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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.