NAICS 493 - Warehousing and Storage

Industries in the Warehousing and Storage subsector are primarily engaged in operating warehousing and storage facilities for general merchandise, refrigerated goods, and other warehouse products. These establishments provide facilities to store goods. They do not sell the goods they handle. These establishments take responsibility for storing the goods and keeping them secure. They may also provide a range of services, often referred to as logistics services, related to the distribution of goods. Logistics services can include labeling, breaking bulk, inventory control and management, light assembly, order entry and fulfillment, packaging, pick and pack, price marking and ticketing, and transportation arrangement. However, establishments in this industry group always provide warehousing or storage services in addition to any logistic services. Furthermore, the warehousing or storage of goods must be more than incidental to the performance of services, such as price marking.

Bonded warehousing and storage services and warehouses located in free trade zones are included in the industries of this subsector.

• Covers establishments primarily engaged in operating warehousing and storage facilities.
• Includes services related to general merchandise, refrigerated goods, and bonded warehouses.
• Establishments provide storage and security for goods without selling them.
• Logistics services like packaging and inventory management are often included but storage remains primary.
• Applies to warehouses located in free trade zones and bonded storage facilities.
• Typical size standards vary but often include facilities handling large-scale government inventories.

• Operating warehousing and storage facilities for various goods.
• Providing inventory control and management services.
• Performing order entry, fulfillment, and pick and pack operations.
• Executing labeling, price marking, and ticketing of stored products.
• Arranging transportation and distribution logistics.
• Maintaining security and proper storage conditions, including refrigerated environments.
• Offering bonded warehousing services for customs and regulatory compliance.
• Conducting light assembly or packaging as part of logistics support.

• Third-party logistics (3PL) providers specializing in warehousing.
• Refrigerated storage facilities handling perishable goods.
• Bonded warehouses offering customs-secure storage.
• Free trade zone storage operators.
• Commercial warehousing companies serving government contracts.
• Small and medium enterprises providing niche logistics services.