The present invention provides a method and apparatus for charging hot direct reduced iron (HDRI) from hot transport vessels (HTVs) into a melter or finisher. In general, the apparatus includes a charging stand including a plurality of bays for receiving and supporting a plurality of HTVs. Each HTV includes at least an outlet port. This outlet port is configured to engage an inlet port of one of the plurality of bays of the charging stand via a telescoping seal that provides a substantially air-tight seal. A feed device is provided that moves the HDRI disposed within the HTVs from the outlet port/inlet port interface to a melter or finisher, such as an electric arc furnace (EAF) or the like. The charging stand also includes one or more load cells operable for weighing the HTVs and the HDRI disposed therein, such that a computer or other logic may be used to control the feed rate of the HDRI charged into the melter or finisher.