No mail, air cargo in passenger planes for now, FAA says

Los Angeles Times

The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily banned mail and air cargo from all passenger planes, further delaying delivery of parcels, paychecks, documents and other U.S. mail that has been grounded since Tuesday’s terrorist attacks.

About a quarter of the 650 million pieces of mail that the U.S. Postal Service handles each day has been redirected from passenger planes to trucks, pushing back deliveries anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, said U.S. Postal Service spokesman Mark Saunders.

Most of the nation’s express mail and cargo — everything from medicine to fresh fish to apparel — that has been grounded for the past two days should be back up in the air today as the country’s largest cargo carriers resume service.

But analysts and company executives fear that the FAA cargo ban and additional security measures at airports and ports of entry could send shockwaves throughout the business community here and abroad.

"If we can’t get this resolved, it will fundamentally change the way we do business, it will put a tax on global commerce because of the precautions that will be necessary," said Peter Morici, senior fellow at Washington-based Economic Strategy Institute.

FAA officials say the cargo restriction is probably temporary, but some restrictions will likely remain. "I think you will see there will be some specific requirements in the short term, medium term and some long term," spokesman Allen Kinetzer said.

"The cargo profit contribution is enormous" and needed in many cases for an airline to post a profit, said Brian Clancy, a principal in MergeGlobal, an Arlington, Va.-based cargo consulting firm.

Trying to offset this loss of revenue by raising passenger fares probably wouldn’t work, especially with consumers already skittish about traveling, said Ron Kuhlmann, an airline consultant with Roberts Roach &Associates in Hayward, Calif.

The airlines could try and pass of those costs in the form of additional fees or charges, he said, perhaps a "security surcharge" like the energy surcharges of the past. But he said they will probably be forced to simply absorb these losses.

The airline’s loss, however, will translate into gains for air freighters such as FedEx and United Parcel Service, as well as smaller operators with fleets of 747s.

Passenger aircraft carry as much as 75 percent of the cargo to Europe, 35 percent of the cargo to the Pacific Rim and 45 percent to Latin America, Clancy said, and that business will have to be relocated to freight carriers.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Nichole Webber: Drawing up plays for athletes and politics

The communications director for the city of Everett believes leadership is rooted in honesty, integrity and selfless commitment to others.

2025 Emerging Leader Natalie Given (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Natalie Given: Building trust and communicating concerns

Everett Police Department’s Public Information Officer builds relationship and better communication.

2025 Emerging Leader Melinda Cervantes (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Melinda Cervantes: Making sure every voice is heard

Prolific volunteer facilitates connections between Spanish-speaking public representatives and community members.

2025 Emerging Leader Kellie Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kellie Lewis: Bringing community helpers together

Edmonds Food Bank’s marketing and communications director fosters connections to help others.

2025 Emerging Leader Christina Strand (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christina Strand: Helping people on the move

Community engagement specialist believes biking, walking and public transit can have a positive impact.

Percy Levy, who served 17 years for drug-related crimes, outside his new business Redemption Auto along Highway 99 on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man indicted on federal drug and weapons charges

Percy Levy, along with two men, face federal charges for their roles in a major drug trafficking operation.

2025 Emerging Leader Anthony Hawley (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anthony Hawley: Creating friendships and filling pantries

Since 2021, Hawley has increased donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank through fundraising and building donor relationships.

Gary Petershagen
Lake Stevens council member announces reelection run

Gary Petershagen is seeking a third term on the council.

2025 Emerging Leader Megan Kemmett (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Megan Kemmett: Seeking solutions to any problem or obstacle

Executive director of Snohomish Community Food Bank overcomes obstacles to keep people fed.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.