Analysis
NAICS 48211 is the 2022 NAICS industry for rail transportation, part of 4821 (Rail Transportation). Census lists 12 example activities under it in the official index.
Across its national industries Census lists 12 index entries; typical ones are freight railways, line-haul and beltline railroads.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 4851, 48711 and 48821. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, operating street railroads, commuter rail, and urban rapid transit systems are classified in 4851 (Urban Transit Systems) instead.
County Business Patterns publishes no national count for it, either because the code is out of the survey's scope or because the figures are suppressed to protect individual businesses.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating railroads (except street railroads, commuter rail, urban rapid transit, and scenic and sightseeing trains). Line-haul railroads and short-line railroads are included in this industry.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Operating street railroads, commuter rail, and urban rapid transit systems | 4851 Urban Transit Systems |
| Operating scenic and sightseeing trains | 48711 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land |
| Operating switching and terminal facilities as separate establishments | 48821 Support Activities for Rail Transportation |
Index entries (12)
- Freight railways, line-haul
- Beltline railroads