# UPS and FedEx claims: deadlines and what to send

By Rotomal team · Updated 2026-11-07 · Part of [Parcel Recoup](https://rotomal.com/parcel-refund-audit/)

**Short answer:** UPS asks you to start a claim within 60 days of the scheduled delivery for a lost or damaged package. FedEx asks for claims for damaged or missing contents within 60 calendar days of the ship date for US packages and 21 days for international packages, and claims for lost or undelivered shipments within nine months of the ship date. Both want the tracking number, proof of value and, for damage, the contents and packaging kept until the claim is settled.

## Deadlines at a glance

| Case | UPS | FedEx |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Damaged package, US | Within 60 days of scheduled delivery | Within 60 calendar days of the ship date |
| Damaged or missing contents, international | UPS's claims page gives 60 days of scheduled delivery; check the tariff for international | Within 21 calendar days of the ship date |
| Lost or undelivered package | Within 60 days of scheduled delivery | Within nine months of the ship date |

Deadlines are what the carriers state on their claims pages as of 7 November 2026. Your contract or the carrier's tariff may add conditions, so check them for high-value shipments.

## What to keep for every claim

- The tracking number and the label or shipment record.
- Proof of value: your purchase or manufacturer invoice, not the retail price you charged, plus the customer's order if useful.
- Photos of the outer box, the inner packaging and the damaged item, and serial numbers where the item has them.
- The contents and packaging themselves, until the claim is resolved. FedEx may ask for an inspection report, and says you can do your own inspection for US parcel shipments with a declared value above $100 and below $1,000.

## Filing many claims at once

- FedEx lets logged-in shippers file a single claim or up to 200 claims in a batch (US domestic, US export and Canada-to-US shipments), using a spreadsheet template, and pays approved claims by check or electronic funds transfer.
- UPS lets account holders file from a claims dashboard, and recipients or third parties file as a guest. UPS now pays claims electronically and sends EFT enrolment instructions with the first claim.
- Both show claim status online; FedEx keeps claims reports available for up to 12 months after filing.

## If you want this done for you

Parcel Recoup watches your shipments for missing scans and damage reports, prepares each claim with the right documents and files it before the deadline, alongside a weekly audit of your UPS and FedEx invoices.

## FAQ

### Who should file, the shipper or the recipient?

Either can. FedEx tells recipients they can ask the merchant for a replacement, ask the merchant to file, or file themselves. As the shipper and payer you hold the proof of value, so filing yourself is usually faster.

### Can I dispute a FedEx claim decision?

Yes. FedEx says you can add supporting documents to the existing claim, such as a signed statement giving the reason for the dispute and any new information.

### How do I get paid?

FedEx pays by check or EFT, chosen when you file. UPS has moved fully to electronic payments for claims.

## Sources

- FedEx: File a claim (deadlines, batch claims, documents) https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html
- UPS: File a claim https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/file-a-claim

[Parcel Recoup](https://rotomal.com/parcel-refund-audit/) does this for you. Request it free, no card: https://rotomal.com/parcel-refund-audit/request/
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Rotomal · https://rotomal.com/parcel-refund-audit/ups-fedex-claim-deadlines/ · hello@rotomal.com