488490 - Other Support Activities for Road Transportation
When dealing with government contracts or market research in the transportation sector, it's essential to understand specific NAICS codes. One such important classification is NAICS Code 488490 – Other Support Activities for Road Transportation. This code encapsulates various support services crucial to maintaining the efficiency, safety, and operation of road transportation systems across the United States. Whether you’re a business owner exploring federal opportunities or simply looking to understand this niche industry, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview.
What is NAICS Code 488490?
NAICS Code 488490 is part of the Transportation and Warehousing sector and refers specifically to establishments primarily engaged in providing support activities for road transportation. These activities include vehicle towing, road maintenance, traffic control, and other related services that enable the smooth operation of roadways and transportation networks.
Key Points:
- Code: 488490
- Title: Other Support Activities for Road Transportation
- Sector: Transportation and Warehousing
- Description: Establishments providing support services for road transportation such as towing, traffic control, road maintenance, and related services.
Sector Overview and Typical Business Activities
This NAICS code falls within the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector, encompassing a critical subset of companies that facilitate road transport beyond direct freight or passenger movement.
Typical Activities and Business Types Include:
- Vehicle Towing Services: Emergency towing, roadside assistance, and recovery
- Road Maintenance and Repair: Snow clearing, street cleaning, and highway repairs
- Traffic Control and Management Services: Pilot car services for wide loads, traffic monitoring, and truck weighing stations
Such support services are vital for ensuring road transportation systems function safely and efficiently, reducing delays, and maintaining infrastructure.
Size Standard for NAICS Code 488490
Understanding the SBA size standards is crucial for businesses aiming to qualify as a small business under this classification.
- Size Standard: $18 million in average annual receipts
This means a company must have annual receipts of $18 million or less to be considered a small business under this NAICS code for federal contracting purposes.
Detailed Breakdown: Code 488490 Activities
Below is a detailed table listing specific activities and services included under NAICS code 488490:
| Activity/Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Bridge, tunnel, and highway operations | Managing operations for various roadway infrastructures |
| Bus terminal operation, independent | Operating bus terminals not owned by transportation firms |
| Cargo surveyors, truck transportation | Inspecting and reporting on truck cargo |
| Driving services, independent | Independent drivers offering automobile/truck delivery services |
| Independent truck driver (except owner-operators) | Truck drivers contracted without truck ownership |
| Inspection or weighing services, truck transportation | Services inspecting or weighing trucks and cargo |
| Loading and unloading at truck terminals | Handling cargo at independent trucking terminals |
| Pilot car services (wide load warning services) | Escort services for oversized or wide load vehicles |
| Shunting of trailers in truck terminals | Moving trailers within trucking facilities |
| Snow clearing, highways and bridges, road transportation | Snow and ice removal to maintain road safety |
| Snow removal, highway | Keeping highways clear during snow events |
| Street cleaning service | Cleaning streets to maintain city roadways |
| Toll road operations, highway | Managing toll collection and road access |
| Truck weighing station operation | Operating stations to weigh trucks for regulatory compliance |
| Trucking terminals, independently operated | Running independent truck terminals and facilities |
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 488490
The following businesses commonly operate under this NAICS code:
- Vehicle towing companies offering roadside assistance and vehicle recovery
- Road maintenance firms specializing in snow removal, street cleaning, and highway repair
- Traffic control companies providing pilot car services, truck inspection, and weighing station operations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What industries use NAICS code 488490?
This code is primarily used by service providers supporting road transportation such as towing companies, road maintenance contractors, and traffic management services.
How can I determine if my business qualifies under NAICS 488490?
If your primary business involves support activities for road transportation—not direct freight or passenger transport—you likely qualify. Review the detailed activities to confirm fit.
What is the importance of identifying the correct NAICS code?
Using the correct NAICS code ensures eligibility for federal contracts, proper business classification, and accurate market research analysis.
What are the size standards for small businesses under this code?
The SBA defines a small business under NAICS 488490 as having average annual receipts of $18 million or less.
Can owner-operator truck drivers be classified under this code?
No, independent truck drivers under this code exclude owner-operators. Owner-operators typically fall under different NAICS classifications.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 488490 — Other Support Activities for Road Transportation — represents a vital segment of the transportation industry focused on supporting road infrastructure and operations. From towing and truck terminal management to traffic control and road maintenance, these businesses ensure safety and efficiency on America’s roadways. Whether you are a business owner or a contracting professional, understanding this classification can help you better navigate federal contracting opportunities and industry trends.
Optimize your federal contracting strategy by accurately classifying your business under NAICS Code 488490 and capitalize on the growing demand for road transportation support services.
