A method of loading material into a dump body of a truck using a loading bucket whose volumetric capacity is approximately 1/3 or more than that of the dump body is provided. The dump body having side walls that are spaced relatively wider than conventional dump bodies. The loading bucket having a gate at a lower end thereof that when free swings open and causes the material contained in the loading bucket to drop into the dump body. The method including the steps of filling the loading bucket with an amount of earthen material and centering the loading bucket over the dump body. The bucket is then lowered to a position that: (1) substantially minimizes the clearance between the floor of the dump body and the swinging gate in its freed position; (2) allows the swinging gate to clear the side walls of the dump body as it swings through an arc after it is freed, and (3) allows the material to be discharged substantially in the center of the dump body. The swinging gate is then freed so as to open the bucket and allow the material held in the bucket to drop into the dump body.