This DC-9-32F operated from the beginning in the cargo role, so it has not been converted from a passenger version. It started its service with Alitalia in 1969 and after 54 years still plies the skies, now mainly between Mexico and USA.
The majority of flights at Detroit - Willow Run Airport are operated in early morning or late evening hours. To catch some aircraft in the air is a matter of luck or good information sources. I succeeded at least in the case of this red coloured MD-83SF of Aeronaves TSM, although in not the sunniest weather.
Traffic at Detroit - Willow Run Airport is very variable. While on my first day with beautiful clear skies there were no aircraft operated by Mexican airline Aeronaves TSM, I had to come back on the second day despite the clouds, as I could not resist right four DC-9s and MD-80s plus one Swearingen Metro.
"Baby" DC-9s were rare even in my youngster years, but to see them active today is a true rarity. The rising sun shone on this one at Willow Run Airport only for a while from the hole in the clouds, before another aircraft of the same company blocked the view.