256
Avg Route Distance (mi)256
Longest Route (mi)0
Domestic Routes2
International RoutesAir Cargo Carriers (ICAO: SNC) is a cargo airline based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, known for its contract feeder services for major shipping companies and its specialized fleet.
Air Cargo Carriers was established in 1986 and has since grown to become the largest civilian operator of Short aircraft globally. The airline primarily provides contract feeder cargo services for major express delivery companies such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL, in addition to offering on-demand charter services.
The airline's main operational bases are Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Its fleet primarily consists of Short SD3-30 and Short SD3-60 aircraft, which it has operated for over two decades, along with some Beechcraft King Air 90s. Air Cargo Carriers also maintains one of the world's largest inventories of spare parts for Short aircraft and operates full-service maintenance facilities.
Air Cargo Carriers operates an extensive route network throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. This includes scheduled routes connecting various smaller cities to major hubs like Louisville, KY; Columbia, SC; and Cincinnati, OH, as well as routes within the Caribbean to destinations such as St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Martin, Tortola, and Santo Domingo. As a dedicated cargo airline, Air Cargo Carriers does not offer traditional passenger cabin classes or services, nor is it a member of any major passenger airline alliances. Its core services are focused on air logistics, including scheduled freight transport and on-demand charters.
As Air Cargo Carriers is exclusively a cargo airline, it does not carry passengers or offer traditional cabin classes. Consequently, there are no "traveler reviews" in the conventional sense regarding passenger experiences, seat comfort, in-flight service, or amenities. The airline's operations are focused entirely on freight transport for its clients. Therefore, typical traveler feedback metrics do not apply.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall Sentiment Summary:
Due to its nature as a freight-only operator, traditional traveler sentiment and reviews are non-existent. The airline's focus is on the efficient and reliable transportation of goods for its contract partners and charter clients, rather than passenger satisfaction.
Air Cargo Carriers operates under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a U.S. air carrier, requiring an Air Carrier Certificate and Operations Specifications. Air cargo operations, particularly those with aircraft over a certain weight, are also subject to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security programs.
Recent Safety Record and Notable Incidents:
Air Cargo Carriers has a documented history of incidents, some of which have been fatal.
A 2009 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighted that small cargo carriers were involved in the vast majority of air cargo accidents between 1997 and 2008, and that pilot performance was identified as a probable cause in approximately 80% of fatal cargo accidents.
Regulatory Certifications:
As a U.S.-based cargo airline, Air Cargo Carriers is required to hold an Air Carrier Certificate and Operations Specifications from the FAA, demonstrating its safety authority. It must also comply with economic authority requirements from the Department of Transportation (DOT). Additionally, the airline adheres to TSA's security programs for all-cargo aircraft, such as the "Twelve-Five Standard Security Program" for aircraft above a specific weight.
Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation:
Air Cargo Carriers operates a fleet largely composed of Short SD3-30 and SD3-60 aircraft, which are older aircraft designs, with Short SD-30s added in 1990 and Short 360s in 1995. The airline prides itself on maintaining the world's largest civilian fleet of these Shorts aircraft and also boasts one of the largest inventories of Shorts spare parts globally. They operate a full-service maintenance base at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, as well as a satellite facility in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they conduct in-house modifications and maintenance for their Shorts fleet. This in-house expertise and extensive parts inventory suggest a strong focus on the upkeep of their specialized fleet, although the general air cargo industry is facing challenges with aging fleets and delays in new aircraft deliveries.
Overall Safety Assessment:
Based on available data, Air Cargo Carriers has experienced a number of safety incidents, including fatal accidents. While the airline maintains its fleet with in-house expertise and a large parts inventory, the incidents highlight the inherent risks associated with cargo operations, particularly those involving smaller aircraft and feeder services. Pilot performance has been a contributing factor in some past fatal accidents involving small cargo carriers. No specific safety awards or recognitions for Air Cargo Carriers were found in the provided search results.
2 airports shown
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHX → LAS |
Harry Reid Intl
Las Vegas
|
9 | 256 mi | SH36 | Jun 9, 2026 |
| LAS → PHX |
Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
Phoenix
|
6 | 256 mi | SH36 | Jun 9, 2026 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.