4862 - Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas

When it comes to the essential infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, and industries, NAICS code 4862 plays a crucial role. Known as Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas, this industry forms the backbone of natural gas delivery, ensuring continuous supply through vast pipeline networks. Whether you're a business owner, government contractor, or industry professional, understanding NAICS 4862 is key to navigating the transportation and warehousing sector efficiently.

What Is NAICS Code 4862?

NAICS code 4862 specifically covers establishments primarily engaged in the pipeline transportation of natural gas. This involves moving natural gas through pipelines from production sites or storage facilities to distribution centers or final users. These operations are critical for maintaining the energy supply chain and enabling other sectors like manufacturing, residential energy, and utilities to function smoothly.

Sector: Transportation and Warehousing

NAICS 4862 falls under the larger umbrella of the Transportation and Warehousing sector (NAICS sector 48-49). Within this sector, pipeline transportation stands out as a specialized segment focused on the safe and efficient delivery of natural gas across long distances.

Typical Business Types Under NAICS 4862

• Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Companies
• Natural Gas Pipeline Operators
• Natural Gas Transportation Services

These businesses maintain the infrastructure, monitor pipeline integrity, and manage the flow of natural gas while adhering to strict safety and regulatory requirements.

Size Standards for NAICS Code 4862

Understanding size standards is essential, especially for small business eligibility in government contracting. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the size standard for NAICS 4862 is:

• Maximum of 1,500 employees

Businesses with 1,500 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses under this NAICS code, which can impact eligibility for set-aside contracts and other government programs.

Examples of Businesses that Fall Under NAICS 4862

• Kinder Morgan, Inc. – A large-scale natural gas transportation company operating an extensive pipeline network.
• Williams Companies, Inc. – Specializes in natural gas processing and pipeline transportation services.
• Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP – Offers natural gas transportation and storage services.
• Regional and local natural gas pipeline operators providing transportation services to utilities and end-users.

NAICS Code 4862: Code Details Table

NAICS Code	Title	Description	Sector	Size Standard (Employees)	Examples of Businesses
4862	Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas	Establishments primarily engaged in pipeline transportation of natural gas to distribution centers or end users	Transportation and Warehousing	1,500	Natural gas transmission pipeline companies, pipeline operators, transportation services

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FAQ: Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas (NAICS 4862)

Q1: What activities are included in NAICS 4862?
A1: This NAICS code includes the operation and management of pipelines that transport natural gas, including maintenance of pipeline infrastructure, control systems, and transmission services to distribution systems or end users.

Q2: Can companies involved in natural gas distribution be classified under NAICS 4862?
A2: No, NAICS 4862 covers transportation via pipelines, not the distribution or retail of natural gas. Distribution typically falls under a different NAICS code (e.g., 2212).

Q3: What size qualifies a business as small under NAICS 4862?
A3: For this industry, a business with 1,500 or fewer employees is considered small according to the SBA.

Q4: How is NAICS 4862 different from NAICS 4861?
A4: NAICS 4861 covers "Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil," while NAICS 4862 is exclusively for the pipeline transportation of natural gas.

Q5: Is NAICS 4862 relevant for government contractors?
A5: Yes, many government contracting opportunities involve infrastructure, emergency response, and energy projects requiring expertise in natural gas pipeline transportation.

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Conclusion

Whether you are entering the natural gas pipeline industry, seeking government contracting opportunities, or simply exploring economic sectors, NAICS code 4862 - Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas is a critical classification to understand. Operating within the Transportation and Warehousing sector, businesses under this code sustain the vital energy infrastructure by moving natural gas safely and efficiently.

Optimizing your knowledge of this NAICS code can open doors to regulatory compliance, market identification, and strategic business development in the expanding natural gas industry. Stay informed and leverage NAICS 4862 to position your business for success in this dynamic sector.