This U.S. Census Bureau NAICS-based industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in furnishing air delivery of individually addressed letters, parcels, and packages (generally under 100 pounds) except by the U. S. postal service. While these establishments deliver their consignment by air, the initial pick-up and the final delivery are often made by other modes of transportation, such as truck, bicycle, or motorcycle. Separate establishments of air courier companies engaged in providing pick-up and delivery only, ""drop-off points"", or distribution centers are all included here.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Providing air transportation of cargo/freight over regular routes and on regular schedules--are classified in U.S. Industry 481112, Scheduled Freight Air Transportation;
• Undertaking the transportation of goods from shippers to receivers for a charge covering the entire transportation, and in turn making use of the services of various freight carriers in affecting delivery, paying transportation charges, and assuming responsibility for delivery of the goods.--are classified in U.S. Census Bureau NAICS-based industry 4885101, Freight Forwarding;
• Delivering individually addressed letters, parcels, or packages (generally under 100 pounds) within a city, town, or other local area, including adjoining towns and suburban areas; delivery is made by street or highway within the local area and by other then the U. S. Postal Service--are classified in Industry 492210, Local Messengers and Local Delivery;
• Furnishing delivery of individually addressed letters, parcels, and packages (generally under 100 pounds) by truck or other land vehicle, except locally by air or by the U. S. Postal Service--are classified in U.S. Census Bureau NAICS-based industry 4921101, Courier Services (except by Air);
• Operating establishments of the National Postal Service--are classified in Industry 4911 10, Postal Service; and
• Providing nonschedule but chartered air transportation of cargo/freight without transporting passengers--are classified in U.S. Industry 481212, Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation.