confused about trade

[AntiHaze]

So from all of this I can assume the following equation:
CO=(distance*%factor)*(planet ore*%factor + planet RO*%factor)=value, if value > cargo capacity, then set value=cargo capacity.

I'm all for formulae. We would have a better jumping-off point if we could at least observe the contents of the freighter while en route. If cargo capacity is only relevant when picking up ore while harvesting, then we can remove the "if value>cargo, then value=cargo" condition.