UPS, FedEx ground cargo planes after fatal Kentucky crash

FedEx and UPS recently announced a temporary pause on their McDonnell Douglas (MD)-11 cargo plane fleets after a tragic crash in Louisville, Ky., resulting in the loss of at least 12 lives. UPS stated that MD-11s make up about 9 percent of their aircraft fleet and emphasized that the decision to ground these planes immediately was made out of precaution based on the manufacturer's recommendation, prioritizing the safety of their employees and communities. FedEx, following suit, affirmed they were halting their MD-11 fleet operations to reassess safety measures as advised by the manufacturer. Both companies are implementing alternative plans to ensure minimal disruptions in their shipping services while keeping safety a top priority. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, urged the grounding as further analysis was deemed necessary for safety and has been collaborating with the FAA on the matter. The investigation into the Louisville incident continues, with potential shipping delays anticipated, although experts believe the impact will be managed before the busy holiday season. Tom Goldsby, a supply chain management professor, noted the importance of the understanding of supply chain disruptions in such situations, mentioning that unforeseen challenges like this underline the need for robust logistics strategies.