Using molecular dynamics calculations, we have investigated the absorption of a C₆₀ molecule in a (10, 10) nanotube either through the open and or a large defect in the tube wall as possible scenarios for the hierarchical self-assembly of (C₆₀)_n@(10,10 “nano-peapods”. We found the absorption through a defect to be significantly more efficient than the end-on absorption. This process occurs most likely within a narrow launch velocity range for the fullerene that agrees well with the observed optimum temperature window for peapod formation.