FedEx has announced a suspension of all U.S. horse shipments until January due to the FAA’s grounding of all MD-11 cargo aircraft for inspection following a fatal UPS MD-11 crash in November. As the sole provider of equine air transport in the U.S., FedEx’s halt significantly limits cargo capacity, especially since horse stalls occupy substantial space on flights. This early suspension, ahead of the usual mid-December holiday pause, disrupts scheduled transport for racehorses and show horses traveling to major events like the Del Mar Turf Festival and West Coast or Florida horse shows.

The FAA’s inspection timeline remains uncertain, and while FedEx is assessing whether some flights can proceed, most equine transport is currently on hold. If the grounding extends into the new year, industry experts suggest FedEx might maintain a single key route between New York and California as a practical solution to continue limited horse shipments.