and US pallets (1219x1016mm) fit mid-range models. Contact 2M Technology with your pallet dimensions for the right recommendation.

The largest pallet x-ray scanner models in 2M Technology’s catalog accommodate pallets up to 1,800mm wide and 1,500mm tall — covering standard 48×40 inch GMA pallets fully loaded to standard height. For oversized industrial pallets or skids, drive-through cabin configurations handle up to 1.8m x 1.5m cross-section. Contact 2M Technology to confirm the specific pallet dimensions and conveyor specifications for your application.

A single-view pallet x-ray scanner generates one image from a single generator — typically a top-down or side view. Dense items in a pallet can shadow objects behind them. A dual-view scanner fires two generators simultaneously from different angles, producing both views on the operator workstation. AI detection software cross-references both images to flag anomalies that would be hidden in a single-view scan. For pharmaceutical and high-value cargo applications, dual-view detection is typically specified to minimize missed detection events.

A standard pallet x-ray scanner processes one pallet in 25-45 seconds from conveyor entry to exit, depending on the conveyor speed setting and pallet length. At 40 seconds per pallet, the effective throughput is approximately 90 pallets per hour on a continuous run. AI review time at the operator workstation adds 5-15 seconds per pallet — at low-risk facilities, operators can clear most pallets quickly and manually review flagged images. 2M Technology can advise on throughput planning for your specific dock volume.

Our professional security X-ray inspection systems are manufactured in China. Every unit is engineered to meet strict international security standards, delivering reliable, high-resolution threat detection and imaging performance for critical infrastructure, checkpoints, and commercial facilities.

Need help choosing the right tunnel size?

Contact 2M Technology to select the right pallet x-ray scanner configuration for your facility throughput and cargo type. We provide installation, calibration, and operator training nationwide.