NAICS Code 491 — Postal Service
Subsector in the official 2022 North American Industry Classification System (U.S. Census Bureau). It contains 1 direct sub-code.
| Code | 491 |
|---|---|
| Title | Postal Service |
| Level | Subsector (3-digit) |
| Edition | NAICS 2022 edition |
Official definition (2022 NAICS)
The Postal Service subsector includes the activities of the National Post Office and its subcontractors operating under a universal service obligation to provide mail services, and using the infrastructure required to fulfill that obligation. These services include delivering letters and small parcels. These articles can be described as those that can be handled by one person without using special equipment. This allows the collection, pick-up, and delivery operations to be done with limited labor costs and minimal equipment. Sorting and transportation activities, where necessary, are generally mechanized. The restriction to small parcels distinguishes these establishments from those in the transportation industries. These establishments may also provide express delivery services using the infrastructure established for provision of basic mail services.
The traditional activity of the National Postal Service is described in this subsector. Subcontractors include rural post offices on contract to the Postal Service.
Bulk transportation of mail on contract to the Postal Service is not included here, because it is usually done by transportation establishments that carry other customers' cargo as well. Establishments that provide courier and express delivery services without operating under a universal service obligation are classified in Subsector 492, Couriers and Messengers.
Where 491 sits in the hierarchy
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing |
| Subsector | 491 | Postal Service |
Codes under 491
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
4911 | Postal Service |
Related Subsector codes
481— Air Transportation482— Rail Transportation483— Water Transportation484— Truck Transportation485— Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation486— Pipeline Transportation487— Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation488— Support Activities for Transportation492— Couriers and Messengers493— Warehousing and Storage
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Data: official 2022 NAICS structure, descriptions and Census concordances, U.S. Census Bureau — U.S. government works in the public domain (17 U.S.C. §105). Suggested reference, not an official determination.