Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bins with bulk material and, in particular, for filling a cooling bin with hot coke include engaging the material containing vessel with hoisting apparatus, lifting the hoisting apparatus upwardly in a vertical fixed guide and at the end of the upward movement introducing the hoisting apparatus into a vertical guide assembly, moving the vertical guide assembly and hoisting apparatus in a transverse direction over rails until the hoisting apparatus and the vessel are located vertically over the inlet opening of the bin. The hoisting apparatus and vessel are lowered until the latter is mounted on a stationary support so that upon the vessel discharge opening being opened, the contents of the vessel will be transferred to the bin.