Rotationally symmetrical containers (10) are transported under backup pressure on a conveying surface (12) limited laterally by railings (14). For rotating the containers (10) at a predetermined site along the conveying surface (12), one of two consecutive containers (10) is arranged stable against one railing (14) and the other stable against the other railing (14) in the direction of conveyance after the site at which the containers at which the containers are to rotate. An inspection station for inspecting the sidewalls of the containers (10) is provided that has a radiation source (18) arranged adjacent to the conveying surface (12) and a detection device (20) arranged on the opposite side.