FAA GROUNDS MD-11 FLEET NATIONWIDE AFTER DEADLY UPS CRASH
The FAA issued an emergency directive halting MD-11 operations pending inspections after a UPS freighter crashed in Louisville. UPS and FedEx, which together operate more than 50 MD-11s, have already grounded the type and are activating contingency plans.
LOUISVILLE MAYOR: UPS CRASH TOLL AT 14; NO ONE BELIEVED MISSING
Officials say the death toll from Tuesday’s UPS MD-11 crash stands at 14 as identification work continues. UPS and FedEx grounded MD-11 fleets, and the FAA followed with a temporary flight ban on the model while investigators probe the cause.
UPS, FEDEX GROUND MD-11S ‘OUT OF CAUTION’ AFTER LOUISVILLE FIREBALL
Both integrators paused MD-11 operations on Boeing’s recommendation while the NTSB reviews a crash that saw an engine separate during takeoff. The aircraft account for about 9% of UPS’s fleet and a smaller share at FedEx, with both carriers implementing workarounds to limit service disruption.
UPS: MD-11 FLEET TEMPORARILY GROUNDED; NETWORK CONTINGENCIES IN PLACE
UPS confirmed a proactive stand-down of its MD-11s and said contingency plans are active to maintain reliability for shippers amid the investigation into Flight 2976. MD-11s comprise roughly 9% of UPS Airlines’ fleet mix by aircraft count.
FAA BEGINS 4% FLIGHT CUTS, WARNS OF 10–20% REDUCTIONS IF SHUTDOWN PERSISTS
Amid a prolonged federal shutdown, the FAA is trimming flight levels across 40 major markets to ease strain on unpaid controllers, with cuts potentially rising to 10% next week and up to 20% if staffing worsens. Air cargo schedules could see spot delays in key hubs as carriers re-time operations.
FMCSA URGES FTC TO COVER ‘PREDATORY’ TOWING FEES IN NEW JUNK-FEE RULE
FMCSA asked the FTC to ensure its proposed “Unfair or Deceptive Fees” rule addresses abusive truck towing charges that can cost drivers and carriers thousands. The FTC’s proposal was posted Nov. 9 and targets hidden or misleading fee practices across industries.
DOT SHUTDOWN PLAN: MOST TRUCKING PROGRAMS KEEP RUNNING; FMCSA FULLY STAFFED
Despite the federal shutdown, FMCSA oversight and Highway Trust Fund–backed programs remain operational, minimizing disruption to carriers. The agency says safety-critical functions continue while other DOT activities face constraints.
FEDEX ISSUES NETWORK UPDATE AS CARRIERS ADJUST AIR-FLEET, AIRPORT FLOW CUTS
FedEx posted service alert resources as it executes contingency plans during the MD-11 grounding and anticipated FAA-imposed flight reductions. Shippers are advised to monitor alerts and build slack into time-sensitive moves where possible.
NTSB OPENS FORMAL PROBE PAGE FOR UPS FLIGHT 2976 CRASH IN LOUISVILLE
The NTSB’s investigation docket for the MD-11 accident outlines the basic facts and provides briefings as teams analyze maintenance records, cockpit audio and video evidence. A preliminary report is expected within about 30 days, with full findings to follow later.
SUPPLY CHAIN: UPS, FEDEX HALT MD-11 FLIGHTS; AIR CARGO FLOW FACES NEW STRAINS
Both integrators grounded MD-11s after the Louisville crash, with the FAA also curbing air traffic at major airports during the shutdown. Near-term parcel and air freight impacts are expected to be limited but could tighten if restrictions persist.
CALTRANS: I-5 AND SR-99 NIGHT WORK, RAMP CLOSURES NOV. 9–14 IN STANISLAUS COUNTY
California DOT will close select lanes and ramps overnight on I-5 and SR-99 near Modesto starting Sunday, Nov. 9, with rest area closures also in effect. Truckers should expect brief delays and consider alternates during the weeklong work window.
RIDOT: I-95 NORTH WEEKEND LANE CLOSURES NOV. 8–11 FOR ELMWOOD AVE. BRIDGE SWAP
Rhode Island is replacing the I-95 NB bridge over Elmwood Avenue in Providence with rolling weekend closures (Fri. 8 p.m.–Mon. 5 a.m.). RIDOT urges freight carriers to route via Route 10 or I‑295 to avoid significant congestion near the work zone.
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