Industries in the Wholesale Trade, Durable Goods subsector sell or arrange the purchase or sale of capital or durable goods to other businesses. Durable goods are new or used items generally with a normal life expectancy of three years or more. Durable goods wholesale trade establishments are engaged in wholesaling products, such as motor vehicles, furniture, construction materials, machinery and equipment (including household-type appliances), metals and minerals (except petroleum), sporting goods, toys and hobby goods, recyclable materials, and parts.

The detailed industries within the subsector are organized in the classification structure based on the products sold. Within an industry, the types of establishments may vary, including wholesale merchants and/or agents and brokers.