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NAICS Code· 488320

Marine Cargo Handling

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing stevedoring and other marine cargo handling services (except warehousing). Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--Show more

NAICS 488320 – Marine Cargo Handling encompasses the specialized services involved in loading, unloading, stowing, and securing cargo aboard vessels at ports and terminals. This includes the operation of cranes, forklifts, conveyors, and other material handling equipment, as well as the coordination of containerized, breakbulk, and bulk cargo movements in compliance with maritime safety and security protocols.

8
Active Contracts
$323.1M
Total Obligations (12mo)
86
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
43
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
-6.0%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 488320.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 488320 – Marine Cargo Handling encompasses the specialized services involved in loading, unloading, stowing, and securing cargo aboard vessels at ports and terminals. This includes the operation of cranes, forklifts, conveyors, and other material handling equipment, as well as the coordination...

NAICS 488320 – Marine Cargo Handling encompasses the specialized services involved in loading, unloading, stowing, and securing cargo aboard vessels at ports and terminals. This includes the operation of cranes, forklifts, conveyors, and other material handling equipment, as well as the coordination of containerized, breakbulk, and bulk cargo movements in compliance with maritime safety and security protocols. These services are critical to the efficient flow of defense logistics, humanitarian aid, and military supply chains, particularly in expeditionary and overseas operating environments. In the federal contracting landscape, marine cargo handling supports the Department of Defense’s global sustainment operations, Coast Guard port security missions, and other agencies requiring rapid deployment of equipment and supplies through strategic seaports. No contractor data is available to identify top performers in this NAICS code. However, the sector typically includes large maritime logistics firms, specialized stevedoring contractors, and small businesses with port-side certifications and labor-intensive service capabilities. Competitive advantage often stems from experience with military cargo standards, ISO compliance, and familiarity with Defense Logistics Agency procedures. No agency data is available to identify primary buyers. Nevertheless, demand is generally driven by the Department of Defense, particularly through the Military Sealift Command and U.S. Transportation Command, as well as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for port infrastructure and contingency operations. The market is characterized by high operational barriers to entry due to regulatory requirements, equipment capital needs, and labor certifications, but offers steady demand in strategic port hubs. Opportunities exist for contractors with proven expertise in military cargo handling, hazardous material protocols, and integrated logistics support. Procurement trends suggest increasing emphasis on resilience, automation, and port security integration in high-traffic maritime terminals.

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Marine Cargo Handling, by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

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NAICS 488320 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 488320 covers Marine Cargo Handling. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing stevedoring and other marine cargo handling services (except warehousing). Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

Recently Posted in Marine Cargo Handling

NAICS: 488320
New
Federal
Guam S&RTS SolicitationThe contract for Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) at the designated ports of Guam, including Naval Base Guam, Guam Port Authority, and secondary ports of Saipan and Tinian, requires the contractor to support the Defense Transportation System by managing all aspects of military cargo transit, including containers, vehicles, breakbulk, and aircraft. Services encompass full-spectrum stevedoring operations such as vessel, truck, and rail loading and discharging, cargo staging, intra-port transfers, checking and tallying, warehousing of government dunnage, and physical security of facilities. The contractor must operate 24/7/365 and be capable of rapid response within 24 hours during contingencies. The scope includes providing all labor, material handling equipment, supplies, and infrastructure, adhering to best commercial practices while complying with stringent U.S. government standards for safety, security, and cyber protection. The contract is governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFARS), with specific requirements under DFARS 252.204-7012 due to the designation of services as operationally critical support. Compliance with 29 CFR Parts 1917 and 1918, 40 CFR, 46 CFR, and 49 CFR is mandatory, including adherence to MIL-STD-129R, MIL-HDBK-138B, and IMDG regulations for hazardous materials. The contractor must maintain a quality control inspection plan within 10 days of award and submit inspection checklists after every vessel operation, while maintaining comprehensive quality control files. All personnel require DBIDS or TWIC identification badges, and the contractor must submit detailed personnel and vehicle lists for security vetting prior to access. Cybersecurity incident reporting, safety training records, and compliance with Section 889 of the NDAA are required. Invoicing must be submitted electronically via the Treasury Invoice Processing Portal within 30 days of mission completion using prescribed formats that include TFMS PO numbers, vessel details, and line-item specifics, with payments processed only after G8 validation. The pricing structure is based on a Schedule of Rates (SOR), with compensation limited to enumerated line items and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses only with prior approval and three competitive quotes. Technical proposals, limited to 15 pages excluding attachments, must demonstrate clear and convincing rationale for meeting minimum PWS requirements
Ustranscom-Aq

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

in 9 days
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Awarded
Federal
Bremerhaven, Germany - Longshoring & Warehousing ServicesOn 26 June 2026, BLG AutoTerminal Bremerhaven GmbH & Co. KG was awarded a sole source, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract valued at €68,322,332.83, equivalent to approximately $74 million, for stevedoring and related terminal services at the Port of Bremerhaven, Germany. The contract, identified by number HTC711-26-D-E135 and initiated under solicitation HTC71126RE115, will be performed from 1 July 2026 through 30 June 2031, covering cargo handling, vessel loading and unloading, and container terminal operations. The U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity, with Laura Tebbe and Otto Roberts listed as primary and secondary points of contact. The work is fully performed at the Port of Bremerhaven, with no alternate performance locations or delivery terms specified. The NAICS code 488320 applies to this support activity for water transportation, and no set-aside provisions were utilized. While the award notice confirms the fixed-price structure and five-year performance period, there is no detailed breakdown of line items, option periods, service level agreements, or performance metrics included in the available documentation. Payment and invoicing procedures, contracting officers, contracting officer’s representatives, and inspection criteria are not explicitly defined in the provided information. The contract was awarded without competition due to its sole source nature, and no evaluation factors, weights, or competitive rankings were applicable. There is no public record of contract clauses, representations, certifications, packaging specifications, or attachments in the available materials, and neither the awardee’s CAGE code nor UEI is provided. The procurement relies on the contractor’s established capability at the port, with no additional security, personnel, or compliance requirements cited in the summary.
Ustranscom-Aq

POSTED

14 days ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Federal
Bahrain S&RTSThe contract requires the provision of Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) for the import and export of U.S. Government cargo across multiple designated locations in the Kingdom of Bahrain, including Mina Salman Port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port, ASRY Dry Dock, Naval Support Activity (NSA1), Mina Salman Naval Base (NSA2), Shaikh Isa Air Base (NSA3), Riffa Air Base, and any other authorized sites. The contractor is fully responsible for all cargo handling operations, covering the full spectrum of terminal functions such as loading and unloading vessels and vehicles, cargo staging, storage, intra-port transfers, documentation, tallying, and the management of dunnage and tiedown materials. Cargo types include containers, vehicles, breakbulk, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, Ammunition and Explosives in all configurations, Hazardous Materials in compliance with applicable regulations, and other Department of Defense cargo, transported via vessel, Common-User Land Transportation, or military convoy. All operations must adhere to stringent safety, security, and environmental standards, including compliance with SOLAS for Verified Gross Mass, DTR Part V Chapter 505 for agricultural inspections, ARTRANS-TEA MI-23 and TM 55-2200-001-12 for cargo securement, and the use of USG-provided door seals and RFID tags as directed. Personnel must hold valid TWIC or host nation equivalents, undergo rigorous background checks for criminal and terrorist affiliations, complete antiterrorism training, and receive pre-clearance through the NSA2 DBIDS Office, with no access to classified networks or CAC/ASCL tokens permitted. Contractors must implement comprehensive security measures, including fencing, locked containers for perimeter control, and strict access protocols, while handling all information as Controlled Unclassified Information under NIST SP 800-171 requirements, with a Self-Assessment and Plan of Action and Milestones due within 60 days of award. Performance is measured by strict thresholds: zero environmental spills, no more than one annual security or safety violation, no cargo loss or damage, timely reporting of incidents, and adherence to scheduling metrics for vessel and truck operations. Invoicing must be submitted electronically through the Treasury Invoice Processing Portal, with payment processed via the Transportation Financial Management System, and all deliverables must be in Microsoft Office formats. The contractor must provide a Site-Specific Safety Plan, Spill Contingency Plan, Quality Control Inspection
Ustranscom-Aq

POSTED

14 days ago

DEADLINE

in 16 days
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Federal
S&RTS Rotterdam, NetherlandsThe contract seeks a contractor to provide Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) at the Steinweg Botlek Terminal in Rotterdam, Netherlands, supporting the Defense Transportation System’s import and export cargo operations. The scope demands end-to-end cargo handling, including receipt, storage, movement, documentation, and disposition across multiple surface transportation modes, with operations requiring continuous 24/7/365 availability, including all official holidays. Performance must comply with rigorous military standards, including MIL-STD-129R for marking, MIL-STD-1320D for packaging unit loads, and DD Forms 1750 and 2781 for documentation, while adhering to 29 CFR and 49 CFR regulations and the IMDG Code. The contractor is required to implement safety and quality programs—such as Safety Management Programs, Accident Prevention Plans, and QCIP/QCIC reports—submitted within established timeframes, and ensure all personnel are pre-cleared through U.S. Government security vetting, wear identification badges, and maintain current training certifications for hazardous materials handling, crane operations, and ISPS compliance. Personnel must not be current U.S. government employees, and access is strictly controlled, with no Common Access Cards permitted since the work is unclassified. The solicitation is structured as an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base period of five years, from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2031, and an optional six-month extension through 30 April 2032. A minimum guarantee of $2,500 applies only in Year 1 if volume thresholds are unmet. The estimated total contract value ranges from $210,000 to $231,000, based on an annual rate of $42,000, with pricing governed by a Schedule of Rates to be submitted in Excel format. Evaluation follows the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach, where technical acceptability—determined solely by the submitted Mission Essential Plan and Technical Worksheet, each with strict page limits of 5 and 15 pages respectively—is a mandatory gatekeeper. Only technically acceptable offers proceed to price evaluation, where fairness and reasonableness are assessed, and award is made to the lowest-priced compliant offer. All submissions must be emailed as PDF and Excel files under 20 MB each, with no portal
Ustranscom-Aq

POSTED

19 days ago

DEADLINE

in 13 days
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Federal
Cargo Terminal Operations and Handling at Port of RotterdamThe contract requires comprehensive cargo transportation, terminal operations, and handling services for U.S. military cargo at the Port of Rotterdam, covering the full spectrum of military logistics including military vehicles, hazardous materials, and sensitive shipments. Services must be executed across multiple transportation modes—sea, rail, and truck—to ensure secure, timely, and compliant movement of goods through the port’s terminals, with strict adherence to military and international safety and security protocols. All operations must support the Department of Defense’s global supply chain objectives, with an emphasis on reliability, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance for high-risk and classified materials. The opportunity is structured as a subcontract under the U.S. Transportation Command, specifically managed by Ustranscom-Aq, and is assigned the NAICS code 488320 for cargo handling. The solicitation was posted on June 25, 2026, with a firm deadline for responses on July 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time. While the exact location of the contracting office is unspecified, the primary place of performance is firmly established at the Port of Rotterdam. The absence of set-aside classification indicates the contract is open to all qualified entities, and interested parties are expected to demonstrate proven capability in military logistics, hazardous material handling, and port terminal operations to meet the unique demands of defense cargo.
Ustranscom-Aq

POSTED

20 days ago

DEADLINE

in 13 days
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Federal
Gdynia, Poland S&RTSThe contract seeks Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) to support the import and export of U.S. Government cargo through the Port of Gdynia, Poland, covering the full spectrum of terminal operations including vessel load and discharge, truck and rail handling, cargo staging, storage, intra-port transfers, documentation, tallying, and management of dunnage and tiedown materials. The cargo includes containers, vehicles, Ammunition and Explosives (A&E) in all configurations, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), and general Department of Defense (DoD) cargo, transported via vessel, Common-User Land Transportation (CULT), or military convoy. The contractor must operate 24/7/365 and be fully prepared to respond to military mission requirements at any time, with standard operations typically scheduled during regular workdays but subject to rapid expansion based on operational needs. Performance is governed by a detailed Performance Work Statement requiring strict adherence to safety, security, and operational standards, including full compliance with federal, host nation, and DoD regulations. Key operational responsibilities include inspecting inbound cargo for damage, contamination, and documentation completeness; providing all necessary labor, equipment, and materials such as MHE, PPE, dunnage, and fuel; and performing lashing/unlashing across all conveyance types. The contractor must comply with stringent cyber and physical security requirements, as services are designated as operationally critical support under DFARS 252.204-7012, mandating NIST SP 800-171 compliance for all information systems handling covered defense information. All personnel must undergo vetting for criminal, terrorist, or threat-related affiliations and possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or equivalent host nation credential alongside a port-issued identification badge. A comprehensive Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Program is required, directed by a certified Site Safety and Health Officer with demonstrable industry competency, and all personnel handling explosives must complete ARTRANS Brigade ESMP training with daily status reports maintained. Financial administration requires electronic invoicing via the Treasury Invoice Processing Portal (IPP), certified by the Contracting Officer’s Representative within seven business days, with payment processed through the Transportation Financial Management System (TFMS) under Prompt Payment Act timelines. Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses requires prior COR approval and substantiation with itemized English receipts. The contractor must name a primary and two alternate Contract Managers with full authority to act, and monthly COR meetings are mandatory to
Ustranscom-Aq

POSTED

22 days ago

DEADLINE

in 8 days
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Closed
Federal
Longshoring/Stevedoring Support ServicesThis contract solicitation, identified as N0060426Q4033, seeks firm-fixed-price longshoring and stevedoring support services at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, under an indefinite delivery requirement structure. The base period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with four possible one-year option periods extending through June 30, 2031, giving the government flexibility to issue task orders as needed without guaranteed minimums. Each task order is expected to last approximately two days, with an estimated frequency of three to six per year, and all requirements must be fulfilled by the awarded contractor under a single contract vehicle. Pricing must be submitted using the prescribed Quote Submittal Worksheet, with all prices locked for the duration of the contract regardless of surge requirements or overtime, and the government will evaluate offers by combining the total price of the base year and all options, disqualifying proposals with significantly unbalanced option pricing. Evaluation is based on technical acceptability as a pass-fail gate, requiring strict adherence to the Performance Work Statement without exceptions, and price competitiveness, with the award going to the most advantageous offer under FAR Part 12. Past performance reviews will be conducted using government databases, but lack of history will not automatically disqualify an offeror. The services require full compliance with industry best practices, stringent safety and environmental standards, and specific operational protocols including double lashing for athwart ship stowage, use of government-furnished tarpaulins, and adherence to MIL-STD-129R and IPPC ISM-15 packaging standards. Personnel must hold valid certifications for crane and forklift operations, possess Transportation Workers Identification Cards (TWIC) and Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) credentials for base access, and follow mandatory safety briefings. Contractors must carry specialized marine or stevedore’s legal liability insurance and implement a formal Quality Control Plan, while the government uses a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan to ensure 100% compliance on key performance metrics including personnel, equipment, supervision, safety, security, and environmental controls. All submissions must be emailed by the June 19, 2026 deadline, include the quoted pricing worksheet, technical narrative, and insurance proof, and comply with applicable FAR and DFARS clauses including those on ethics, whistleblower rights, cybersecurity, antiterrorism training, and prohibitions on restricted telecommunications equipment. Payment will
Navsup Flt Logistics Ctr Pearl Harbor

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

25 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Federal
Port of Jordan S&RTSThe contract for the Port of Jordan Stevedoring and Related Terminal Services (S&RTS) under solicitation HTC71126RE136 requires the contractor to provide comprehensive port handling services for U.S. government cargo at the Aqaba Main Port, Aqaba Container Terminal, and Royal Jordanian Naval Base, with potential support at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base and Marka Air Base. Operations must be available 24/7/365, utilizing qualified personnel including stevedores, crane operators, drivers, and tallymen, along with contractor-furnished equipment and material handling systems. The contractor is compensated at fixed commodity rates specified in the Schedule of Rates, with a firm fixed price structure and a total estimated contract value of $231,000 over a base period from February 1, 2027, to January 31, 2032, with a possible six-month option extension. All invoicing must be submitted electronically through the Treasury Invoice Processing Portal within 30 days of mission completion and is processed via the Transportation Financial Management System; out-of-pocket expenses require prior COR approval and must be substantiated with itemized receipts in English. The contractor must comply with stringent operational requirements, including SOLAS weight certification, Verified Gross Mass verification, RFID tagging upon request, segregation and immediate reporting of frustrated cargo, and secure sealing of sensitive cargo using U.S. government-issued seals. A Quality Control Inspection Plan and post-operation Quality Control Inspection Checklist must be submitted, and all inspections and tests must be conducted without undue delay to operations. Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable basis, where technical proposals must pass mandatory pass/fail gates by meeting all requirements in the Technical Worksheet and Mission Essential Plan—failure in any component results in an unacceptable rating and disqualification. Proposals must be submitted in English via email by June 29, 2026, at 0600 Central Time, limited to a 20MB file size per email and formatted in Times New Roman 12-point font with PDF documents and an Excel price proposal. Offerors must maintain SAM registration, comply with all annual representations and business size certifications, and adhere to CMMC Level 1 security standards for any systems handling federal contract information. Personnel must pass vetting for criminal or terrorist affiliations, hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential or host nation equivalent, and display valid port authority badges; they are not authorized access to U
Ustranscom-Aq

POSTED

about 1 month ago

DEADLINE

in about 2 months
View Details
NAICS: 488320
Closed
Federal
Longshoring/Stevedoring Support ServicesThis solicitation under RFQ N0060426Q4052 seeks qualified commercial vendors to provide longshoring and stevedoring support services at Kilo Pier, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, under a firm-fixed-price contract. The work involves the onload of military equipment onto vessels using roll-on/roll-off or lift-on/lift-off methods, requiring strict adherence to performance standards detailed in the attached Performance Work Statement, including cargo staging, lashing, damage reporting, adherence to CFR Title 49 and IMDGC regulations, and compliance with operational planning requirements. The contractor must demonstrate technical capability to execute all tasks without exception, and submission of a quote constitutes affirmation of full compliance. The contract requires the use of specified equipment listed in Attachment 3, including forklifts and trailers, and mandates mobilization and demobilization services. Performance is scheduled to begin June 14, 2026, with delivery occurring at FOB Destination, and payment will be processed exclusively through the Wide Area Workflow system, requiring the contractor to be registered in SAM.gov and WAWF. All proposals must include a technical narrative addressing corporate experience and personnel retention capabilities, and pricing must be submitted using the official Quote Submittal Worksheet, covering all option periods and amber-coded line items. Contractors must hold current General Liability insurance specific to stevedoring operations, typically Marine General Liability or Stevedore’s Legal Liability coverage, and ensure all personnel possess a valid Transportation Workers Identification Card and Defense Biometric Identification System credentials for base access. The government will evaluate submissions based on technical capability as a pass/fail criterion and price reasonableness, with past performance reviewed through available federal databases such as CPARS and SPRS. The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and DFARS clauses, including those related to paid sick leave, equal opportunity, service contract labor standards, cybersecurity protections under NIST SP 800-171, antiterrorism awareness, whistleblower protections, and prohibitions against hexavalent chromium. All documentation, including wage determinations and clauses, is accessible online, and quotes must be emailed no later than 3:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time on June 10, 2026. The NAICS code is 488320 with a small business size standard of $47 million, and the action is unrestricted and competitive, with no set-aside. The contractor is further obligated to implement a quality control plan, submit
Navsup Flt Logistics Ctr Pearl Harbor

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

about 1 month ago
View Details

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