Light Manufacturing, Warehouse & Drivers
Class Code 8291: Warehousing—Cold Storage — Workers' Comp Insurance
Covers cold storage warehouses that store perishable goods at controlled, refrigerated temperatures, including staff handling inventory in cold and freezer conditions. It's distinct from general dry warehousing given the temperature-controlled environment and related equipment.
- Risk level:
- moderate
What code 8291 covers
Class 8291 applies to warehouses providing cold or frozen storage for perishable goods, covering staff who receive, store, and retrieve inventory within refrigerated or freezer environments, along with the material-handling equipment used in those spaces. The cold or freezing temperatures add exposure beyond general warehousing — including cold-stress considerations and the equipment needed to operate in those conditions — which distinguishes this classification from standard dry-goods warehousing. Forklift and pallet jack use for moving palletized goods is typical in this environment, similar to general warehousing, but combined with the temperature-controlled setting. Businesses operating both cold storage and standard dry warehouse space at the same facility may need payroll evaluated across both this code and the general storage warehouse classification depending on how staff time is divided.
Included operations
- Receiving and storing perishable goods in refrigerated or freezer space
- Forklift and pallet jack operation within cold storage areas
- Inventory management and order picking in temperature-controlled conditions
- Loading and unloading of refrigerated trucks
Assigned elsewhere
- General dry-goods warehousing without temperature control — see code 8292 (Storage Warehouse NOC)
- Food processing or manufacturing performed at the same facility, evaluated under the applicable manufacturing classification
- Retail grocery store cold cases and walk-in coolers operated as part of a grocery store — see code 8006 or 8033 as applicable
- Refrigerated trucking operations run as a distinct transportation business, evaluated under the applicable classification
Businesses that typically carry 8291
- Cold storage warehouse operators
- Frozen food distribution warehouses
- Refrigerated logistics and storage companies
- Small and mid-size production shops
- Contract manufacturers serving other businesses
- Regional production and distribution facilities
Common misclassifications
Code 8292
Facilities operating both cold storage and standard dry warehouse space sometimes leave all staff under one code instead of splitting by the temperature-controlled versus standard storage areas.
Code 7380
Refrigerated delivery drivers are generally included in the cold storage classification, but businesses sometimes separately and incorrectly code them under a general trucking classification instead.
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What drives the cost of code 8291
- Total annual payroll for employees in this classification
- Experience modification factor based on claims history
- State-specific base rates and loss costs filed for this class code
- Fleet size, vehicle types, and delivery or service radius
- Motor vehicle records and driver safety training
- Claims frequency and severity trends for the business
What underwriters look for
- Types of material handled and equipment used, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyors
- Driving radius, vehicle types, and DOT/CDL requirements where applicable
- Prior claims history, especially lifting and vehicle-related injuries
- Safety program documentation and motor vehicle record (MVR) review process
State differences
This entry uses standard NCCI class code phraseology, which applies in most NCCI-governed states. Pennsylvania (PCRB), Delaware (DCRB), California (WCIRB), New Jersey (NJCRIB), Michigan, New York (NYCIRB), and Massachusetts maintain their own classification manuals, and code numbers or phraseology can differ there. Our agency confirms the correct classification for your state before quoting.
Where code 8291 fits
Quote class code 8291.
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Class code 8291 questions
How is this different from general warehousing?
The refrigerated or frozen temperature-controlled environment adds cold-stress and equipment considerations beyond standard dry-goods warehousing.
Does this code cover forklift operators in the cold storage area?
Yes, forklift and pallet jack operation within cold storage areas is part of this classification.
What if our facility has both cold storage and regular dry storage?
Payroll may need to be split between this classification and the general storage warehouse code (8292) based on where staff actually work.
Does this cover loading refrigerated delivery trucks?
Yes, loading and unloading refrigerated trucks is included as part of this classification.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by Provident Financial Group licensed agents