A method and an apparatus for filling a vessel having an internal volume with particulate matter are disclosed. The method generally comprises the steps of providing a vessel having a length, width, and an internal volume, providing a supply of particulate matter, filling at least a portion of the internal volume of the vessel with the particulate matter, and repeating the aforementioned steps until the internal volume of the vessel has been filled with the desired amount of particulate matter. While the vessel is being filled with the particulate matter, the vessel also is subjected to a vibratory motion or at least one tamping motion, or the static electricity produced upon filling the vessel with the particulate matter is discharged. The apparatus generally comprises a carrier assembly, a container, and at least one of an actuating assembly, a vibrator assembly, and a static discharge assembly.