A cable hoisting apparatus for loading and unloading of containers with respect to vehicles including a modular assembly allowing the apparatus to be easily attached or detached with respect to the vehicle. This modular assembly includes a subframe directly attachable detachably to the vehicle which includes a reeve cylinder and a lifting cylinder mounted therewithin. A top frame is included which is pivotally movably mounted to the subframe. The lifting cylinder powers pivotal movement of the top frame. Loading and unloading of the container is powered by the reeve cylinder. The reeve cylinder moves a shoe within a shoe track which extends or contracts a cable attached to a container which is positioned about a plurality of sheaves one of which is attached to the slideable shoe. A positively engaging locking construction is included defined between the subframe and the top frame for positively retaining the container.