Freight networks

Every colony in the Commonwealth depends on a reliable freight network to keep essential goods, equipment and construction materials moving. The department coordinates freight scheduling across the hyperlane corridors and works with system governments to make sure remote settlements are never more than one scheduled shipment away from resupply.

Freight moves through a tiered network. Bulk carriers run fixed routes between orbital hubs on the primary corridors, redistribution depots break shipments down for surface delivery, and last-mile operators complete the run to individual settlements, including those without a permanent spaceport.

Operators wanting to run scheduled freight services on a Commonwealth corridor need a freight licence, issued under the Interstellar Transport Act. Licensing gives operators priority access to beacon slots and requires them to meet the department's safety and reporting standards.