How to File a Damaged Package Claim with USPS, UPS or FedEx

ShippingLabel Editorial Team··9 min read

If a package arrives damaged, keep everything: the box, the packing material and the broken item. All three carriers may ask to see them. Then take photos and file a claim online within 60 days. That deadline is the same for USPS, UPS and FedEx in the US, but the clock starts at a different point for each.

The rules below come from each carrier's own claims page: USPS's Domestic Claims FAQ (September 2026), UPS's File a Claim page and FedEx's claims page.

Damaged package claim deadlines at a glance

  • USPS: no later than 60 days from the mailing date. USPS asks you to file right away.
  • UPS: within 60 days of the scheduled delivery date.
  • FedEx: no later than 60 calendar days from the shipment date for US packages (21 days for international).

⚠️ Don't throw out the box or mail the item back. USPS says to keep the packaging and damaged item until the claim is settled and not to reship the package. UPS and FedEx also ask you to keep the contents and packaging.

Step 1: Photograph everything before you unpack further

  1. The outside of the box, showing the shipping label and any crush, hole or tear.
  2. The inside: how the item was packed and the padding used.
  3. The damaged item, close up and from a distance.
  4. Write down the tracking number and the mailing or ship date.

Step 2: Gather proof of value

Every carrier needs proof of what the item was worth. USPS accepts a sales receipt, paid invoice or bill of sale, a credit card statement, or an online payment record. For partial damage, USPS also wants a repair estimate from a reputable dealer, and repair costs can't exceed the original price. FedEx lists invoices, order confirmations with proof of payment, repair invoices or a statement of non-repair, and appraisals.

How to file a USPS damaged package claim

Either the sender or the recipient can file. If both file, USPS pays whoever filed first and is approved. A decision usually comes in 5 to 10 days (up to 30 for complex claims), and approved payments arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

  1. Go to usps.com/help/claims and sign in. Online is USPS's preferred method. To file by mail, call 1-800-332-0317 for a claim form.
  2. Enter the tracking number. You can add up to 10 items on one claim if they share the tracking number.
  3. Upload proof of value, proof of insurance (the receipt, the label on the box, or your online label record) and photos of the damage.
  4. Keep the box and item. USPS may ask you to bring them to a Post Office for inspection.

ℹ️ Coverage: Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage include $100 of insurance. Priority Mail Express is covered too. Other mail is only covered if you bought insurance. Insurance fees are not refunded.

How to file a UPS damaged package claim

UPS says most claims are resolved in 8 to 10 business days unless more investigation is needed. If the claim is approved, UPS pays the shipper, usually within about 3 days after the payment documents are validated, by electronic funds transfer. So if you are the buyer, ask the seller to pass on the refund. For more detail, see our guide to filing a UPS claim.

  1. Go to ups.com and choose File a Claim. Senders can log in for the claims dashboard. Recipients can file faster as a guest.
  2. Enter the tracking number and describe the damage and the contents.
  3. Keep the invoice that shows the value, and keep the contents and packaging.
  4. Watch your email. UPS may send the shipper requests for more information or photos.

How to file a FedEx damaged package claim

Check the claim's progress on the Reports tab. FedEx can pay approved claims by electronic funds transfer if you sign up.

  1. Go to fedex.com and open File a Claim.
  2. Enter the tracking number and the damage details.
  3. Upload supporting documents: invoices, receipts, order confirmations, repair invoices or appraisals.
  4. FedEx may ask for an inspection report with photos of the packaging and damaged contents. Keep both until the claim is resolved.

Should the buyer or the seller file?

With USPS, either one can file. With UPS, recipients can file as a guest, but UPS sends payment to the shipper. In practice, the seller usually files, because the seller paid for the shipping and has the invoice. Many sellers refund the buyer first and then file the claim themselves.

What if my claim is denied?

USPS lets you appeal within 30 days of the decision. For an online claim, go to Claim History and choose Submit an Appeal. If it's denied again, you can make a final appeal to the USPS Consumer Advocate within 30 days. Add any missing proof of value, mailing or insurance.

For UPS and FedEx, reply to the claim with the missing documents or photos, and contact their claims team if you disagree with the decision.

How to avoid damage claims

  • Use a sturdy box with room for padding on every side. Fill empty space so the item can't move.
  • Wrap fragile items one by one, and don't let them touch the box walls.
  • Seal every seam with packing tape, and remove old labels from reused boxes.
  • For valuable items, buy extra coverage. USPS Ground Advantage lets you add coverage up to $5,000 for merchandise.

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