Freighter

A VCX-100 light freighter A cargo ship, barge, or freighter represented a form of starship designed for the transportation of goods between locations. While light freighters were generally capable of defending themselves against fighter-type ships, larger ships, such as bulk freighters, often lacked such abilities. Due to their considerable size, reduced speed, and limited defensive capabilities, these larger freighters made vulnerable targets. Therefore, most heavy freighters needed protection when traveling through more hazardous areas of the galaxy. During the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War, many manufacturers modified freighters to serve as combat-ready starships.

The Alliance to Restore the Republic utilized freighters such as the Millennium Falcon, a YT-1300 light freighter, and the Ghost, a VCX-100 light freighter. Freighters were also in use by the Chiss Ascendancy.

Smuggling

Numerous freighters were adapted and repurposed as vessels for smuggling operations.

The Millennium Falcon, piloted by Han Solo, was a light freighter that was built by the Corellian Engineering Corporation.