If you need to file a claim against UPS, you are probably dealing with a package that arrived damaged, went missing, or was never delivered. This guide covers the full process: what the UPS claim form requires, which deadlines matter, what evidence to prepare, and what happens after you submit.
The most common scenario is a damaged package, but the same claim portal handles lost shipments and missing contents too. Use the free claim packet builder to organize your evidence while you read through the steps.
This is an independent preparation guide. It is not legal advice and not a guarantee that UPS will approve any claim.
Organize your evidence before you file
Use the free packet builder to gather photos, proof of value, tracking details, and a clean PDF before you start the UPS claim form.
Open the packet builderWhat types of claims does UPS accept?
UPS handles claims for three main situations: damaged packages where the item or box was visibly harmed, lost packages where the shipment never arrived, and missing contents where the box arrived but something inside was gone. Concealed damage — where the box looks fine but the item inside is broken — is a separate scenario with a shorter reporting window.
All claim types go through the same UPS claims portal at ups.com/claims. The evidence requirements are similar, but damaged-package claims usually need more photo documentation.
- Damaged package: visible damage to the box or contents.
- Lost package: shipment never delivered.
- Missing contents: box arrived but items inside were missing.
- Concealed damage: box looks normal, item inside is damaged — report within 5 business days.
UPS claim deadlines you should know
The most important deadline is 60 days. UPS requires damage and loss claims to be filed within 60 days of the scheduled delivery date. For concealed damage, the reporting window is shorter: 5 business days from delivery. Missing-content claims also fall under the 60-day window.
If you are close to a deadline, start the claim even if your documentation is incomplete. You can often add documents after the initial filing. Late claims are less likely to be approved, but UPS may still review them if you explain the delay.
- Standard damage or loss claim: within 60 days of scheduled delivery.
- Concealed damage: within 5 business days of delivery.
- If past the deadline, file anyway and explain the delay.
- Do not wait to gather perfect documentation before starting.
Where to find and fill the UPS claim form
The UPS claim form is online at ups.com/claims. You can file as a guest or log in with a UPS account for dashboard access. The form asks for your tracking number, shipment details, and claim type. After the initial submission, you can upload supporting documents through the claims dashboard.
Before you start the form, have your tracking number, delivery date, item details, and evidence ready. Filling the form with complete information from the start reduces follow-up requests.
- Go to ups.com/claims to start the claim.
- Have your tracking number ready (usually starts with 1Z).
- Choose the claim type: damaged, lost, or missing contents.
- Upload supporting documents after the initial submission.
- Save or screenshot your claim confirmation number.
Evidence to prepare before you file
Strong evidence makes the claim review faster. For damaged packages, UPS commonly asks for photos of the damaged item, the item inside its original packaging, a readable shipping label, outside box damage, packaging materials, and box dimensions. Proof of value — such as a receipt, invoice, or order confirmation — supports the dollar amount.
A detailed merchandise description helps too. Instead of writing "electronics" or "furniture", include the brand, model, serial number if available, quantity, color, size, and value.
- Damaged item photo: wide shot and close-up of the damage.
- Item inside original packaging: shows how it was packed.
- Readable shipping label: tracking number must be visible.
- Outside box damage: dents, punctures, crushed corners, water damage.
- Packaging materials: bubble wrap, foam, inserts, cushioning.
- Box dimensions: length, width, and height.
- Proof of value: receipt, invoice, order confirmation, repair estimate.
- Merchandise description: brand, model, serial number, quantity, color, size, value.
What happens after you submit the claim
After you submit, UPS assigns a claim number and begins the review. You can check status in the claims dashboard. UPS may request additional information, schedule an inspection of the package and contents, or approve the claim directly.
Respond promptly to any requests for more documents. Keep all packaging and the damaged item until the claim is resolved. If the claim is denied, read the reason carefully and consider submitting additional evidence for a second review.
- Monitor the claims dashboard every few days.
- Respond quickly if UPS asks for more documents.
- Keep all packaging and damaged items until the claim closes.
- If denied, read the reason and gather missing evidence.
- Request a second review with the new documentation.
Common mistakes that delay or derail claims
The most frequent issues are filing too late, providing vague merchandise descriptions, uploading blurry or incomplete photos, missing proof of value, and discarding packaging before the claim is resolved. Each of these gives the reviewer a reason to ask for follow-up information or deny the claim.
Preparing a complete evidence packet before you file reduces these risks. Use the free packet builder to organize everything in one place.
- Filing past the 60-day deadline.
- Vague merchandise description ("laptop" instead of brand, model, serial number).
- Blurry or incomplete photos that do not show the damage clearly.
- Missing proof of value or documents that do not match the item.
- Discarding the box, label, or packaging before the claim closes.
Official sources used
Build your claim packet
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