49111 - Postal Service

When it comes to mail and parcel delivery services, NAICS code 49111 is the industry classification that defines the Postal Service sector. This code is crucial for businesses aiming to participate in government contracts, understand market segments, or analyze the transportation and logistics industry. Whether you’re involved in government-operated postal services or private courier businesses, knowing the details about NAICS 49111 can help you navigate opportunities and industry benchmarks.

What Is NAICS Code 49111?

NAICS Code 49111 - Postal Service encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing postal services, including the collection, processing, and delivery of mail and parcels. This industry sector covers:

Government-operated postal systems
Private courier services
Express delivery companies

The classification helps differentiate postal services within the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector, providing a clear framework for businesses, researchers, and government agencies.

Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing

NAICS 49111 is nested within the larger Transportation and Warehousing sector, which includes services related to moving goods and passengers. Postal services are a fundamental part of this sector due to their role in logistics and communication.

Typical business activities include:

Collection and sorting of letters and parcels
Delivery of mail to residential and commercial addresses
Express and overnight delivery services
Government and private courier operations

Size Standards for NAICS Code 49111

For businesses interested in federal contracting or small business classification, size standards define eligibility based on employee count or annual receipts. For NAICS 49111, the general size standard is:

Maximum 1,500 employees

Meeting these thresholds qualifies a business as small for most government contracting purposes under this NAICS code.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 49111

Common examples of business types classified under NAICS 49111 include:

United States Postal Service (USPS) – The government-operated postal administration in the U.S.
Private Courier and Express Delivery Services – Companies like FedEx, UPS, DHL (private sector postal and parcel delivery)
Regional Mail and Parcel Delivery Services – Smaller local courier companies specializing in mail delivery and logistical support

NAICS Code 49111 Details Table

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	49111
Title	Postal Service
Description	Establishments primarily engaged in postal services including collection, processing, and delivery of mail and parcels
Sector	Transportation and Warehousing
Typical Business Types	USPS, Private courier services, Express delivery services
Size Standard	Maximum 1,500 employees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What industries does NAICS 49111 cover?

NAICS 49111 covers postal services including government postal agencies and private courier services involved in the collection, processing, and delivery of mail and parcels.

Is the United States Postal Service classified under this NAICS code?

Yes, the USPS is a primary example of a business classified under NAICS 49111.

What is the size limit for small businesses under NAICS 49111?

The size standard for a small business in the postal service industry (NAICS 49111) is up to 1,500 employees.

Are private courier services included in NAICS 49111?

Yes, private couriers and express delivery services are included in this NAICS code.

Can a business in NAICS 49111 apply for government contracts?

Yes, understanding this NAICS code is essential for postal service companies to qualify for relevant government contracting opportunities.

Conclusion

NAICS code 49111 is your go-to classification when dealing with postal services within the transportation and warehousing sector. Understanding its scope, size standards, and typical business activities can open doors for businesses in government contracting, industry analysis, and market positioning. Whether you represent a major courier or a regional postal service, aligning your business under this NAICS code is a strategic first step in leveraging industry opportunities.

Keywords: NAICS 49111, postal service, United States Postal Service, USPS, private courier services, mail delivery, parcel delivery, transportation and warehousing sector, NAICS codes, government contracting, small business size standards

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