Analysis
NAICS 48311 is the 2022 NAICS industry for deep sea, coastal, and great lakes water transportation, part of 4831 (Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation). Census lists 31 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 1,098 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 41,670 people at an average annual payroll of $116,593 per employee (90th percentile of national industries). 58% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Census lists 6 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 48321, 48721, 48833 and 71321. 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.
Across its national industries Census lists 31 index entries; typical ones are deep sea freight transportation to or from foreign ports, cruise lines (i.e., deep sea passenger transportation to or…, barge transportation, coastal or Great Lakes (including St.… and coastal passenger transportation to and from domestic ports.
It splits into 4 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 483113 (Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation) with 483.
Its more detailed codes are 483111 Deep Sea Freight Transportation (333 establishments), 483112 Deep Sea Passenger Transportation (85 establishments), 483113 Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation (483 establishments) and 483114 Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation (197 establishments).
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing deep sea, coastal, Great Lakes, and St. Lawrence Seaway water transportation. Marine transportation establishments using the facilities of the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority Commission are considered to be using the Great Lakes Water Transportation System.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing inland water transportation on lakes, rivers, or intracoastal waterways (except on the Great Lakes System) | 48321 Inland Water Transportation |
| Providing scenic and sightseeing water transportation, such as harbor cruises and charter fishing boat operations | 48721 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water |
| Operating tugboats in harbors | 48833 Navigational Services to Shipping |
| Operating floating casinos (i.e., gambling cruises, riverboat gambling casinos) | 71321 Casinos (except Casino Hotels) |
| Renting yachts and pleasure boats, such as houseboats and sailboats, without crew | 53228 Other Consumer Goods Rental |
| Renting or leasing commercial boats (including vessel supply services), without crew | 53241 Construction, Transportation, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing |
Index entries (31)
- Deep sea freight transportation to or from foreign ports
- Cruise lines (i.e., deep sea passenger transportation to or from foreign ports)
- Barge transportation, coastal or Great Lakes (including St. Lawrence Seaway)
- Coastal passenger transportation to and from domestic ports