Can I sue FedEx for a lost, damaged, or stolen package?
Yes, but a federal law caps how much you can recover. Federal law (called the Carmack Amendment) covers shipments that crossed state lines. The default coverage is just $100 per package — unless you paid extra for 'declared value' protection at the time of shipping, which raises the cap up to the amount you declared. Stolen packages have extra wrinkles. Small claims is the right court when the loss is within your state's cap.
What kinds of FedEx claims can you sue for?
Three common patterns. Carmack governs interstate; state law for intrastate.
Lost package
Package never arrived. Tracking shows no movement or shows delivered to wrong address. FedEx claim process first; small claims if denied or undervalued.
Damaged package
Package arrived damaged. Photos at unboxing establish damage during shipping. FedEx claims usually accept; recovery limited by declared value.
Stolen package (porch pirate)
Package marked delivered but taken from doorstep. Police report establishes theft. FedEx liability ends at delivery; recovery may require police investigation.
Damaged or lost high-value items (with declared value)
If you purchased declared-value protection, full replacement up to declared amount. Without declaration, $100 default. Document the declared value at shipment.
How much can you claim?
Carmack Amendment caps recovery. Document declared value carefully.
Declared value (if purchased)
Full replacement up to declared amount. Receipt establishing the declared value at shipment.
Default $100 limit (Carmack)
Without declared value, FedEx liability is $100 per package. Federal law caps regardless of actual value.
Filing fees, interest
Filing fee, service-of-process cost, pre-judgment interest.
Declared value $800 plus filing fee. Without declaration, capped at $100.
Send a demand letter after FedEx claim fails.
FedEx claim process is required first. After denial, demand letter and small claims.
- Tracking number
- Shipping receipt with declared value
- Photos of damage if applicable
- FedEx claim outcome
- A 14-day deadline
- Sent certified mail to FedEx claims department
On March 14, 2026, I shipped a package via FedEx (tracking #4218456789) with declared value of $800. Package arrived damaged 03/22/2026 (photos attached). I filed FedEx claim 03/24/2026; denied 04/15/2026.
Pursuant to Carmack Amendment, 49 U.S.C. § 14706, I demand within fourteen (14) days:
- Reimbursement of $800 in declared value (per shipping receipt);
- Reimbursement of $200 in filing fee and interest.
Total demand: $1,000.00. If unresolved, I will file in Small Claims Court.
How to file a FedEx case.
Four steps. FedEx claim first; small claims as backup.
File FedEx claim
Required first step under Carmack Amendment. File at fedex.com/claims. Resolution typically 30 to 90 days.
Document declared value
Original shipping receipt showing declared value. Without it, the $100 cap applies.
Send certified-mail demand
Cite Carmack Amendment. Most cases settle to avoid court.
File in small claims
If demand fails, file. FedEx is a national company; service via registered agent in your state.
Collecting from FedEx.
FedEx is a major corporation with assets. Money judgments enforce easily. Most settle to avoid PR exposure and pattern-of-claims documentation.
What evidence do you need for a FedEx case?
Tracking, shipping receipt, and damage photos establish the case.
Shipped: 03/14/2026 from Phoenix to Atlanta.
Service: FedEx 2Day. Declared value: $800.
Status: Delivered 03/22/2026, recipient noted 'damaged'.
Carrier liability
Liability of carriers for loss or damage to interstate shipments. Default coverage is $100 per package; declared value protection extends coverage up to declared amount.
Declared value $800 establishes carrier liability. Federal law preempts state law for interstate shipments.
Common FedEx defenses, with rebuttals.
Three arguments cover most cases.
Keep it simple. Organized records, clear timelines, and solid evidence are your best defense.
How much do shippers actually recover?
Recovery limited by declared value. Most settle through FedEx claims.
Default $100 cap (no declaration).
Declared value claim. Up to declared amount.
High-declared-value items. Full replacement up to declared amount.
Better evidence. Better prep. Better outcome. Your documentation makes the difference.
What are the alternatives to small claims?
FedEx claim first; small claims as backup.
FedEx claim process
Free, required firstWhen it fits: any FedEx shipment loss or damage. File at fedex.com/claims.
Tradeoff: FedEx decides; capped by declared value.
Credit card chargeback (for purchases)
Free, fastWhen it fits: credit card purchase that was lost or damaged in shipping. Some cards extend purchase protection.
Tradeoff: issuer decides.
Small claims (this guide)
When FedEx deniesWhen it fits: FedEx claim denied or undervalued. Damages within state cap.
Tradeoff: 30 to 90 day timeline. Carmack governs interstate.
Recover the shipment loss.
FedEx claim first. If denied, demand letter and small claims under Carmack Amendment.
Illustrative. Carmack Amendment caps recovery; declare valuable items.
Frequently asked.
The questions buyers actually ask before filing. Email support if yours isn’t here.
Can I sue FedEx for a lost or damaged package?
Yes, but recovery is limited by the Carmack Amendment. Default liability is $100 per package; declared value protection (extra cost at shipment) increases coverage. File FedEx claim first; small claims if denied.
What is declared value?
Optional protection purchased at shipment that increases FedEx's liability up to the declared amount. Without declaration, $100 cap applies. Always declare value for items worth more than $100.
What is the Carmack Amendment?
Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 14706) governing interstate carrier liability for loss or damage. Default coverage is $100 per package; declared value increases coverage. Federal law preempts state law for interstate shipments.
What about porch pirates?
Once FedEx delivers (recipient signature or door-tag delivery), their liability ends. Stolen packages from porches are theft. File police report; some renters/homeowners insurance covers stolen packages.
Can I sue FedEx for damage from poor handling?
Yes if your packaging met published guidelines. FedEx is liable for damage during transit. Photos of original packaging compared to damaged box establish carrier responsibility.
How long do I have to file?
FedEx claim: 9 months from shipment for most claims. Lawsuit after FedEx denial: 2 years. Move fast; concealed-damage claims have 60-day window.
Can I sue for lost shipping cost?
Limited. FedEx claim refunds shipping cost on lost packages but not always on damaged ones. Small claims can recover shipping under breach of contract for non-delivery cases.