UPS Cargo Plane Crash at Louisville Hub: A Look into Worldport's Operations

Wed Nov 19 2025 09:34:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane crashed at the Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky, prompting insights into the scale and operations of this major logistics center.

UPS experienced a cargo plane crash at its Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky, which is not only the largest package delivery hub for the company but also a central node in global logistics. The warehouse processes about 2 million packages daily and employs around 20,000 people. The facility operates over 300 flights daily and plans for continued expansion, highlighting its critical role in UPS operations.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed at the company's Worldport facility at the Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. This hub represents the largest package delivery center for UPS and handles immense volumes of logistics.

Largest Logistics Center

The Worldport facility processes approximately 2 million packages every day and covers an area equivalent to 10 football fields. With a workforce of about 20,000, it stands as the largest employer in the Louisville area. The center boasts the capacity to manage 416,000 packages every hour.

Geographically, Louisville is strategically situated to reach 95% of the U.S. population within a four-hour flight, extending its services to 200 countries worldwide.

Future Expansion Plans

UPS announced plans for expansion in 2022, including the construction of a new aircraft hangar capable of accommodating two 747 aircraft and several flight simulators. The expansion will also enhance UPS Healthcare's capabilities, which provides essential shipment services for medical needs.

Routine Operations

The logistics center facilitates more than 300 flights daily, with the capacity to park 125 aircraft. UPS operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including 27 MD-11s, the model involved in Tuesday's incident, alongside various Boeing and Airbus planes.

A Brief History

Founded in 1907 in Seattle, UPS began its journey as American Messenger Co. The company adopted the name United Parcel Service in 1919 and gained FAA permission to operate its specific aircraft in 1988. Today, UPS employs around 490,000 people globally, with Louisville being a critical hub for its operations.