481212 - Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation
When it comes to efficient and flexible freight movement by air, NAICS code 481212 plays a crucial role in the transportation and logistics industry. This code represents businesses that provide nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation, ensuring cargo can be shipped swiftly without relying on fixed flight schedules. For companies exploring government contracting, market analysis, or business development within the air freight sector, understanding NAICS 481212 is vital.
What is NAICS Code 481212?
NAICS 481212 is titled Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation and covers:
Establishments primarily engaged in providing nonscheduled air transportation of freight by chartered aircraft. Unlike regular airlines operating on fixed schedules, these services are arranged on-demand, meeting unique or time-sensitive freight needs.
This industry caters to clients who require tailored air cargo solutions, where flexibility and responsiveness are more important than a traditional timetable.
Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing
NAICS 481212 falls under the broad Transportation and Warehousing sector, specifically focusing on air freight services. Companies in this category are essential for industries that need:
- Rapid delivery of goods to remote or less accessible locations
- Customized cargo routes and timing
- Specialized handling for oversized or sensitive freight
This niche plays a significant role in supply chain agility and supports various sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and government logistics.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 481212
Businesses operating under this code commonly provide:
- Air cargo charter services — arranging flights customized to ship freight anytime as requested by the customer.
- On-demand freight air transport — meeting urgent or irregular freight movements outside fixed airline schedules.
- Specialized air freight delivery services — including sensitive shipments like medical supplies, industrial equipment, or hazardous materials requiring special handling.
Size Standard for Eligibility
The SBA sets size standards for small business eligibility under each NAICS code. For NAICS 481212, the size standard is:
- 1,500 employees
Companies with 1,500 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses in this category, making them potentially eligible for small business government contracting programs.
Examples of Businesses in NAICS 481212
- Private air freight charter companies offering flexible cargo flights
- Helicopter carriers providing freight transport services for mining or offshore operations
- Specialized operators delivering oversized or urgent cargo by air
- Providers of nonscheduled payload delivery in support of space transportation logistics
NAICS 481212 Code Details Table
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 481212 |
| Title | Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation |
| Sector | Transportation and Warehousing |
| Primary Activities | Nonscheduled air freight transport via chartered aircraft |
| Also Includes | - Air cargo carriers (except air couriers), nonscheduled - Charter air freight services - Freight charter services, air - Freight transportation, air, charter services - Helicopter carriers, freight, nonscheduled - Space transportation, freight, nonscheduled - Transportation by spacecraft, freight |
| Typical Business Types | Air cargo charter services, on-demand freight air transport, specialized air freight delivery services |
| Size Standard (Employees) | 1,500 employees |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NAICS 481212
Q1: What is the difference between scheduled and nonscheduled air freight transportation?
Scheduled air freight operates on fixed routes and timetables, like traditional cargo airlines. Nonscheduled chartered freight is provided on an as-needed basis, without fixed schedules, allowing more flexibility for unique delivery requirements.
Q2: What types of aircraft are used under NAICS 481212?
This industry uses a variety of aircraft including fixed-wing cargo planes, helicopters for specialized freight, and sometimes spacecraft for particular high-value or experimental cargo transportation.
Q3: Are courier services included in NAICS 481212?
No, courier and messenger services are classified separately. NAICS 481212 specifically excludes air courier services and focuses on chartered freight transportation.
Q4: How does the 1,500 employee size standard affect contracting opportunities?
Businesses with 1,500 or fewer employees under NAICS 481212 are considered small businesses by the SBA, making them eligible for small business set-asides and other government contracting advantages.
Q5: Can a company providing both passenger and freight charter flights use NAICS 481212?
This NAICS code applies specifically to freight/charts air transportation. Passenger services are classified differently under other NAICS codes.
Conclusion
NAICS code 481212 is a fundamental classification for companies providing nonscheduled chartered air freight transportation within the transportation and warehousing sector. This niche offers the important flexibility that many industries require for urgent or customized cargo delivery. Understanding this NAICS code and its specifics helps businesses navigate government contracting and market positioning effectively.
For companies operating in air freight logistics or looking to enter this dynamic field, focusing on the characteristics and opportunities under NAICS 481212 is essential for growth and compliance.
Keywords: NAICS code 481212, nonscheduled chartered freight air transportation, air cargo charter services, on-demand freight air transport, transportation and warehousing, charter air freight, freight transportation air, SBA size standards
