UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Planes Amid Holiday Shipping Concerns

URGEN Update: UPS and FedEx have grounded all MD-11 aircraft following a tragic crash that killed over 10 people at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4. This immediate action raises serious concerns about holiday shipping as both companies prepare for a peak season expected to see 2.3 billion packages delivered.

Authorities confirmed that the crash involved a UPS cargo plane, which was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. Footage from the incident has circulated online, leading aviation analysts to describe it as potentially “one of the worst air crashes for a cargo jet in U.S. history.” As the holiday season approaches, the grounding of these planes adds to the anxiety surrounding timely deliveries.

Both UPS and FedEx assure customers that contingency plans are in place. UPS stated, “We have made the decision to temporarily ground our MD-11 fleet out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety.” They emphasized that their goal is to continue providing reliable service despite this significant setback.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive prohibiting all MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft from flying until thorough inspections are completed. UPS operates 26 MD-11s out of its 500 aircraft, while FedEx has 28 MD-11s in its fleet of 700 aircraft. Although these planes represent a small percentage of their overall operations, experts warn that their absence could impact delivery capacity during this critical time.

Jeremy Tancredi, a supply chain specialist, highlighted the potential ramifications: “As the peak volume increases, not having 26 planes could be a real big factor for them.” Each MD-11 can carry around 20,000 packages, amplifying concerns about meeting holiday demand.

However, some experts remain optimistic. Satish Jindel, president of SJ Consulting Group, indicated that most holiday products are already in U.S. distribution centers. He added that while the grounded planes may not significantly affect holiday deliveries, it could lead to increased airfreight prices if the grounding persists.

FedEx echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Safety is our highest priority. We are implementing contingency plans to minimize disruptions.” Their commitment to maintaining service levels remains a priority as they navigate this challenging situation.

As the FAA investigation continues, it remains unclear how long the MD-11s will remain grounded. If this situation lasts for weeks, experts warn that it could jeopardize holiday deliveries, creating a ripple effect in logistics and supply chains.

What’s Next: Customers are encouraged to stay informed as updates from UPS and FedEx develop. With the holiday shipping season upon us, the urgency for reliable delivery services has never been higher.