Analysis
NAICS 492210 is the 2022 national industry for local messengers and local delivery, part of 49221 (Local Messengers and Local Delivery). Census lists 7 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 20% and employment rose 170%. 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.
County Business Patterns counts 5,367 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 149,558 people at an average annual payroll of $52,835 per employee (21st percentile of national industries). 45% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include alcoholic beverage delivery service, bicycle courier, delivery service (except as part of intercity courier… and grocery delivery services (i.e., independent service from…, among 7 in all.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 492110, 491110 and 4841. 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 local letter and parcel delivery services as part of an intercity courier network are classified in 492110 (Couriers and Express Delivery Services) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing local messenger and delivery services of small items within a single metropolitan area or within an urban center. These establishments generally provide point-to-point pick-up and delivery and do not operate as part of an intercity courier network.
Illustrative Examples:
Letters, documents, or small parcels local delivery services Grocery delivery services (i.e., independent service from grocery store) Alcoholic beverages delivery services Restaurant meals order and delivery services (i.e., independent order and delivery services)
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing local letter and parcel delivery services as part of an intercity courier network | 492110 Couriers and Express Delivery Services |
| Operating the National Postal Service or providing postal services on a contract basis (except the bulk transportation of mail) | 491110 Postal Service |
| Providing the bulk transportation of mail on a contract basis to and from Postal Service establishments | 4841 General Freight Trucking |
Index entries (7)
- Alcoholic beverage delivery service
- Bicycle courier
- Delivery service (except as part of intercity courier network, U.S. Postal Service)
- Grocery delivery services (i.e., independent service from grocery store)
- Local letter and parcel delivery services (except as part of intercity courier network, U.S. Postal Service)
- Messenger service
- Restaurant meals order and delivery services (i.e., independent order and delivery services)