486990 - All Other Pipeline Transportation

Navigating the complexities of government contracting starts with understanding key industry classifications. One such essential classification is NAICS code 486990 – All Other Pipeline Transportation. This code plays a critical role in the Transportation and Warehousing sector and represents a unique subset of pipeline transportation activities that don’t fall under more common categories like natural gas or petroleum pipelines. Whether you're a business owner, government contractor, or industry analyst, knowing the ins and outs of NAICS 486990 can unlock valuable opportunities.

---

What is NAICS Code 486990?

NAICS Code 486990 covers establishments primarily engaged in the pipeline transportation of products not classified in other specific pipeline transportation industries. Unlike standard pipelines that transport crude oil, natural gas, or refined petroleum, this category includes the transportation of specialized materials through pipelines such as:

• Slurry
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Other niche or specialized substances

This makes NAICS 486990 a catch-all for a variety of pipeline transportation businesses that support unique industrial needs.

---

Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing

NAICS 486990 falls under the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector. This sector encompasses all activities related to moving goods and materials but specifically focuses on pipeline transportation that is specialized or not otherwise classified.

Typical Business Activities under NAICS 486990:

• Carbon dioxide pipeline transportation: Transporting CO₂ often used in enhanced oil recovery, food processing, and chemical manufacturing.
• Slurry pipeline transportation: Moving mixtures of solid particles suspended in liquid, common in mining operations.
• Other specialized pipeline transportation services: Includes booster pumping stations (not related to natural gas or petroleum) and coal transportation by pipeline.

---

Size Standard for NAICS 486990

When bidding for government contracts, understanding size standards is essential to determine whether your business qualifies as a small business.

• The size standard for NAICS 486990 is $46 million in average annual receipts.

Businesses must ensure they are within this threshold to be eligible for small business set-aside contracts under this NAICS code.

---

Examples of Businesses Falling Under NAICS 486990

Companies engaged in the following activities typically classify under this code:

• Operators of carbon dioxide pipelines that serve industrial or manufacturing plants.
• Providers of slurry pipeline transportation services used in mining or waste disposal.
• Entities managing booster pumping stations for pipelines transporting materials other than natural gas or petroleum.
• Firms involved in transporting coal via pipeline systems.
• Specialized pipeline transportation service providers catering to unique industrial needs.

---

NAICS Code 486990 Code Details Table

Code Detail	Description
Booster pumping station (except natural gas, petroleum)	Facilities that increase pressure in pipelines transporting specialized products, excluding natural gas and petroleum.
Coal pipeline transportation	Transportation of coal through pipeline systems.
Pipeline transportation (except crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products)	Transporting specialized materials other than traditional oil and gas products.
Slurry pipeline transportation	Moving mixtures of solids in liquids (slurry) through pipelines, often for mining or waste management.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What products are transported under NAICS 486990?

NAICS 486990 includes transportation of slurry, carbon dioxide, coal, and other specialized materials via pipelines not classified under crude oil, natural gas, or refined petroleum pipeline transportation.

How does NAICS 486990 differ from other pipeline transportation codes?

Unlike codes targeting natural gas, crude oil, or refined petroleum products, 486990 covers pipeline transportation of specialized and less common materials, making it a unique classification within pipeline transportation industries.

What is the size standard for small business eligibility under NAICS 486990?

The SBA size standard for this code is $46 million in average annual receipts.

Can businesses involved in carbon dioxide pipeline transportation qualify under NAICS 486990?

Yes, carbon dioxide pipeline transportation is a key example of businesses classified under NAICS 486990.

Are booster pumping stations included in NAICS 486990?

Yes, booster pumping stations related to materials other than natural gas or petroleum are included.

---

Conclusion

Navigating the transportation sector with a focus on pipeline operations requires a clear understanding of NAICS codes. NAICS 486990 – All Other Pipeline Transportation fills a vital role by categorizing businesses engaged in transporting specialized products like slurry, carbon dioxide, and coal through pipelines. Grasping the nuances of this code along with its size standards and business examples equips companies to strategically position themselves in government contracting and industry growth opportunities.

For businesses involved in specialized pipeline transportation, leveraging the NAICS 486990 code can open doors to targeted contracts and industry recognition within the Transportation and Warehousing sector.