Freighter

A freighter, cargo ship, or barge was a kind of spacecraft used for hauling cargo from one place to another. Although light freighters could usually hold their own in combat against other fighter craft, larger vessels tended to be less capable. These large freighters could be easy targets considering their large size, slow speed, and weak armament. For this reason most heavy freighters required escorts when navigating more dangerous regions of the galaxy. Some notable freighters include the Millennium Falcon and the Ghost.

Smuggling
Many freighters were re-purposed for use as smuggling vessels.

The Millennium Falcon, a ship owned by Han Solo, was a freighter manufactured by Corellian Engineering Corporation.

Non-canon appearances

 * Epic Yarns: The Empire Strikes Back
 * Epic Yarns: Return of the Jedi