Analysis
NAICS 488490 is the 2022 national industry for other support activities for road transportation, part of 48849 (Other Support Activities for Road Transportation). Census lists 15 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 3,571 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 36,673 people at an average annual payroll of $44,605 per employee (12th percentile of national industries). 67% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include bridge, tunnel, and highway operations, bus terminal operation, independent, cargo surveyors, truck transportation and driving services, independent (e.g., automobile, truck…, among 15 in all.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 8% and employment fell 10%. 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 4 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 8111, 488410, 485210 and 484. 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, providing automotive repair and maintenance are classified in 8111 (Automotive Repair and Maintenance) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing services (except motor vehicle towing) to road network users.
Illustrative Examples:
Bridge, tunnel, and highway operations Pilot car services (i.e., wide load warning services) Truck or weighing station operations Driving services, independent (e.g., automobile, truck delivery)
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing automotive repair and maintenance | 8111 Automotive Repair and Maintenance |
| Providing towing services to motor vehicles | 488410 Motor Vehicle Towing |
| Providing a network for busing in combination with providing terminal services | 485210 Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation |
| Providing a network for trucking in combination with providing terminal services | 484 Truck Transportation |
Index entries (15)
- Bridge, tunnel, and highway operations
- Bus terminal operation, independent
- Cargo surveyors, truck transportation
- Driving services, independent (e.g., automobile, truck delivery)
- Independent truck driver (except owner-operators)
- Inspection or weighing services, truck transportation
- Loading and unloading at truck terminals
- Pilot car services (i.e., wide load warning services)
- Shunting of trailers in truck terminals
- Snow clearing, highways and bridges, road transportation
- Snow removal, highway
- Street cleaning service
- Toll road operations, highway
- Truck weighing station operation
- Trucking terminals, independently operated