Thank you Samuel!!
Something about your post kinda triggered something in my brain and I went back into game to try something....Sure enough, I am making this more complicated than it needs to be.
I was confused by the ship "sheet" that you bring up by hitting H. It ALWAYS says 3 in the cargo stat because it is reflecting that I can carry 3 cargo total! I get it now...it automatically gives you the cash for the goodies in your cargo hold and sets it back to 0 everytime.....told ya I was a noob!
Thanks again Samuel