48-49 - Transportation and Warehousing
The transportation of goods and passengers forms the backbone of any thriving economy, connecting businesses, consumers, and markets across the globe. At the heart of this essential function is NAICS code 48-49 – Transportation and Warehousing, a crucial classification in the North American Industry Classification System. Whether you're a business owner, contractor, or government agency, understanding this sector is key to navigating federal contracts, compliance, and market opportunities.
What is NAICS Code 48-49?
NAICS code 48-49 encompasses a broad range of establishments primarily engaged in the transportation of passengers and cargo, along with warehousing and storage. This sector spans multiple transportation modes and related support services, playing a pivotal role in supply chain management and logistics.
Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing
The Transportation and Warehousing sector includes companies and organizations focused on:
- Passenger transportation: Moving people via air, rail, water, and road.
- Cargo transportation: Shipping freight through pipelines, trucks, railroads, ships, and airplanes.
- Warehousing and storage: Providing facilities and logistics services for storing goods.
- Support activities: Such as terminal and ground services, freight forwarding, and logistics planning.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Airlines: Commercial air transport companies moving passengers and freight.
- Railroad Transportation: Companies operating freight and passenger trains.
- Warehousing and Storage Facilities: Providers of storage solutions and distribution centers.
- Truck Transportation: Local and long-distance freight haulage by road.
- Water Transportation: Shipping of goods and passengers via waterways.
- Pipeline Transportation: Moving natural gas, crude oil, and other substances through pipeline systems.
- Support Activities: Freight forwarding, terminal operations, and other logistical services.
Size Standards for NAICS Code 48-49
To qualify for small business programs under NAICS 48-49, the Small Business Administration (SBA) establishes size standards primarily based on the number of employees or annual receipts. These standards ensure meaningful participation of small businesses in government contracting.
| Subsector | NAICS Code | Size Standard (Employees or Revenue) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation | 481 | 1,500 employees |
| Rail Transportation | 482 | 1,500 employees |
| Water Transportation | 483 | 1,500 employees |
| Truck Transportation | 484 | 1,250 employees |
| Transit and Ground Passenger | 485 | 1,500 employees |
| Pipeline Transportation | 486 | 1,500 employees |
| Scenic and Sightseeing Transport | 487 | 500 employees |
| Support Activities for Transport | 488 | $38.5 million (annual receipts) |
| Postal Service | 491 | Not applicable (Government entity) |
| Couriers and Messengers | 492 | $41.5 million (annual receipts) |
| Warehousing and Storage | 493 | $38.5 million (annual receipts) |
Note: Size standards can vary between subsectors. Check the most current SBA guidelines for precise eligibility.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 48-49
- American Airlines Group Inc. – A leading commercial airline operating across domestic and international routes.
- CSX Corporation – A major freight railroad operator serving the eastern United States.
- XPO Logistics, Inc. – A top global provider of supply chain solutions including warehousing.
- FedEx Corporation – A courier delivery services company providing package and freight logistics.
- Kinder Morgan, Inc. – One of the largest operators of pipelines in North America.
- Local and regional trucking companies engaged in freight haulage and distribution.
NAICS Code 48-49 Details Table
| Code Range | Description | Common Business Types |
|---|---|---|
| 481 | Air Transportation | Airlines, Charter flights |
| 482 | Rail Transportation | Freight railroads, Passenger railways |
| 483 | Water Transportation | Shipping companies, Ferries |
| 484 | Truck Transportation | Long-haul trucking, Local delivery |
| 485 | Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation | Bus services, Taxi and Limousine |
| 486 | Pipeline Transportation | Oil and gas pipeline operators |
| 487 | Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation | Tour buses, Sightseeing boats |
| 488 | Support Activities for Transportation | Freight forwarding, Terminal services |
| 491 | Postal Service | Postal delivery services (government) |
| 492 | Couriers and Messengers | Express delivery, Parcel couriers |
| 493 | Warehousing and Storage | Warehousing facilities, Distribution centers |
FAQs About NAICS Code 48-49 – Transportation and Warehousing
Q1: What types of businesses are included in NAICS code 48-49?
A: It includes businesses involved in passenger and cargo transportation by air, rail, water, truck, and pipeline, as well as warehousing, storage, and support activities for transportation.
Q2: How do I know if my business qualifies as small under NAICS 48-49?
A: Small business size standards vary by subsector but are generally based on the number of employees or annual revenue, as defined by the SBA. Check the SBA’s Size Standards Tool for your specific NAICS code.
Q3: Can a trucking company operating locally fall under NAICS 48-49?
A: Yes, local and long-distance trucking companies are categorized under NAICS code 484 in the Transportation and Warehousing sector.
Q4: Is warehousing included in transportation?
A: Yes, warehousing and storage facilities fall under NAICS code 493 within this sector, providing crucial support to transportation and logistics operations.
Q5: Where can I find more information about government contracting for NAICS 48-49 businesses?
A: Visit the SBA website and the Federal Business Opportunities portal (SAM.gov) to explore contracting opportunities, certifications, and compliance requirements.
Conclusion
NAICS code 48-49 - Transportation and Warehousing is a comprehensive sector that connects countless businesses and consumers worldwide through efficient movement and storage of goods and people. Understanding its scope, size standards, and typical business profiles can empower entrepreneurs and contractors to capitalize on federal contracting opportunities in this vital industry.
Keywords: NAICS code 48-49, Transportation and Warehousing, small business size standards, government contracts transportation, warehousing NAICS, freight transportation, logistics services, SBA size standards, transportation industry businesses.
