48311 - Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation

When it comes to the critical movement of goods and passengers across vast waterways, NAICS code 48311 plays a pivotal role. Known as Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation, this classification covers key maritime activities essential for trade, commuting, and economic growth in the United States and beyond.

What is NAICS Code 48311?

NAICS code 48311 encompasses establishments primarily engaged in transporting passengers or cargo via deep sea, coastal, or Great Lakes water routes. This includes a wide range of waterborne transportation services, from massive freight shipping operations to passenger ferry routes that connect coastal communities.

Sector: Transportation and Warehousing

This NAICS code falls under the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector, highlighting its critical role in moving goods and people efficiently across water bodies.

Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 48311

Businesses classified under NAICS 48311 often include:

• Freight Shipping Companies: Operating ocean-going vessels responsible for international and domestic cargo movement.
• Passenger Ferry Services: Providing transportation for commuters and tourists along coastal and Great Lakes routes.
• Great Lakes Cargo Transport Operators: Specializing in cargo routes within the Great Lakes region, vital for regional trade.

Additional services may encompass vehicle transport by water and specialized maritime logistics solutions.

Size Standards for NAICS 48311 Eligibility

For businesses to qualify under this NAICS code in federal contracting and small business programs, the Small Business Administration (SBA) defines the size standards based on revenue and employee counts:

Subsector	Size Standard
Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Freight Transportation (Bulk Cargo)	$41.5 million average annual receipts
Passenger Water Transportation	$41.5 million average annual receipts
Great Lakes Shipping Operators	$41.5 million average annual receipts

Note: Size standards can vary. It’s important to check the SBA’s current guidelines for precise eligibility details.

Detailed NAICS Code 48311 Information Table

Attribute	Details
NAICS Code	48311
Title	Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation
Description	Establishments primarily engaged in transporting passengers or cargo via deep sea, coastal, or Great Lakes water routes, including freight shipping and ferry operations.
Sector	Transportation and Warehousing
Typical Business Types	Freight shipping companies, passenger ferry services, Great Lakes cargo operators
Size Standard	$41.5 million average annual receipts (varies by subsector)

Examples of Businesses Classified Under NAICS 48311

• Maersk Line — Global freight shipping via ocean-going vessels.
• Seattle Ferry Services — Passenger ferry operations connecting coastal communities.
• Great Lakes Maritime Transportation Inc. — Cargo transport along the Great Lakes waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of services are included under NAICS 48311?

NAICS 48311 includes deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes transportation services for both freight and passengers. This covers freight shipping companies, ferry services, and cargo transport operators operating on these water routes.

Is NAICS 48311 only for commercial businesses?

Yes, this NAICS code primarily represents commercial operators engaged in waterborne transportation, including private companies and public ferry operators offering scheduled passenger services.

How can businesses determine if they qualify as small under this NAICS code?

Eligibility is usually determined by the SBA’s size standards, which consider average annual receipts and may vary by specific subsector. Typically, businesses with up to $41.5 million in average annual receipts qualify for small business status under NAICS 48311.

What sector does NAICS 48311 belong to?

It is part of the Transportation and Warehousing sector.

How can I use this NAICS code for government contracting?

Businesses use NAICS codes like 48311 to identify contracting opportunities, including federal and state government contracts tailored to maritime transportation services.

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Understanding NAICS code 48311 is essential for businesses involved in waterborne transport or those seeking contracting opportunities in this sector. Whether you operate a freight shipping line across oceans or run a ferry service in the Great Lakes, this classification outlines your industry’s framework and eligibility for various programs.

Use this guide to better position your maritime business in the market and explore growth opportunities tied to deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes water transportation.