Unit module (M)

The Unit module (M) is a Cargo Dock module used for handling unit product cargo. After construction, cargo for the module must normally be selected in the module’s UI, but when only one unit product cargo is available it is selected automatically. In practice, this makes it the simplest Cargo Dock module to set up when a settlement has only one compatible export.

Its main value is throughput. With Cargo Ship travel time included, a small Cargo Dock module averages 38.0 units per 60s, while a Sawmill produces 27 units per 60s. Based on that comparison, one small module can continuously outpace a 1-shift outpost at 71.1% duty cycle, two small modules can keep up with a 2-shift outpost at the same duty cycle, and three small modules can keep up with a 3-shift outpost at the same duty cycle.

Cargo selection can be mixed freely between adjacent modules, and even the module types themselves can be combined as desired. However, modules that share a Cargo Dock are often built in identical pairs to make Cargo ship management easier. If the ship is not fully unloaded, it will sit idle for months before heading out again, so mixing different cargo types on the same dock can cause it to wait for the less-used cargo to clear before departing. That can reduce throughput for the more active cargo line or create shortages downstream.

• Use identical module pairs when possible if you want simpler ship scheduling and fewer idle waits.
• Mixed cargo configurations are flexible, but they are best reserved for cases where you can tolerate the ship waiting on the slower cargo type.
• The module’s sustained output should be compared against the source building’s production rate and shift count; a single small module is enough for a 1-shift Sawmill outpost under the stated duty cycle.