Freight

Introduction

Most people think that if a cargo hold on a ship is rated at X dtons, then that’s how much cargo they can carry. But that is rarely the case. To get even close requires unrealistically high packing efficiencies.

A relatively new system, the Common Imperial Transportation (CIT) network, is not yet universally implemented across the Imperium.

Smaller cargos may or may not be palletised (mounted on a transport pallet) and if not then they are unlikely to stack. In this situation, it is better to look at how much cargo hold floor space is ‘consumed’ by a particular lot or consignment.

Pallets are flat loading plates that can be picked up by fork-lift trucks. Just about any object can be loaded on it provided it does not overhang: a small engine, a stack of boxed goods, etc. The cargo is then wrapped in plastic, and a metal strap secures it. A top cap may be added (if the load has an even top) to allow stacking.

Dimensions
Size1.00L x 1.25W x 0.16H
Stackup to 2.15H
Empty weight20 Kg
Capacity2.6 klitres, 1 tonne
Cargo pallet

Bulk freight is frequently transported in standard cargo containers. A standard cargo container ‘consumes’ 4 dtons of cargo hold (assuming a standard height ceiling) yet contains at most 2.9 dtons of actual cargo. Further, standard cargo containers have weight limits, so if the cargo has a very high density, then the container will not be fully loaded. Additionally, if the cargo is packed in cartons and the internal dimensions of the cargo container are not exact multiples of the carton size, then there will be unused space.


General Purpose

Suitable for the widest varieties of cargo, the General Purpose (dry) container is fully enclosed and weatherproof, having rigid walls, roof and floor, with one end equipped with doors.

Dimensions
Exterior Size6.00L x 3.00W x 2.50H
Interior Size5.84L x 2.91W x 2.29H
Door2.91W x 2.19H
Empty weight2.760 tonnes
Capacity39 klitres, 32.300 tonnes
Standard container for dry goods

Liquids

Suitable for most liquid and gas cargos, the Liquids container features a weatherproof cylindrical tank mounted inside an open frame.

Dimensions
Exterior Size6.00L x 3.00W x 2.50H
Empty weight3.400 tonnes
Capacity24 klitres, 32.600 tonnes
Standard container for liquids

Refrigerated

Typically used for fresh foodstuffs, the Refrigerated container can maintain an internal temperature of -18°C (assuming external environment is normal ambient temperature) for 90 days. It is weatherproof, having rigid walls, roof and floor, with one end equipped with doors.

Dimensions
Exterior Size6.00L x 3.00W x 2.50H
Interior Size5.44L x 2.86W x 2.19H
Door2.00W x 2.00H
Empty weight3.040 tonnes
Capacity34 klitres, 27.440 tonnes
Refridgerated container
Modular Cutter
Common Imperial Transport ship
Cargo module in transit

Hemdian’s Notebook