Warehousing and storage

North American Industry Classification System code (NAICS): 493

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating general merchandise, refrigerated and other warehousing and storage facilities. Included in this subsector are third-party warehouses serving retail chains and wholesalers. Establishments in this subsector provide facilities to store goods for customers. They do not take name to 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 a customer's goods. Logistics services can include labelling, 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 subsector always provide storage services in addition to any logistics services. Furthermore, the storage of goods must be more than incidental to the performance of a service such as price marking. Both public and contract warehousing are included in this subsector. Public warehousing generally provides short-term storage, typically for less than thirty days. Contract warehousing generally involves a longer-term contract, often including the provision of logistical services and dedicated facilities. Bonded warehousing and storage services, and warehouses located in free trade zones, are included in the industries of this subsector. However, storage services primarily associated with the provision of credit are not.