The Pyro RYT Multi-Tool is a handheld gadget designed to handle a variety of tasks through interchangeable attachments (sold separately). The Multi-Tool, combined with the TruHold tractor-beam attachment, is essential for loading and unloading cargo, so ensure you're equipped with both before embarking on your adventures.
You can pick up a Multi-Tool and tractor-beam attachment at most major landing zones and stations around the ‘verse – look out for vendors that sell mining equipment, weapons, and armor, including Cubby Blast and Shubin Interstellar. For heavy-duty lifting, the MaxLift Tractor Beam (purchasable at selected Refinery supply shops) will make handling larger and bulkier items a breeze.
To get you started on this lucrative venture, you’ll need the initial funds to acquire a suitable ship, outfit it for cargo transport, and cover operational expenses. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to pay for fuel, repairs, and upgrades.
The in-game currency, Alpha United Earth Credits (aUEC), is also essential for buying commodities that you can transport and sell for a profit. You can earn aUEC through various activities, including completing missions available on the mobiGlas.
In the expansive universe of Star Citizen, a ship with ample storage space is essential. A ship's carrying capacity is denoted by its Standard Cargo Unit (SCU) value. This becomes even more crucial if you decide to begin your journey as a cargo hauler or commodity trader, as the more you can fit in your ship's hold, the bigger your potential earnings become.
While a specialized cargo ship with expanded SCU capacity focuses on maximizing profits, it’s equally important for players to pick the ship best suited to their career level, intended tasks, and playstyle. We've included a non-exhaustive list of suggested ships below for your various cargo needs.
Robust and compact, the versatile Drake Cutter offers a good balance of cargo capacity and defensive capabilities. Its high hull strength makes it more resilient to damage than other starter ships, making it a solid choice for new Citizens taking their first steps into cargo ventures.
The Aegis Avenger Titan is one of the best ships available for a new Citizen in the 'verse. A former Advocacy patrol ship with added cargo capacity, the Titan is an agile light-cargo hauler that can confidently handle itself in a skirmish.
The MISC Hull is a series of dedicated cargo-hauling ships that provides countless options for every type of merchant, from the single-person Hull A to the super-massive Hull E bulk freighter.
The MISC Hull A has the highest cargo capacity in its class and is great for those just striking out into the galaxy on their own. Where the others trade cargo capacity for firepower or speed, the Hull A is 100% focused on transport.
The Drake Cutlass Black is a highly versatile ship boasting substantial combat and cargo prowess. With a larger-than-average cargo hold and enough firepower to defend itself effectively, the agile Cutlass Black is a strong contender in a fight and a popular choice for a variety of freight missions.
A mid-size multi-purpose starship built for cargo transport and delivery but packing enough versatility to tackle multiple roles and unpredictable jobs. The Crusader C1 Spirit's considerable cargo capacity and armament make it perfect for mid-range cargo delivery and courier tasks.
The MISC Freelancer is a medium-sized long-range freighter preferred by many cargo haulers due to its versatility and defensive capabilities.
For those wanting to maximize profits, the Freelancer MAX variant sacrifices weaponry for increased cargo capacity (120 SCU) and an extra pair of main thrusters to help move larger payloads.
While primarily designed as an exploration ship, the Drake Corsair's adaptability makes it a solid contender for cargo runs. Although the Corsair might not be the top choice for those aiming to maximize profits, it compensates for a somewhat modest storage capacity with high agility and strong defense.
A great choice for moving cargo between territories where adversaries might attempt to intercept ships and seize their valuable goods.
The RSI Constellation Taurus, a dedicated freighter variant of the Constellation series, is specifically designed as a multi-crew cargo hauler. Robust and efficient, the Taurus is an excellent choice for large-scale transport or hauling operations.
The Taurus is equipped with features that not only maximize cargo capacity but also prioritize the safety and efficiency of cargo handling. Among these features is a safety ejection system, which can instantly eject cargo that poses a risk during transit. Additionally, the Taurus boasts a security hold reinforced with high-tech plating, adding an extra layer of protection for your cargo.
Utilizing the patented Hercules military-grade spaceframe and expanding cargo capacity, while sacrificing barely any firepower, the Crusader C2 Hercules has become the cargo industry standard.
With an impressive capacity of 696 SCU and a substantial weapons loadout, the C2 Hercules outperforms any other ship in its class in terms of cargo hauling and can hit back hard if required. This colossal ship can also be operated by a single person, while its speed and prospective in-game profits contribute to its widespread preference among cargo haulers in the 'verse.
Commodities play a pivotal role in the in-game economy. These resources are not meant for personal use but rather for processing or trading. They are the primary goods Citizens buy and sell to turn a profit, making commodity trading the cornerstone of cargo gameplay. Their value can fluctuate based on supply and demand, making it crucial to identify optimal trade routes and markets.
Most commodities can be bought or sold at kiosks in Trade & Development Division buildings (TDDs) at major landing zones, admin offices in space stations, and storage buildings at some surface outposts. These commodities are purchased and sold in boxes, the sizes of which vary based on location and ship size.
Commodities can also be acquired from mining and research facilities, hydroponics labs, cities, and space stations as well as certain illegal operations on planets and moons.
Each locale stocks a limited selection of commodities and will have different demand levels for different goods. Pricing also differs per location, so it is worth keeping abreast of the economy to know where demand is highest for a particular type of commodity. To maximize earnings, buy low and sell high.
Once a suitable ship is acquired and outfitted for a run, your next step is to determine your most profitable trade routes and commodities based on your ship's SCU capacity and preferred risk level. Trading high-value commodities can be very profitable, but it also comes with increased risks, such as piracy and market depreciation.
Some commodities popular with traders include laranite, beryl, diamond, gold, medical supplies, hephaestanite, and recycled material composite (RMC).
Tip: Avoid investing all your credits into a single commodity. Diversify your trades to mitigate risk and capitalize on varying market conditions.
It's now time to acquire the commodities you'll be trading. Purchase commodities from locations where they're cheap; mining outposts often sell raw materials at lower prices, while high-tech planets may offer advanced goods at a premium.
Head to the nearest trade kiosk relevant to your needs and interact with it by tapping 'F' while looking at it. From the dropdown menu, select the current location or your ship as the destination. Click on the Buy tab, select the commodity you want to purchase, adjust the purchase quantity using the slider, and confirm your purchase.
Note: If you're at a landing zone, ensure your ship is stored for it to be available in the dropdown menu. Only locations with hangars offer automated loading and unloading services.
Selecting the current location as the destination will place the commodities in the location's warehouse. You will then have to manually load the commodities onto a ship (retrieved using the ASOP terminal) using the freight elevator and a tractor beam gadget.
Selecting a ship as the destination will automatically load the commodities onto the ship at the cost of time and aUEC. This ship will also be briefly out of commission during the loading time but will return fully stocked, re-armed, and ready for immediate departure when the automated loading service is completed.
Once your ship is loaded with commodities, navigate to your chosen destination, preferably where your commodities are in high demand. Stay vigilant during the journey to avoid being attacked by other players. It might also be helpful to monitor the in-game global chat for any reported pirate sightings. Upon arrival, land near freight kiosks for efficient cargo handling and unload and sell your cargo for profit.
At locations that offer automated loading and unloading services, you must land legally in order to trade from your ship, as your ship will not appear in the kiosk if you don't.
Tip: 'Creatively-acquired' cargo or vice commodities require unscrupulous buyers. Your best bet is to head to a "No Questions Asked" terminal, typically found in salvage/scrap yards to offload these 'sensitive goods.'
Plan Your Routes
---
Before embarking on a cargo run, plan your route carefully. Understand the destination, consider potential challenges like pirate activity or restricted zones, and optimize your travel path. Efficient planning saves time and minimizes risks.
Monitor Market Trends
---
Keep an eye on commodity prices and supply-demand dynamics in the Journal app on your mobiGlas. Adapt to changing market conditions for maximum profit.
Choose The Right Ship
---
Select a ship that suits your needs and playstyle. While larger ships tend to have increased SCU capacity, which increases your potential profits per run, they may require more crew members to operate.
Upgrade Your Quantum Drive
---
Your quantum drive is your best friend when it comes to cargo hauling. Upgrading to a more powerful drive can significantly reduce travel time between trade points, allowing you to complete more runs in less time.
Security Measures
---
Be prepared to encounter pirates. Equip your ship with appropriate weapons and shields. Learn evasion tactics and stay vigilant during your cargo runs. If you're not comfortable with PvP, consider getting some hired guns to escort you on your runs.
Risk Management
---
Never buy more than what you are willing to lose. Trading isn’t without its risks and the 'verse can be an unforgiving place. Pirates, system malfunctions, and market fluctuations can all impact your bottom line.
Illegal Cargo and Consequences
---
While illegal cargo like SLAM can be profitable, it comes with high risk. You could face legal consequences if caught, including confiscation, fines, ship impoundment, and even imprisonment. Weigh the potential profits against the risks before engaging in such trades.
Community Resources
---
Figuring out the optimal trade run can be a daunting task, especially if you're a new citizen. Luckily, there's a treasure trove of community-created resources you can delve into, including suggestions for profitable trade routes and other tips.
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}To get started, open the Contract Manager in your mobiGlas and select and accept a hauling mission contract. These contracts will specify the type and quantity of goods and the destination. Once a contract has been accepted, it can be shared with the rest of your party. Missions can come in various combinations of cargo quantity and distance according to their role within the logistical network.
Note: Accepting a contract called 'Opportunity for Independent Cargo Hauler' from Covalex Independent Contractors will start your cargo hauling career.
Once you’ve accepted a contract, plan your route carefully. You’ll be navigating a logistics network that includes distribution centers, Lagrange points, gateway stations, low orbit stations, and landing zones. Some contracts may even require you to visit multiple pick-up locations.
Make your way to the designated pick-up location(s) to acquire the cargo. Don't forget your tractor beam gadget; you'll need it to load the cargo onto your ship unless you utilize the automatic cargo loading service at locations that offer it. Keep your head on a swivel while loading, especially if you're not in an Armistice Zone; danger could be lurking!
Navigate to the drop-off location specified in the contract. Certain contracts will require you to visit multiple drop-off locations to complete the mission. As you transport the goods, keep an eye on your cargo and ensure it remains secure. You’ll need to manage your resources and navigate any challenges that arise during your journey; be prepared to fend off pirates!
Upon reaching the designated drop-off location, deliver the goods as specified in the contract. Repeat until all cargo has been delivered to its corresponding destination.
Successful deliveries will earn you rewards and potentially unlock more lucrative contracts as your Reputation in hauling grows.