A system and method of loading and unloading a shipping container (14) onto and off a tilt-tray vehicle (50) is described. The system includes a drawbar assembly (10) adapted to be releasably attached to opposite corner connectors (12) provided on the container (14). A winch (54) is provided for applying traction to the drawbar assembly (10) to draw the container (14) onto the vehicle tray (52) and to facilitate loading of the container onto the tray. An ejector assembly (60) is also provided to releasably engage the drawbar assembly (10) connected to the container (14). When it is desired to unload the container (14), the ejector assembly (60) is moved towards the rear of the tray (52) to move the container partially off the vehicle (50).