For anyone interested in moving freight, I've got the first draft done for cargo containers and equipment to move them. It's just the first draft, so please feel free to point out inconsistencies. I apologize if any of the tables come off wonky, I'm just doing a quick cut-and-paste.
Traveller Freight Containers
Standardized containers are designed to carry bulk and palletized dry cargo cheaply and efficiently. They are seen throughout the Imperium at all TL’s due to their universal adoption by virtually all freighters. They are also commonly seen around downports being used as storage containers. On some worlds enterprising people have modified the containers for use as a dwelling. There are a number of pre-fabricated models that are in use throughout human space as cheap, temporary structures and bases.
All containers are designed to be exposed to brief periods of vacuum (hours, not days) to facilitate cargo transfer in orbit or other exo-atmospheric conditions. Cargo containers have the following generalized properties:
• Containers come in three basic types – Standard, Reinforced and Space-Rated.
• Standard Containers have a base armor factor of 4. Reinforced containers have a base armor factor of 8. Space-going containers are heavily reinforced with starship-grade materials and have a ship armor factor of 1.
• The standard height is 9 meters from floor to ceiling. Most containers are constructed with a basic lighting system built into the ceiling that can run for 72 hrs on internal batteries before requiring a recharge. A port on the outside of the container allows it to be connected to an external power source, which can charge the batteries.
• Temperature control (heating or cooling) may be added by installing a ½ DT heating/cooling unit (it is approximately the size of a 1m x 1m pallet). The unit costs 3,000CR and contains an onboard fuel cell that allows it to operate for a minimum of 14 days between fuelings. Containers with temperature control also have an external interface that allows the container to be run off ships power, or any other external power source.
• Units requiring gravity control may be equipped with anti-grav flooring. The anti-grav unit takes up ¼ DT, may simulate between 0G and 4G in the cargo area, and costs 25,000CR. It has the same options and characteristics as the temperature control unit.
• Containers originating from an Imperial starport, or passing through Imperial customs will are equipped with Imperial electronic customs seals from their port of origin (TL15). They may also be equipped with any lower tech seals. Many containers retain the higher TL security mechanisms to discourage unauthorized tampering.
• Any container may be converted to carry liquid cargo. An internal tank cylinder is installed within the frame of the container (the sides/doors may be removed or retained). The price for a liquid container is 2X the standard cost and -10% capacity.
• Any container may be equipped with dry bulk goods loading/unloading capacity. This can be conveyor belts, augers, roof/floor hatches, etc. Dry bulk containers cost 1.5X the cost of a standard container and -5% capacity.
Standard Containers
The most common type of container for moving freight. It consists of a light-weight plastic polymer for the external sides, with an internally reinforced frame. It is designed to vacuum resistant, to facilitate in-orbit transfers. Doors are usually only at one end of the container, but any container may have additional doors added. Internally the container has numerous tie-down rings, including the floor, ceiling and sides.
It can retain atmosphere and heat for approximately 10hrs, losing 10% of its total air volume and internal heat per hour until it’s internal atmosphere equalizes with its external environment. This is typically an adequate timeframe transfer the container from an orbiting ship and move it to the surface.
Standard containers are not meant to be exposed to space except for very brief periods during transfer. A self-sealing liner may be applied to the container that, once it is sealed, provides an air-tight seal to protect the cargo. This seal will retain the atmosphere in the container for 1 year before it starts to break down. The seal costs 500CR and is applied to the entire inside area.
Standard containers are subject to explosive decompression effects if they are suddenly exposed to vacuum without proper precautions taking place. If explosive decompression of the cargo storage area takes place, roll 2D6. On a roll of 4 or less, the container suffers explosive decompression and the outer wall will rupture in 1D6 places. On a roll of 5-8 the container is damage (bubble-like protrusions along the walls), but it retains its pressure. On a roll of 9-12 no damage is taken. The container will need to be repaired prior to its being used for vacuum-resistant storage.
Standard containers may be stacked 4 high fully loaded under 1G conditions before an external load-bearing structure is required to hold the containers. They can support cargos of approximately 50,000 kg in weight. They weigh 1,250 kg empty.
Reinforced Containers
A reinforced container appears nearly the same externally as a standard container. But closer inspection will reveal a more rugged appearance in the sides, along with additional visible internal braces and reinforced corners. These containers are not as common as standard containers, and their cost is 1.5x the cost of a standard containers. Most reinforced containers are used for cargos that are considered more valuable, or require higher-level of security.
Reinforced containers are designed to remain airtight once sealed. They may be stored in a vacuum indefinitely (providing they are not exposed to open space for the entire time) without fear of the container losing its atmosphere. They are not subject to explosive decompression.
Reinforced containers may be stacked 5 high fully loaded under 1G conditions before an external load-bearing structure is required to hold the containers. They can support cargos of approximately 65,000kg in weight. They weigh 2,500 kg empty.
Space-Rated Containers
Space-Rated containers are designed to be carried externally on starships or left exposed to space for long periods of time. The sides and doors are lined with starship hull plating, which allows for long-term exposure to space. The cargo is protected nearly as well as the inside of a starship from micro-meteorites and radiation.
Space-rated containers are uncommon, as they cost 3x what a standard container costs. Their primary use is by in-system haulers moving cargo to remote outposts. They also occasionally show up around downports or other areas as high-security storage buildings or, on lower-tech worlds, as impromptu bunkers since their structure makes them highly resistant, if not impervious, to lower tech weaponry. Modifications, such as cutting gun ports, requires the same type of equipment necessary to work on starship hulls.
Space-rated containers are airtight and can retain the internal temperature for long periods without access to external heating/cooling devices. They are impervious to explosive decompression.
Space rated containers may be stacked 3 high fully loaded under 1G conditions before an external load-bearing structure is required to hold the containers. They can support cargos of approximately 100,000kg in weight. They weight 5,000kg empty.
Types of containers:
Type A – 3m wide by 3m deep 2x2 2 DT 5,000CR
Type B1 – 3m wide by 6m deep 2x4 4DT 8,000CR
Type B2 – 4.5m wide by 6m deep 3x4 6DT 9,000CR
Type B3 – 6m wide by 4m deep 4x4 8DT 10,000CR
Type C1 – 3m wide by 9m deep 2x6 6 DT 9,000CR
Type C2 – 4.5m wide by 9m deep 3x6 9DT 10,000CR
Type C3 – 6m wide by 9m deep 4x6 12DT 12,000CR
Type D1 – 3m wide by 12m deep 2x8 8DT 10,500CR
Type D2 – 4.5m wide by 12m deep 3x8 12DT 12,500CR
Type D3 – 6m wide by 12m deep 4x8 16DT 15,000CR
Type E1 – 3m wide by 15m deep 2x10 10DT 12,000CR
Type E2 – 4.5m wide by 15m deep 3x10 15DT 14,500CR
Type E3 – 6m wide by 15m deep 4x10 20DT 18,000CR
Cargo Handling Equipment
Grav Hand Truck – A small grav-capable hand truck capable of moving Type A and B1 containers. It consists of a pair of 2m long forks attached to a anti-gravity lifter. Once the forks are in place underneath the container, the unit is activated via a small remote unit. Most ports and industrial areas do not use grav hand trucks for movement beyond 100m in height due to safety regulations. TL10 15,000CR
Grav Forklift – Designed to move Type A, B and C containers. A small cab contains the operator station. Standard-sized forks are 3m in length (and may be lengthened to 4m to handle type 2 and 3 sized containers). The forklift is able to lift and move a single container over short distances (typically from a cargo hold to a loading/staging area). TL10, 45,000CR. A forklift designed for low/zero atmosphere is identical to the standard except for a fully-enclosed operators station that allows 8hrs of life support. 55,000CR
Grav Lifting Collar – A remotely-operated lifting device that fits flush with the top of a cargo container. The anti-gravity lifting unit is positioned in the center of the roof of the container and telescoping arms are fitted to each side. It may be modified to fit any sized container. It is generally used for Type B or larger containers. The remote control unit allows the operator to direct the movement of the container. The unit has a built-in speed governor for safety, and allows for a maximum vertical/horizontal movement of 10 meters / minute. TL10, 50,000CR
Grav Container Truck - Used to transport containers to/from the port to various locations. The cab can set up to three individuals, though typically the only occupant is the driver, who doubles as the loader/unloader. Trucks are available in multiple lengths (6m, 12m and 15m) to accommodate different sized containers. A ‘standard’ truck may carry two containers, stacked on top of each other, with a cargo bed width of 3m. A ‘heavy duty’ version has a cargo bed 6m wide, and may carry up to 4 containers stacked upon one another. The cargo bed has multiple built-in straps that allow containers to be secured. Each truck is equipped with anti-gravity lifters that allow it to travel up to 250kph fully loaded (top speed is 325kph unloaded). Most trucks are powered by fuel cells or hydrogen for economy sake. The trucks may have their cabs fitted with life-support equipment, giving one person 24hrs of life-support, or 3 people 8hrs. Most trucks carry a grav lifting collar for loading/unloading.
Standard trucks
Type Size Cargo Capacity Cost
Small 9m long x 3m wide 2 B1 200,000CR
Medium 15m long x 3m wide 2 D1 225,000CR
Large 18m long x 3m wide 2 E1 250,000CR
Heavy Duty trucks
Type Size Cargo Capacity Cost
Small 9m long x 6m wide 4 B1 or 2 B3 300,000CR
Medium 15m long x 6m wide 4 D1 or 2 D3 325,000CR
Large 18m long x 6m wide 4 E1 or 2 E3 350,000CR
Traveller Freight Containers
Standardized containers are designed to carry bulk and palletized dry cargo cheaply and efficiently. They are seen throughout the Imperium at all TL’s due to their universal adoption by virtually all freighters. They are also commonly seen around downports being used as storage containers. On some worlds enterprising people have modified the containers for use as a dwelling. There are a number of pre-fabricated models that are in use throughout human space as cheap, temporary structures and bases.
All containers are designed to be exposed to brief periods of vacuum (hours, not days) to facilitate cargo transfer in orbit or other exo-atmospheric conditions. Cargo containers have the following generalized properties:
• Containers come in three basic types – Standard, Reinforced and Space-Rated.
• Standard Containers have a base armor factor of 4. Reinforced containers have a base armor factor of 8. Space-going containers are heavily reinforced with starship-grade materials and have a ship armor factor of 1.
• The standard height is 9 meters from floor to ceiling. Most containers are constructed with a basic lighting system built into the ceiling that can run for 72 hrs on internal batteries before requiring a recharge. A port on the outside of the container allows it to be connected to an external power source, which can charge the batteries.
• Temperature control (heating or cooling) may be added by installing a ½ DT heating/cooling unit (it is approximately the size of a 1m x 1m pallet). The unit costs 3,000CR and contains an onboard fuel cell that allows it to operate for a minimum of 14 days between fuelings. Containers with temperature control also have an external interface that allows the container to be run off ships power, or any other external power source.
• Units requiring gravity control may be equipped with anti-grav flooring. The anti-grav unit takes up ¼ DT, may simulate between 0G and 4G in the cargo area, and costs 25,000CR. It has the same options and characteristics as the temperature control unit.
• Containers originating from an Imperial starport, or passing through Imperial customs will are equipped with Imperial electronic customs seals from their port of origin (TL15). They may also be equipped with any lower tech seals. Many containers retain the higher TL security mechanisms to discourage unauthorized tampering.
• Any container may be converted to carry liquid cargo. An internal tank cylinder is installed within the frame of the container (the sides/doors may be removed or retained). The price for a liquid container is 2X the standard cost and -10% capacity.
• Any container may be equipped with dry bulk goods loading/unloading capacity. This can be conveyor belts, augers, roof/floor hatches, etc. Dry bulk containers cost 1.5X the cost of a standard container and -5% capacity.
Standard Containers
The most common type of container for moving freight. It consists of a light-weight plastic polymer for the external sides, with an internally reinforced frame. It is designed to vacuum resistant, to facilitate in-orbit transfers. Doors are usually only at one end of the container, but any container may have additional doors added. Internally the container has numerous tie-down rings, including the floor, ceiling and sides.
It can retain atmosphere and heat for approximately 10hrs, losing 10% of its total air volume and internal heat per hour until it’s internal atmosphere equalizes with its external environment. This is typically an adequate timeframe transfer the container from an orbiting ship and move it to the surface.
Standard containers are not meant to be exposed to space except for very brief periods during transfer. A self-sealing liner may be applied to the container that, once it is sealed, provides an air-tight seal to protect the cargo. This seal will retain the atmosphere in the container for 1 year before it starts to break down. The seal costs 500CR and is applied to the entire inside area.
Standard containers are subject to explosive decompression effects if they are suddenly exposed to vacuum without proper precautions taking place. If explosive decompression of the cargo storage area takes place, roll 2D6. On a roll of 4 or less, the container suffers explosive decompression and the outer wall will rupture in 1D6 places. On a roll of 5-8 the container is damage (bubble-like protrusions along the walls), but it retains its pressure. On a roll of 9-12 no damage is taken. The container will need to be repaired prior to its being used for vacuum-resistant storage.
Standard containers may be stacked 4 high fully loaded under 1G conditions before an external load-bearing structure is required to hold the containers. They can support cargos of approximately 50,000 kg in weight. They weigh 1,250 kg empty.
Reinforced Containers
A reinforced container appears nearly the same externally as a standard container. But closer inspection will reveal a more rugged appearance in the sides, along with additional visible internal braces and reinforced corners. These containers are not as common as standard containers, and their cost is 1.5x the cost of a standard containers. Most reinforced containers are used for cargos that are considered more valuable, or require higher-level of security.
Reinforced containers are designed to remain airtight once sealed. They may be stored in a vacuum indefinitely (providing they are not exposed to open space for the entire time) without fear of the container losing its atmosphere. They are not subject to explosive decompression.
Reinforced containers may be stacked 5 high fully loaded under 1G conditions before an external load-bearing structure is required to hold the containers. They can support cargos of approximately 65,000kg in weight. They weigh 2,500 kg empty.
Space-Rated Containers
Space-Rated containers are designed to be carried externally on starships or left exposed to space for long periods of time. The sides and doors are lined with starship hull plating, which allows for long-term exposure to space. The cargo is protected nearly as well as the inside of a starship from micro-meteorites and radiation.
Space-rated containers are uncommon, as they cost 3x what a standard container costs. Their primary use is by in-system haulers moving cargo to remote outposts. They also occasionally show up around downports or other areas as high-security storage buildings or, on lower-tech worlds, as impromptu bunkers since their structure makes them highly resistant, if not impervious, to lower tech weaponry. Modifications, such as cutting gun ports, requires the same type of equipment necessary to work on starship hulls.
Space-rated containers are airtight and can retain the internal temperature for long periods without access to external heating/cooling devices. They are impervious to explosive decompression.
Space rated containers may be stacked 3 high fully loaded under 1G conditions before an external load-bearing structure is required to hold the containers. They can support cargos of approximately 100,000kg in weight. They weight 5,000kg empty.
Types of containers:
Type A – 3m wide by 3m deep 2x2 2 DT 5,000CR
Type B1 – 3m wide by 6m deep 2x4 4DT 8,000CR
Type B2 – 4.5m wide by 6m deep 3x4 6DT 9,000CR
Type B3 – 6m wide by 4m deep 4x4 8DT 10,000CR
Type C1 – 3m wide by 9m deep 2x6 6 DT 9,000CR
Type C2 – 4.5m wide by 9m deep 3x6 9DT 10,000CR
Type C3 – 6m wide by 9m deep 4x6 12DT 12,000CR
Type D1 – 3m wide by 12m deep 2x8 8DT 10,500CR
Type D2 – 4.5m wide by 12m deep 3x8 12DT 12,500CR
Type D3 – 6m wide by 12m deep 4x8 16DT 15,000CR
Type E1 – 3m wide by 15m deep 2x10 10DT 12,000CR
Type E2 – 4.5m wide by 15m deep 3x10 15DT 14,500CR
Type E3 – 6m wide by 15m deep 4x10 20DT 18,000CR
Cargo Handling Equipment
Grav Hand Truck – A small grav-capable hand truck capable of moving Type A and B1 containers. It consists of a pair of 2m long forks attached to a anti-gravity lifter. Once the forks are in place underneath the container, the unit is activated via a small remote unit. Most ports and industrial areas do not use grav hand trucks for movement beyond 100m in height due to safety regulations. TL10 15,000CR
Grav Forklift – Designed to move Type A, B and C containers. A small cab contains the operator station. Standard-sized forks are 3m in length (and may be lengthened to 4m to handle type 2 and 3 sized containers). The forklift is able to lift and move a single container over short distances (typically from a cargo hold to a loading/staging area). TL10, 45,000CR. A forklift designed for low/zero atmosphere is identical to the standard except for a fully-enclosed operators station that allows 8hrs of life support. 55,000CR
Grav Lifting Collar – A remotely-operated lifting device that fits flush with the top of a cargo container. The anti-gravity lifting unit is positioned in the center of the roof of the container and telescoping arms are fitted to each side. It may be modified to fit any sized container. It is generally used for Type B or larger containers. The remote control unit allows the operator to direct the movement of the container. The unit has a built-in speed governor for safety, and allows for a maximum vertical/horizontal movement of 10 meters / minute. TL10, 50,000CR
Grav Container Truck - Used to transport containers to/from the port to various locations. The cab can set up to three individuals, though typically the only occupant is the driver, who doubles as the loader/unloader. Trucks are available in multiple lengths (6m, 12m and 15m) to accommodate different sized containers. A ‘standard’ truck may carry two containers, stacked on top of each other, with a cargo bed width of 3m. A ‘heavy duty’ version has a cargo bed 6m wide, and may carry up to 4 containers stacked upon one another. The cargo bed has multiple built-in straps that allow containers to be secured. Each truck is equipped with anti-gravity lifters that allow it to travel up to 250kph fully loaded (top speed is 325kph unloaded). Most trucks are powered by fuel cells or hydrogen for economy sake. The trucks may have their cabs fitted with life-support equipment, giving one person 24hrs of life-support, or 3 people 8hrs. Most trucks carry a grav lifting collar for loading/unloading.
Standard trucks
Type Size Cargo Capacity Cost
Small 9m long x 3m wide 2 B1 200,000CR
Medium 15m long x 3m wide 2 D1 225,000CR
Large 18m long x 3m wide 2 E1 250,000CR
Heavy Duty trucks
Type Size Cargo Capacity Cost
Small 9m long x 6m wide 4 B1 or 2 B3 300,000CR
Medium 15m long x 6m wide 4 D1 or 2 D3 325,000CR
Large 18m long x 6m wide 4 E1 or 2 E3 350,000CR
