NAICS 48321 - Inland Water Transportation
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Related NAICS Codes for NAICS 48321
Click on any NAICS code to explore that specific industry within NAICS 48321
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 483211 | Inland Water Freight Transportation |
| 483212 | Inland Water Passenger Transportation |
What is NAICS 48321
NAICS code 48321, Inland Water Transportation, encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing transportation of passengers and/or cargo via inland waterways such as lakes, rivers, and intracoastal routes, excluding the Great Lakes System. Businesses operating in this sector include ferry services, barge operators, and towboat companies that facilitate the movement of goods and people through inland water routes. This sector plays a critical role in supporting regional commerce, especially where waterborne transport is more efficient or cost-effective compared to land transport. Government agencies contract these services to ensure reliable, safe, and environmentally compliant transportation for military logistics, infrastructure projects, and public transit needs, leveraging inland waterways to reduce congestion on roadways and railways.
Industry Classification for NAICS 48321
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing inland water transportation of passengers and/or cargo on lakes, rivers, or intracoastal waterways (except on the Great Lakes System).
Breakdown for NAICS 48321
- Includes transportation of passengers and cargo on inland lakes, rivers, and intracoastal waterways excluding the Great Lakes.
- Covers services such as ferry operations, barge towing, and cargo transport via inland waterways.
- Businesses must comply with maritime safety and environmental regulations specific to inland water transport.
- Typical contract sizes range from small regional services to large-scale federal logistics support.
- Supports critical government functions including military logistics, infrastructure projects, and public transit.
- Industry is subject to federal and state maritime jurisdiction and operational standards.
Included Activities for NAICS 48321
- Transporting cargo via barges on rivers and inland waterways.
- Operating passenger ferry services for public transit or tourism.
- Towing and pushing barges to support freight movement.
- Providing logistics support for military and government projects.
- Maintaining compliance with maritime safety and environmental regulations.
- Coordinating with government agencies for waterway access and scheduling.
- Loading and unloading cargo at inland ports and terminals.
- Supporting emergency response and disaster relief transportation efforts.
Business Types for NAICS 48321
- Inland water freight carriers
- Passenger ferry operators
- Barge towing companies
- Logistics service providers for government contracts
- Maritime transportation contractors
- Waterway infrastructure support firms
Government Buyers for NAICS 48321
Federal, state, and local government agencies commonly procure inland water transportation services. For example, the Department of Defense contracts these services for moving military equipment and supplies to bases accessible via inland waterways. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers often requires transportation of construction materials to support waterway maintenance and infrastructure projects. Additionally, public transit and transportation departments may contract ferry services for passenger transit in regions with extensive waterways. These agencies rely on dependable inland water transport to support logistics, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and public safety missions.
Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 48321
Contracts for inland water transportation services typically include firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreements. Procurement methods may range from competitive bidding to sole-source contracts depending on mission urgency or geographic specificity. Contract values vary widely, from smaller local ferry service contracts valued at tens of thousands of dollars to multimillion-dollar logistics contracts supporting large-scale military or infrastructure operations. Performance-based contracts are increasingly common to incentivize efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance.
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