Definition
Warehousing and Storage (NAICS 493)

Under this topic you will find the North American Industry Classification System definition of the Warehousing and Storage (NAICS 493) subsector. You can use this definition to properly identify the segment of the industry you wish to study further in other sections of Canadian Industry Statistics.

Definition of the Subsector

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating general merchandise, refrigerated and other warehousing and storage facilities. These establishments provide facilities to store goods for customers. They do not take title 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 industry group 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 industry group. 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.

Exclusions

No exclusions are specified in the 2007 NAICS Canada manual.