NAICS UNIVERSITY · Free research for insurance agents
Marine Cargo Handling
NAICS 488320 · United States · 2022 edition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing stevedoring and other marine cargo handling services (except warehousing).
Start the review with longshoreman and harbor worker injuries.
For Marine Cargo Handling, the saved research highlights longshoreman and harbor worker injuries, cargo liability, equipment and crane operations. Confirm how these arise in the actual operation, what controls are used and whether additional services change the proposed coverage.
Questions to ask
- What types of cargo are handled — general freight, containers, bulk, hazardous materials, or project cargo?
- At how many ports or terminals does the operation work, and are those facilities owned or leased?
- What is the total payroll and approximate headcount of longshoreman and dock labor?
- Are crane operations performed in-house, or is crane work subcontracted?
- What is the prior loss history for longshoreman injuries and cargo damage claims?
- Is the operation subject to federal USL&H Act jurisdiction, state workers' comp, or both?
- For Marine Cargo Handling, what should the underwriter know about handling of hazardous, chemical, or explosive cargo at the terminal?
- For Marine Cargo Handling, what should the underwriter know about prior significant longshoreman injury claims or usl&h losses?
Activities described by this code
Other activities to examine
- Preparing freight for transportation (except warehousing): 488991 — Packing and Crating
- Operating general merchandise, refrigerated, or other warehousing and storage facilities: 493 — Warehousing and Storage;
- Operating docking and pier facilities: 488310 — Port and Harbor Operations
Census classification reference
For educational purposes only. AI-generated insurance research and automated logic can contain errors. Independently verify classification and coverage decisions.
Compare another operationInsurance operations research — draft
Marine cargo handling establishments — commonly called stevedores — load, unload, move, and sort cargo between vessels and piers, terminals, or other land-based transport. Work is performed on docks, aboard vessels, and in adjacent staging areas using cranes, forklifts, and specialized equipment. Operations are physically demanding and expose workers to significant injury risk from heavy loads, moving equipment, and vessel mooring environments.
Questions to investigate
- What types of cargo are handled — general freight, containers, bulk, hazardous materials, or project cargo?
- At how many ports or terminals does the operation work, and are those facilities owned or leased?
- What is the total payroll and approximate headcount of longshoreman and dock labor?
- Are crane operations performed in-house, or is crane work subcontracted?
This insurance research was generated in April 2026. It has not received a complete human review. The October 12, 2026 audit checked codes and titles only, not descriptions or coverage assertions.