49312 - Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage

When it comes to preserving perishable goods in today's fast-paced supply chain, NAICS code 49312 plays a vital role. Known as Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage, this industry ensures that temperature-sensitive products reach consumers safely and efficiently. From fresh foods to critical pharmaceuticals, refrigerated storage facilities safeguard the quality and integrity of a wide variety of items. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about NAICS 49312 — including its definition, sector, business activities, size standards, and more.

What is NAICS Code 49312: Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage?

NAICS 49312 covers establishments primarily involved in refrigerated warehousing and storage of perishable goods. These businesses operate temperature-controlled environments designed to preserve the freshness and quality of products that require consistent cold conditions. This vital service supports industries such as:

Food production and distribution
Pharmaceutical storage and logistics
Chemical manufacturing (temperature-sensitive compounds)

Industry Description

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in refrigerated warehousing and storage of perishable goods. These facilities maintain specific temperature ranges — often from freezing to chilled conditions — to ensure that products like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and pharmaceuticals remain safe and uncontaminated during storage and distribution.

Sector: Warehousing and Storage

NAICS code 49312 belongs to the broader Warehousing and Storage sector (NAICS 493). This sector encompasses establishments that provide storage of goods, materials, and products for various industries. Refrigerated warehousing is a specialized sub-sector that focuses on cold chain logistics to meet strict temperature regulations.

Typical Business Activities under NAICS 49312

Businesses classified under NAICS 49312 typically engage in activities such as:

Operating cold storage warehouses for frozen or chilled products
Managing refrigerated distribution centers that combine storage with order fulfillment
Providing temperature-controlled storage facilities for pharmaceuticals and biotech products
Offering inventory management and logistics within temperature-controlled environments
Handling loading, unloading, and safe transport coordination of temperature-sensitive goods

Size Standards for NAICS 49312 Eligibility

For small business eligibility purposes, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sets size standards based on annual revenue or number of employees. For NAICS code 49312:

Size Standard Metric	Standard Limit
Maximum Number of Employees	500 employees

Note: Size standards may vary slightly by federal agency and contract. Always verify current SBA standards for contracting purposes.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 49312

Cold Storage Warehouses: Facilities storing frozen foods like seafood and meats.
Refrigerated Distribution Centers: Warehouses combining temperature-controlled storage with logistics services.
Pharmaceutical Storage Facilities: Specialized cold vaults for vaccines, biologics, and temperature-sensitive medicines.
Food Processing Storage: Holding areas for fresh produce awaiting shipment.

NAICS Code 49312 Details At-A-Glance

Attribute	Details
NAICS Code	49312
Title	Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage
Sector	Warehousing and Storage (NAICS 493)
Industry Description	Establishments primarily engaged in refrigerated warehousing/storage of perishable goods.
Typical Business Types	Cold storage warehouses, refrigerated distribution centers, temperature-controlled storage facilities
Size Standard	500 employees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of products are stored under NAICS 49312?

Temperature-sensitive items such as fresh produce, frozen meats, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and certain chemicals.

How important is refrigerated warehousing in the supply chain?

It is critical for maintaining product quality, safety, and compliance with health regulations, especially for perishable and sensitive goods.

Can businesses with less than 500 employees qualify as small businesses under NAICS 49312?

Yes, businesses with up to 500 employees typically qualify as small businesses for contracting under this NAICS code.

Are refrigerated warehouses only used for food products?

No, while food is a major category, refrigerated warehouses also store pharmaceuticals, biotech products, and temperature-sensitive chemicals.

How does refrigerated warehousing differ from general warehousing?

Refrigerated warehousing requires specialized temperature controls and monitoring to preserve perishable products, unlike standard warehousing that stores non-perishable goods.

Conclusion

NAICS code 49312 — Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage — represents an essential segment of the Warehousing and Storage sector focused on preserving the quality of perishable goods through temperature-controlled environments. Whether you’re involved in cold chain logistics, food distribution, or pharmaceuticals, understanding this industry classification helps in government contracting, market research, and business development. With a clear set of size standards and a range of specialized operations, NAICS 49312 continues to be at the forefront of ensuring safe, efficient storage of temperature-sensitive products.

Keywords: NAICS 49312, Refrigerated Warehousing, Refrigerated Storage, Cold Storage Warehouses, Temperature-Controlled Storage, Perishable Goods Storage, Small Business Size Standards, Warehousing and Storage Sector

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