NAICS 488510 - Freight Transportation Arrangement
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What is NAICS 488510
NAICS code 488510 covers establishments primarily engaged in arranging the transportation of freight between shippers and carriers. These businesses act as intermediaries, coordinating logistics and transportation solutions without directly providing shipping services themselves. Commonly known as freight forwarders, marine shipping agents, or customs brokers, they facilitate the movement of goods across multiple transportation modes including air, sea, rail, and truck. Their expertise in regulatory compliance, documentation, and route optimization is critical to efficient supply chain management. Government agencies contract these services to ensure timely and cost-effective transportation of materials, equipment, and supplies essential to operations and mission success. By leveraging the specialized knowledge of freight transportation arrangers, agencies can navigate complex logistics challenges, international shipping regulations, and delivery deadlines with greater certainty.
Industry Classification for NAICS 488510
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in arranging transportation of freight between shippers and carriers. These establishments are usually known as freight forwarders, marine shipping agents, or customs brokers and offer a combination of services spanning transportation modes but do not directly provide shipping services.
Breakdown for NAICS 488510
- Focuses on arranging freight transportation rather than providing direct shipping services.
- Includes businesses known as freight forwarders, marine shipping agents, and customs brokers.
- Supports multiple transportation modes including air, sea, rail, and truck.
- Essential for regulatory compliance and documentation in freight movement.
- Small to large businesses can operate under this code depending on contract scope.
- Critical to government logistics and supply chain operations.
Included Activities for NAICS 488510
- Coordinating freight shipments between shippers and carriers.
- Preparing and managing transportation documentation and customs paperwork.
- Arranging multimodal transportation routes and schedules.
- Facilitating compliance with import/export regulations and customs laws.
- Providing cargo tracking and shipment status updates.
- Negotiating freight rates and contracts with carriers.
- Advising on logistics solutions to optimize cost and delivery time.
- Managing customs brokerage services for international shipments.
Business Types for NAICS 488510
- Freight forwarders
- Marine shipping agencies
- Customs brokers
- Logistics consultants
- Transportation brokers
- Supply chain management firms
Subcategories for NAICS 488510
- Agents, shipping
- Customs brokers
- Freight forwarding
- Marine shipping agency
- Shipping agents (freight forwarding)
Government Buyers for NAICS 488510
Federal government agencies such as the Department of Defense, General Services Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Service frequently procure freight transportation arrangement services. These agencies rely on freight forwarders and customs brokers to manage logistics for sensitive, large-scale, or international shipments. Such services are vital for supporting military deployments, emergency response efforts, infrastructure projects, and supply chain continuity. Additionally, agencies engaged in global operations or requiring compliance with import/export regulations depend on these businesses to ensure shipments comply with customs and transportation laws while minimizing delays and costs.
Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 488510
Contracts for freight transportation arrangement services commonly include firm-fixed-price agreements, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and task orders under multiple-award contracts. Procurement methods range from full and open competition to simplified acquisitions, depending on contract size and urgency. Typical contract values vary widely, from small-scale arrangements under $100,000 to multimillion-dollar contracts supporting extensive government supply chains. Agencies often award contracts based on demonstrated expertise, past performance, compliance with regulatory requirements, and cost-effectiveness, emphasizing firms capable of handling complex, multimodal freight logistics.
Details for NAICS 488510
Explore the hierarchy and related codes for this industry
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 48851 | Freight Transportation Arrangement |
| 4885 | Freight Transportation Arrangement |
| 488 | Support Activities for Transportation |
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