Analysis
NAICS 485510 is the 2022 national industry for charter bus industry, part of 48551 (Charter Bus Industry). Census lists 2 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 1,165 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 29,436 people at an average annual payroll of $47,856 per employee (15th percentile of national industries). 37% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 9% and employment fell 11%. 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.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include bus charter services (except scenic, sightseeing) and charter bus services (except scenic, sightseeing).
For example, providing scenic and local sightseeing transportation using buses are classified in 487110 (Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land) instead.
Census lists 2 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 487110 and 485210. 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.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing buses for charter. These establishments provide bus services to meet customers' road transportation needs and generally do not operate over fixed routes and on regular schedules.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
Index entries (2)
- Bus charter services (except scenic, sightseeing)
- Charter bus services (except scenic, sightseeing)