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NAICS 2022

492

Couriers and Messengers

Analysis

NAICS 492 is the 2022 subsector for couriers and messengers. Census lists 11 example activities under it in the official index.

County Business Patterns counts 16,226 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 1,185,718 people at an average annual payroll of $53,395 per employee (22nd percentile of national industries). 38% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.

Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 12% and employment rose 75%. 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.

Across its national industries Census lists 11 index entries; typical ones are air courier services (except establishments operating under… and alcoholic beverage delivery service.

It splits into 2 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 4921 (Couriers and Express Delivery Services) with 10,859.

Official definition

Industries in the Couriers and Messengers subsector provide intercity, local, and/or international delivery of parcels and documents (including express delivery services) without operating under a universal service obligation. These articles may originate in the U.S. but be delivered to another country and can be described as those that may be handled by one person without using special equipment. This allows the collection, pick-up, and delivery operations to be done with limited labor costs and minimal equipment. Sorting and transportation activities, where necessary, are generally mechanized. The restriction to small parcels partly distinguishes these establishments from those in the transportation industries. The complete network of courier services establishments also distinguishes these transportation services from local messenger and delivery establishments in this subsector. This includes the establishments that perform intercity transportation as well as establishments that, under contract to them, perform local pick-up and delivery. Messengers, which usually deliver within a metropolitan or single urban area, may use bicycle, foot, car, small truck, or van.

Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.

Index entries (11)

  • Air courier services (except establishments operating under a universal service obligation)
  • Alcoholic beverage delivery service