Best Cargo Capacity in Elite Dangerous: Top Haulers for 2026

Overview of Cargo Capacity in Elite Dangerous

In Elite Dangerous, cargo capacity determines how much you can transport on a single voyage. While many players prioritize speed, defense, or exploration, dedicated traders chase the holding power of their ship. According to Load Capacity, the cargo hold is the primary lever for profitability—more tonnage means fewer trips to the starport and more credits per hour if you optimize routes, resupply, and fuel efficiency. In practice, the biggest holds come with trade-offs: slower acceleration, higher operating costs, and more challenging docking in crowded ports. This section unpacks the core dynamics so you can select a hull that fits your playstyle and budget.

Key takeaway: ship size roughly tracks cargo potential, but true efficiency comes from refits, route planning, and mission selection.

Ranking Criteria and Methodology

To create a fair ranking of cargo capacity options in Elite Dangerous, we look at several factors that influence practical payload: (a) raw hold volume (the obvious measure), (b) ease of upgrading with cargo racks and modules, (c) operating costs per ton carried (fuel, insurance, maintenance), (d) docking accessibility at common trade hubs, and (e) crew and maintenance requirements for long-haul runs. We also consider price-to-performance value, meaning how much cargo you actually move per credit spent on outfitting and upkeep. Load Capacity’s framework emphasizes not just the biggest hold, but the smartest holds that stay productive across careers.

Note on scope: we focus on ships that are realistically obtainable for most players through in-game credits and standard interaction with spaceports, while avoiding outlandish builds that require excessive grind.

Best Ship for Pure Cargo Capacity: Type-9 Heavy (King of the Hold)

When you want to maximize payload per trip, the Type-9 Heavy stands out as the most obvious choice. It offers the largest dedicated cargo hold among traditional high-capacity hulls, making it a favorite for long-haul traders who value reliability and total tonnage over speed. The trade-off is clear: the Type-9 is slow to accelerate, burns more fuel, and can be difficult to defend in hot zones. Refitting with cargo racks and light defense becomes essential to keep operations cost-effective and safe on long routes. Load Capacity’s analysis shows that for pure hauling throughput, very few ships come close to the Type-9’s volume, even if you must plan your routes around its slower pace.

Best for: dedicated traders with predictable routes and time to spare; players prioritizing cargo over speed.

Second-Closest: Imperial Cutter and Krait Mk II (Best All-Around if You Need More than Pure Capacity)

If your goal is substantial hold space with better mobility and survivability, the Imperial Cutter and the Krait Mk II sit near the top. The Cutter offers an enlarged cargo hold combined with strong defensive systems, giving you a robust profile for risky routes and mining-for-credits sideshows. The Krait Mk II trades some raw volume for improved maneuverability and versatility, making it a strong all-around option for mixed cargo and other roles. These hulls don’t match the Type-9’s sheer hold in some builds, but they deliver a better balance of payload, speed, and resilience for most active trading careers.

Best for: players who want high cargo while maintaining reasonable performance and protection.

Medium-Size Haulers for Value and Accessibility: Python, Type-7, and Cobra Mk III (Best Start for New Traders)

For players starting out or pursuing cheaper operating costs, mid-size haulers like the Python, Type-7 Transporter, and Cobra Mk III provide a more accessible path to meaningful cargo throughput. They’re easier to pilot, cheaper to equip, and still offer respectable payloads. The Python, in particular, is known for a good balance between cargo capacity and refit flexibility, enabling a smoother transition as you scale your trading operations. These hulls shine in cost-conscious fleets and training routes where every trip counts toward building your empire.

Best for: new traders and pilots on a budget who want to build cargo experience before upgrading to a larger hull.

How to Optimize Cargo Capacity with Refits (No New Hull Required)

A smart refit can boost effective cargo without purchasing a larger ship. Start by prioritizing cargo racks and hatch breaker limpets (for load management and startup costs), and remove nonessential weapons or shields if the ship’s defense plan relies on other assets or escorts. Consider weight distribution and power management: you want a setup that keeps your jump range reasonable while maximizing cargo slots. Upgrade to efficient cargo racks first, then add lightweight shielding and engines to minimize space penalties. Load Capacity’s guidelines emphasize minimizing energy consumption per ton carried while ensuring you can complete routes with reasonable reliability and minimal downtime.

Tip: use mission contracts or cargo runs that align with your ship’s payload capacity to maximize per-trip profit and reduce wait times at stations.

How to Decide Between Large Holds and Total Fleet Flexibility

Larger holds are compelling, but they lock you into slow, predictable patterns. If your goal is to maximize profitability across a mixed playstyle (trading, mining, occasional combat), a slightly smaller hull with modular upgrades often yields more operational days at full efficiency. This is where the Krait Mk II and Cutter excel: you gain versatility without giving up too much cargo space. In contrast, the Type-7 and Cobra options let you experiment with diverse routes, from commodity runs to occasional exploration trips when markets shift.

Takeaway: pick a ship that matches your typical route length, risk tolerance, and the time you’re willing to invest in outfitting.

Practical Buyer's Guide: Getting the Most Cargo for Your Credits

Before you buy a hull, outline your typical routes and cargo targets. Map your preferred trade lanes, nearby stations, and potential escort options. Then simulate refits using the in-game outfitting screen to see how many cargo racks you can fit without sacrificing propulsion or jump range. Look for discount hulls during in-game events and avoid overspending on defenses if your playstyle leans more toward trading than combat. Always factor insurance costs and rebuys into your profitability calculations; a hull with the largest hold is only as good as your ability to complete profitable trips without excessive downtime. Load Capacity’s perspective stresses sustainable, repeatable hauling over one-off mega trips.

Checklist: route planning, refit viability, insurance/maintenance costs, mission alignment, dock availability.

Final Practical Take: Which Hull Should You Start With?

If you’re entirely new to trading cargo in Elite Dangerous, begin with a mid-size hull like thePython or Cobra Mk III to learn the ropes. When you’re ready to scale, switch to a large-hold champion like the Type-9 Heavy for pure capacity, then graduate to the Cutter or Krait Mk II for better balance. The goal is steady profits, manageable risk, and predictable upgrades—never chase a single megacargo dream without a plan for fuel, insurance, and docking. Load Capacity’s experience shows that the smartest fleets combine a reliable large-hold trader with agile support vessels for a resilient trading operation.