2007 NAICS Definitions
492 Couriers and Messengers

492 Couriers and Messengers

Industries in the Couriers and Messengers subsector provide intercity and/or local delivery of parcels and documents (including express delivery services) without operating under a universal service obligation. These articles 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, small truck, or van.

4921 Couriers and Express Delivery Services

49211 Couriers and Express Delivery Services

See industry description for 492110 below.

492110 Couriers and Express Delivery Services

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing air, surface, or combined mode courier and express delivery services of parcels, but not operating under a universal service obligation. These parcels can include goods and documents, but the express delivery services are not part of the normal mail service. These services are generally between metropolitan areas or urban centers, but the establishments of this industry form a network that includes local pick-up and delivery to serve their customers' needs.

Illustrative Examples:

Air courier services, except establishments operating under a universal service obligation Express delivery services, except establishments operating under a universal service obligation Courier services (i.e., intercity network), except establishments operating under a universal service obligation

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

4922 Local Messengers and Local Delivery

49221 Local Messengers and Local Delivery

See industry description for 492210 below.

492210 Local Messengers and Local Delivery

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 pickup and delivery and do not operate as part of an intercity courier network.

Illustrative Examples:

Alcoholic beverages delivery services Letters, documents, or small parcels local delivery services Grocery delivery services (i.e., independent service from grocery store) Restaurant meals delivery services (i.e., independent service from restaurant)

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--