NAICS Code 492 — Couriers and Messengers
Subsector in the official 2022 North American Industry Classification System (U.S. Census Bureau). It contains 2 direct sub-codes.
| Code | 492 |
|---|---|
| Title | Couriers and Messengers |
| Level | Subsector (3-digit) |
| Edition | NAICS 2022 edition |
Official definition (2022 NAICS)
Industries in the Couriers and Messengers subsector provide intercity, local, and/or international delivery of parcels and documents (including express delivery services) without operating under a universal service obligation. These articles may originate in the U.S. but be delivered to another country and can be described as those that may 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 partly distinguishes these establishments from those in the transportation industries. The complete network of courier services establishments also distinguishes these transportation services from local messenger and delivery establishments in this subsector. This includes the establishments that perform intercity transportation as well as establishments that, under contract to them, perform local pick-up and delivery. Messengers, which usually deliver within a metropolitan or single urban area, may use bicycle, foot, car, small truck, or van.
Where 492 sits in the hierarchy
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing |
| Subsector | 492 | Couriers and Messengers |
Codes under 492
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
4921 | Couriers and Express Delivery Services |
4922 | Local Messengers and Local Delivery |
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 Transportation491— Postal Service493— 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.