Couriers & Express Delivery Services
Key Figures
Figures are published for NAICS 492110 directly.
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Official definition
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, urban centers, or international, but the establishments of this industry form a network that includes local pick-up and delivery to serve their customers' needs.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain.
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
Which code does this activity belong in?
Couriers and Express Delivery Services establishments operate networked courier and express delivery systems that connect metropolitan areas and urban centers, often internationally, while maintaining local pick-up and delivery capabilities to serve customer needs. These establishments provide air, surface, or combined mode delivery of parcels containing goods and documents outside the normal mail service framework. They differ from Local Messengers and Local Delivery establishments, which focus on same-day delivery within a single metropolitan area or local region rather than building intercity or international networks.
Where this sits
Related guides
Get verified logistics industry trends data from federal sources. Total Transportation & Warehousing Employment: 6.5M+ (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
About 3 million workers in five federal delivery industries. Couriers, freight trucking, last-mile delivery and USPS compared on jobs, growth and prices.