North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2012

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48-49 - Transportation and warehousing

This sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in transporting passengers and goods, warehousing and storing goods, and providing services to these establishments. The modes of transportation are road (trucking, transit and ground passenger), rail, water, air and pipeline. These are further subdivided according to the way in which businesses in each mode organize their establishments. National post office and courier establishments, which also transport goods, are included in this sector. Warehousing and storage establishments are subdivided according to the type of service and facility that is operated.

Many of the establishments in this sector are structured as networks, with activities, workers, and physical facilities distributed over an extensive geographic area.

481 - Air transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in for-hire, common-carrier transportation of people and/or goods using aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters.

  • Exclusion(s)

    • scenic or sightseeing air services (See 487990 Scenic and sightseeing transportation, other)
    • air courier services (See 492110 Couriers)

482 - Rail transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating railways. Establishments primarily engaged in the operation of long-haul or mainline railways, short-haul railways and passenger railways are included.

483 - Water transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in the water transportation of passengers and goods, using equipment designed for those purposes.

  • Exclusion(s)

    • same-day return sightseeing trips and cruises (See 487210 Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water)

484 - Truck transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in the truck transportation of goods. These establishments may carry general freight or specialized freight. Specialized freight comprises goods that, because of size, weight, shape or other inherent characteristics, require specialized equipment for transportation. Establishments may operate locally, that is within a metropolitan area and its hinterland, or over long distances, that is between metropolitan areas.

485 - Transit and ground passenger transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in a variety of passenger transportation activities, using equipment designed for those purposes. These activities are distinguished based on process factors, such as whether routes are scheduled, run over fixed routes, and charged on a per-seat or per-vehicle basis.

  • Exclusion(s)

    • passenger transportation associated with scenic or sightseeing activities (See 487 Scenic and sightseeing transportation)

486 - Pipeline transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in the transport of goods by pipeline. The pipelines are designed to specifications for the transport of a particular good, such as crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products. Pipeline transportation includes integrated systems comprising various types of pipelines and ancillary facilities, such as pumping stations and incidental storage facilities.

  • Exclusion(s)

    • operating gathering lines to transport crude oil or natural gas from wells to field processing plants (See 211 Oil and gas extraction)

487 - Scenic and sightseeing transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing recreational transportation, such as sightseeing or dinner cruises, steam train excursions, horse-drawn sightseeing rides, air-boat rides or hot-air balloon rides. These establishments often use vintage or specialized transportation equipment. The services provided are local in nature, usually involving same-day return. Establishments that provide charter fishing services are included.

  • Exclusion(s)

    • providing scenic and sightseeing services using airplanes, in combination with other specialty air transportation or flying services (See 481215 Non-scheduled specialty flying services)
    • providing sporting services, such as fishing guides, white-water rafting, pack trains and water-skiing (See 713990 All other amusement and recreation industries)

488 - Support activities for transportation

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing services to other transportation establishments. These services may be specific to a mode of transportation, or they may be multi-modal.

491 - Postal service

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating the postal service. Establishments of the Post Office, other than those primarily engaged in providing courier services, are classified in this industry, as well as establishments that carry on one or more functions of the postal service on a contract basis, except the delivery of mail in bulk.

492 - Couriers and messengers

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing courier delivery services; or messenger and delivery services of small parcels within a single urban area.

493 - Warehousing and storage

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating general merchandise, refrigerated and other warehousing and storage facilities. Included in this subsector are third-party warehouses serving retail chains and wholesalers. Establishments in this subsector provide facilities to store goods for customers. They do not take title to the goods they handle. These establishments take responsibility for storing the goods and keeping them secure. They may also provide a range of services, often referred to as logistics services, related to the distribution of a customer's goods. Logistics services can include labelling, breaking bulk, inventory control and management, light assembly, order entry and fulfillment, packaging, pick and pack, price marking and ticketing and transportation arrangement. However, establishments in this subsector always provide storage services in addition to any logistics services. Furthermore, the storage of goods must be more than incidental to the performance of a service such as price marking.

Both public and contract warehousing are included in this subsector. Public warehousing generally provides short-term storage, typically for less than thirty days. Contract warehousing generally involves a longer-term contract, often including the provision of logistical services and dedicated facilities.

Bonded warehousing and storage services, and warehouses located in free trade zones, are included in the industries of this subsector. However, storage services primarily associated with the provision of credit are not.

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