January 1, Cargo Giants Ground Planes After Kentucky Tragedy

Both companies said they acted “out of an abundance of caution.” FedEx has 28 MD-11s and UPS had 27 before the accident. Boeing, which now owns the MD-11 line, also advised halting flights for safety reasons.

“This recommendation was made in an abundance of caution and we will continue coordinating with the FAA on this matter,” a Boeing spokesperson said.

The MD-11 stopped being made in 2000, but these planes still move crucial packages for companies like Amazon, Walmart, and the U.S. Postal Service. UPS handles most USPS air cargo.

Investigators say the 34-year-old plane lost an engine and crashed moments after takeoff. The cockpit voice recorder captured warning bells and frantic efforts by the three pilots to save the flight. The National Transportation Safety Board expects a preliminary report in about a month.

The last UPS cargo plane crash was over a decade ago in Alabama, also killing the crew.

Big disruptions aren’t certain yet, but even a small hiccup could jam up deliveries for major retailers and manufacturers nationwide. Both shippers said they’re working fast to keep goods moving while the MD-11s stay on the ground.

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Wyatt Matters

When a plane goes down and families are left searching for answers, trust in big delivery companies gets shaken. Americans rely on these shipping giants to keep life running, so we need real transparency and accountability to make sure our mail and packages—and our workers—stay safe.