Analysis
NAICS 482112 is the 2022 national industry for short line railroads, part of 48211 (Rail Transportation). Census lists 7 example activities under it in the official index.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include beltline railroads, freight railways, short-line or beltline, logging railroads and railroad transportation, short-line or beltline, among 7 in all.
Census lists 4 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 4851, 487110, 488210 and 482111. 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 U.S. industry comprises establishments known as short-line railroads primarily engaged in operating railroads for the transport of cargo over a short distance on local rail lines not part of a rail network.
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 | 487110 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land |
| Operating switching and terminal facilities as separate establishments | 488210 Support Activities for Rail Transportation |
| Operating railroads for the transport of passengers and/or cargo over a long distance | 482111 Line-Haul Railroads |
Index entries (7)
- Beltline railroads
- Freight railways, short-line or beltline
- Logging railroads
- Railroad transportation, short-line or beltline
- Railroads, short-line or beltline
- Railway transportation, short-line or beltline
- Short-line railroads