4831 - Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation

When it comes to moving goods and passengers across vast waterways, NAICS code 4831 plays a critical role in the U.S. economy. This code covers industries engaged in transporting cargo and passengers over long distances by water, including deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes routes. Whether it's shipping raw materials overseas or ferrying passengers across the Great Lakes, businesses under this NAICS code keep commerce and travel flowing efficiently.

What is NAICS Code 4831?

NAICS 4831 - Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation comprises establishments primarily involved in the transportation of cargo or passengers by water over relatively long distances. This includes operators of various vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, and passenger ships that service deep sea routes, coastal waters, and Great Lakes corridors.

Key Features of NAICS 4831:

• Transportation of freight and passengers over long water routes
• Operations include oceangoing and coastal shipping, as well as Great Lakes water transportation
• Vessels typically involved: cargo ships, tankers, roll-on/roll-off vessels, and passenger ferries

Sector: Transportation and Warehousing

This industry falls under the Transportation and Warehousing sector, a critical part of the supply chain that supports both domestic and international trade. Businesses within NAICS 4831 directly contribute to moving bulk goods such as oil, coal, manufactured products, and passengers efficiently across water routes.

Typical Business Activities Include:

• Deep sea cargo shipping companies transporting goods globally
• Coastal freight transport services moving goods along the U.S. coastline
• Great Lakes passenger ferry operators providing transportation services

Size Standards for NAICS 4831

For government contracting and small business eligibility, the Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards based on the number of employees or annual receipts. The current size standard for NAICS code 4831 is:

• Maximum of 500 employees to qualify as a small business

This standard helps determine eligibility for government contracting set-asides and other small business programs.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 4831

• Maersk Line – Deep sea cargo shipping giant operating container ships globally
• Crowley Maritime Corporation – Coastal freight transport services along U.S. coasts
• Lake Express Ferry – Great Lakes passenger ferry operator providing service between Wisconsin and Michigan

NAICS Code 4831 Details Table

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	4831
Title	Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation
Sector	Transportation and Warehousing
Industry Description	Transportation of cargo and passengers by water over long distances including deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes routes
Typical Businesses	Cargo shipping companies, coastal freight transport, passenger ferry operators
SBA Size Standard	500 employees
Examples of Vessels	Cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does NAICS code 4831 cover?

NAICS 4831 covers businesses primarily engaged in transporting passengers and cargo via water across long distances including deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes routes.

Which sector does NAICS 4831 belong to?

It belongs to the Transportation and Warehousing sector.

What types of businesses operate under NAICS 4831?

Typical businesses include deep sea cargo shipping companies, coastal freight service providers, and passenger ferry operators on the Great Lakes.

What is the size standard for NAICS 4831?

To be classified as a small business under this code, the company must have 500 or fewer employees.

Can NAICS 4831 companies qualify for government contracts?

Yes, companies meeting the SBA size standards under this code can qualify for small business government contracting opportunities.

---

Understanding NAICS code 4831 is essential for businesses operating in water transportation, especially those targeting government contracts or looking to identify industry peers. Whether you operate large cargo vessels across the oceans or run a passenger ferry on the Great Lakes, this NAICS classification connects you to a vital sector propelling U.S. commerce and travel.