The Antares-class freighter was a type of starship operated by civilians for the United Federation of Planets and other organizations. Ships of the class were protected by standard deflector shields and could support crews of at least twelve. The Antares-class was capable of hauling a variety of freight, including deuridium, duridium, and dilithium. In addition, crews could also haul various types of supplies and material stipulated by contract. (DS9: "The Passenger", "The Adversary", "For the Cause"; VOY: "Author, Author")