The waiting haul truck should back up to the aggregate spreader and stop slightly short of coming in contact with the spreader. This allows the spreader operator to back the spreader into the truck, so that the hitches connect. A spotter should be used to ensure correct connection.

The haul truck transmission should be in neutral to allow the spreader to tow the truck backwards as the aggregate is spread. Upon signal from the spreader operator, the truck tailgate latch should be released. The truck bed is raised allowing the aggregate to fill the receiving hopper. The haul truck driver must remain ready to lower the bed on signal to prevent the hopper from overflowing.

As soon as the aggregate begins to pour into the receiving hopper, the conveyor belts should be engaged. The aggregate begins to flow into the discharge hopper and is distributed across the discharge gates. When both the receiving and discharge hoppers are nearly full, the spreader operator, or his assistant, signals the truck driver to lower the truck bed to stop the flow of aggregate into the spreader.