Industry Description
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.
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--
Business Examples
Common types of business activities within NAICS 492110 - Couriers and Express Delivery Services are:
- Courier services (i.e., intercity network) (except establishments operating under a universal service obligation)
- Air courier services (except establishments operating under a universal service obligation)
- Local letter and parcel delivery services as part of intercity courier network
- Express delivery services (except establishments operating under a universal service obligation)
IBISWorld Industry Research Report
Couriers & Local Delivery Services in the US (49222)
Revenue 2025
$191bn
Growth 2025
2.66%
Key Trends
Over the past five years, developments in the e-commerce and online retailing space have driven industry growth
Volatile input costs constrain profit growth
Industry customers are expected to continue integrating vertically, decreasing demand
Products and Services
Similar Industries
For some business types, there may be a similar industry to 492110 - Couriers and Express Delivery Services that is a better classification match. Establishments primarily engaged in:
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NAICS Cross Reference
Providing the truck transportation of palletized general freight--are classified in Industry Group 4841, General Freight Trucking.
IBISWorld industry research report
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NAICS Cross Reference
Providing parcel and express delivery services in addition to mail services under a universal service obligation--are classified in Industry 491110, Postal Service;
IBISWorld industry research report
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NAICS Cross Reference
Providing messenger and delivery services within a metropolitan area or within an urban center--are classified in Industry 492210, Local Messengers and Local Delivery; and
IBISWorld industry research report
NAICS Hierarchy 492110 - Couriers and Express Delivery Services
NAICS Code 492110 - Couriers and Express Delivery Services sits in the 2-digit Couriers and Express Delivery Services sector. NAICS codes can be 2- to 6-digits and the further along the hierarchy, the more detailed and specific the category will be. Learn more about the structure of NAICS codes
2 Digits: 48-49
Sector Title: Transportation and Warehousing
3 Digits 4 Digits 5 Digits 6 Digits
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4911 Postal Service
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49111 Postal Service
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4921 Couriers and Express Delivery Services
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49211 Couriers and Express Delivery Services
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4922 Local Messengers and Local Delivery
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49221 Local Messengers and Local Delivery
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4931 Warehousing and Storage
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49311 General Warehousing and Storage
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49312 Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage
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49313 Farm Product Warehousing and Storage
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49319 Other Warehousing and Storage
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Similar Industries Niche and Emerging
IBISWorld provides research on hundreds of niche and emerging industries, including the following for 492110 - Couriers and Express Delivery Services.
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