Analysis
NAICS 48321 is the 2022 NAICS industry for inland water transportation, part of 4832 (Inland Water Transportation). Census lists 19 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 692 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 21,136 people at an average annual payroll of $91,781 per employee (79th percentile of national industries). 61% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 16% and employment rose 9%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 4831, 48721, 71321 and 53228. 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 19 index entries; typical ones are barge transportation, canal (freight) and canal passenger transportation.
It splits into 2 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 483211 (Inland Water Freight Transportation) with 393.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing inland water transportation of passengers and/or cargo on lakes, rivers, or intracoastal waterways (except on the Great Lakes System).
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing water transportation in deep sea, coastal, or on the Great Lakes System | 4831 Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation |
| Providing scenic and sightseeing water transportation, such as harbor cruises and charter fishing boat operations | 48721 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water |
| 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 (19)
- Barge transportation, canal (freight)
- Canal passenger transportation