491 Postal Service
The Postal Service subsector includes the activities of the National Post Office and its subcontractors operating under a universal service obligation to provide mail services, and using the infrastructure required to fulfill that obligation. These services include delivering letters and small parcels. These articles can be described as those that can 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 distinguishes these establishments from those in the transportation industries. These establishments may also provide express delivery services using the infrastructure established for provision of basic mail services. The traditional activity of the National Postal Service is described in this subsector. Subcontractors include rural post offices on contract to the Postal Service. Bulk transportation of mail on contract to the Postal Service is not included here, because it is usually done by transportation establishments that carry other customers' cargo as well. Establishments that provide courier and express delivery services without operating under a universal service obligation are classified in Subsector 492, Couriers and Messengers.
Where 491 sits in the NAICS 2022 hierarchy
- >48-49 Transportation and Warehousing
- >>491 Postal Service
- >>491 Postal Service
Subcategories of 491 Postal Service
Other NAICS 2022 codes under 491 Postal Service
Frequently asked questions
- What is NAICS 2022 491?
- NAICS 2022 491 is "Postal Service". The Postal Service subsector includes the activities of the National Post Office and its subcontractors operating under a universal service obligation to provide mail services, and using the infrastructure required to fulfill that obligation. These services include delivering letters and small parcels. These articles can be described as those that can 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 distinguishes these establishments from those in the transportation industries. These establishments may also provide express delivery services using the infrastructure established for provision of basic mail services. The traditional activity of the National Postal Service is described in this subsector. Subcontractors include rural post offices on contract to the Postal Service. Bulk transportation of mail on contract to the Postal Service is not included here, because it is usually done by transportation establishments that carry other customers' cargo as well. Establishments that provide courier and express delivery services without operating under a universal service obligation are classified in Subsector 492, Couriers and Messengers.
- What does NAICS 2022 491 include?
- 491 Postal Service contains 1 direct subcategory: 4911 Postal Service.
- What is the parent category of 491?
- 491 Postal Service sits under 491 Postal Service in the NAICS 2022 hierarchy.
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