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.
49111 Postal Service
See industry description for 491110 below.
491110 Postal Service
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating the National Postal
Service. Establishments primarily engaged in performing one or more postal services, such as
sorting, routing, and/or delivery, on a contract basis (except the bulk transportation of mail)
are included in this industry.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
- Providing bulk transportation of mail on a contract basis to and from postal service establishments - classified in Industry Group 4841, General Freight Trucking;
- Providing courier services - classified in Industry 492110, Couriers;
- Providing mailbox services along with other business services - classified in U.S. Industry 561431, Private Mail Centers; and
- Providing local messenger and delivery services - classified in Industry 492210, Local Messengers and Local Delivery.
Information courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau.
