486 - Pipeline Transportation

The Pipeline Transportation industry, classified under NAICS code 486, plays a crucial role in the movement of vital energy commodities like natural gas and crude oil across the United States. As an essential part of the Transportation and Warehousing sector, businesses operating within this domain ensure the efficient, safe, and continuous flow of resources that power industries and households nationwide.

Whether you are a government contractor, investor, or industry professional, understanding NAICS 486 is key to identifying business opportunities, compliance requirements, and market dynamics in the pipeline transportation industry.

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What is NAICS Code 486?

NAICS code 486, titled Pipeline Transportation, encompasses businesses involved in the transportation of goods through pipeline systems. These goods primarily include:

• Natural gas
• Crude oil
• Refined petroleum products
• Other commodities transported via pipelines

The activities under this code include the operation, maintenance, and management of pipeline infrastructure used to transport these products over long distances.

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Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing

NAICS 486 falls under the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector. This sector includes industries that provide transportation of passengers and cargo, warehousing and storage for goods, and support activities related to these services.

Within pipeline transportation, businesses focus on:

• Maintaining pipeline integrity and safety
• Managing pumping and compressor stations
• Monitoring transportation logistics
• Ensuring environmental compliance with federal and state regulations

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Typical Business Types & Activities Under NAICS 486

Businesses operating within NAICS 486 typically engage in:

• Natural Gas Pipeline Transportation: Transporting natural gas via pipelines from production sites to distribution centers.
• Crude Oil Pipeline Transportation: Moving crude oil from extraction sites to refineries.
• Refined Petroleum Pipeline Transportation: Delivering refined products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to end markets or storage terminals.

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Size Standards for NAICS Code 486

Determining whether a business qualifies as small under NAICS 486 depends on the specific subindustry and criteria established by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Below are the typical size standards:

NAICS Code	Industry Description	Size Standard (Annual Receipts or Employees)
486110	Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil	1,500 employees
486210	Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas	1,500 employees
486910	Pipeline Transportation of Refined Petroleum Products	1,500 employees

Note: Size standards may be subject to regulatory updates; consult the SBA for current thresholds.

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Examples of Businesses That Fall Under NAICS 486

• Kinder Morgan, Inc.: One of the largest energy infrastructure companies, operating extensive pipelines for natural gas and crude oil.
• Williams Companies: Specializing in natural gas pipeline transportation and processing.
• Enbridge Inc.: Known for crude oil and refined product transportation across North America.
• Smaller regional pipeline operators managing local or interstate pipeline networks.

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NAICS Code 486 Details at a Glance

NAICS Code	Title	Description	Sector	Typical Activities
486	Pipeline Transportation	Transportation of natural gas, crude oil, refined petroleum products, and other commodities via pipelines	Transportation and Warehousing	Operation, maintenance, management of pipeline systems
486110	Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil	Transport crude oil through pipelines	Transportation and Warehousing	Crude oil pipeline operation and maintenance
486210	Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas	Transport natural gas through pipelines	Transportation and Warehousing	Natural gas transmission and compressor station operation
486910	Pipeline Transportation of Refined Petroleum Products	Transport refined petroleum products	Transportation and Warehousing	Managing refined product pipelines

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NAICS Code 486

1. What types of products are transported under NAICS 486?

Primarily natural gas, crude oil, and refined petroleum products, but the code can also include other commodities transported via pipelines.

2. Does NAICS 486 include pipeline construction?

No, pipeline construction falls under different NAICS codes (e.g., 237120 - Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction). NAICS 486 focuses on pipeline transportation and operation.

3. What qualifications determine if a business is small under NAICS 486?

The SBA size standard generally defines small businesses as those with up to 1,500 employees for pipeline transportation subindustries.

4. How can businesses benefit from knowing their NAICS code?

Understanding your NAICS code helps in government contracting, regulatory compliance, market analysis, and accessing industry-specific resources and certifications.

5. Are there environmental regulations linked to businesses under NAICS 486?

Yes, pipeline operators must comply with federal and state environmental laws to ensure safe operation and minimize environmental impact.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 486 — Pipeline Transportation — is a specialized but essential segment within the Transportation and Warehousing sector. From natural gas to refined petroleum products, pipeline transportation businesses form the backbone of energy distribution in the United States. Whether you're a small business looking to qualify for government contracts or an industry stakeholder aiming to understand market classifications, mastering the specifics of NAICS 486 is indispensable.

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