What to Do if Your Package is Lost or Damaged? Legal and Practical Advice
Imagine you find an interesting and historically significant coin, such as a 1941 nickel, and you decide to send it to a specialist for grading. You carefully package the coin, ensuring its safety, and send it off, hoping that it will reach its destination safely. However, even with the most careful precautions, there is always the risk that the package could get lost or damaged in transportation. Although we can estimate 1941 nickel value before shipment, once the parcel is out of our hands, its safety depends largely on the reliability of the courier service.
Every year, millions of parcels are lost or damaged due to mishandling, transportation errors or poor packaging. If you're sending valuable collectibles, fragile items or everyday goods, then knowing what to do as soon as you discover a parcel is missing or damaged can mean the difference between making amends or paying for your costs. So here you will find the steps you need to take to protect the future of your shipments.
Actions to Follow If Something Happens to the Parcel
Step 1: Determine the Status of Your Shipment
The moment you realize your package may be missing or damaged, it’s crucial to act quickly and figure out what went wrong. Here you should start by checking the tracking number, which you received from the shipping carrier while mailing. The good news is that most services offer real-time updates, enabling you to monitor the package’s root. If you notice that the shipment has remained at the same location for several days without any movement, there’s a chance it might be lost.
Next, you might contact the courier’s customer service through their website, phone line, or online chat. Shipping delays can happen for various reasons, including customs hold-ups, adverse weather conditions, or temporary routing issues. So speak with the representative to have some insight into the package’s current status.
It’s also important to understand the difference between a delay, a lost package, and a damaged item:
A delay simply means the shipment is taking longer than expected but is still in transit.
A lost package is one that has gone missing in the system, often indicated by a lack of tracking updates for an extended period (typically two weeks or more, though policies vary by courier).
A damaged package refers to a shipment that has arrived but is visibly broken, crushed, or compromised due to mishandling.
And in case you purchased shipping insurance, review its terms carefully. Some policies offer full reimbursement for lost or damaged goods, while others may only provide partial compensation based on specific conditions. Understanding what your coverage includes will help you navigate the claims process more effectively.
Tip: If a package seems delayed, wait at least 24-48 hours before assuming it’s lost, as sometimes, shipments appear stalled due to system errors but get delivered later.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Once you confirm that your package is either missing or damaged, the next step is to gather as much evidence as possible. So if you have clear documentation, it will strengthen your claim and increase the likelihood of compensation.
For damaged packages: Take clear, high-quality photos of the outer packaging, the damaged item, and any visible impact points. If possible, include before-and-after images to show the difference.
For lost packages: Keep records of all correspondence with the seller, carrier, and any receipts that prove the shipment. Screenshot tracking history and note the last recorded location.
Inspect the packaging: If the box or envelope appears crushed, torn, or tampered with, this is crucial evidence that the damage occurred during transit.
Pro Advice: If the package was insured, some carriers require proof of item value. This means you’ll need a receipt, invoice, or official appraisal. If you’re shipping valuable collectibles like rare coins, consider using tools like Coin ID Scanner and have a receipt from a professional appraiser to confirm their worth before shipping and in case of necessity.
Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents for a Claim
Once you are convinced that your parcel is lost or damaged and you have gathered all the necessary evidence, the next step is to file a claim. But before you also need to make sure you have the correct paperwork, missing ones can lead to delays or even denial of compensation.
When dealing with carriers or insurance companies, you must be prepared to prove both the value of the goods and the circumstances of their loss or damage. This is why it is important to keep careful records at every stage of the shipping process.
What documents will you need?
Document | For what |
A copy of the shipping label | To prove that the package was sent correctly and helps verify the tracking details. |
A receipt or proof of payment for the shipping service | To confirm that you paid for delivery and whether additional services, like insurance or expedited shipping, were included. |
Photographic evidence | If the package is damaged, take clear photos of the external packaging, internal wrapping, and the damaged item itself. The more visual proof you provide, the stronger your claim. |
Proof of item value | A purchase invoice, a screenshot of an online transaction, or an official appraisal. |
Correspondence with the carrier or seller | All things like screenshots of mails, chats, or call logs where you reported the issue. Some claims may require proof that you tried to resolve the matter before escalating it. |
Interesting Fact: Did you know that some rare collectibles, such as works of art, can increase in value simply because of proper documentation? A professionally appraised item with proven documentation can be worth up to 30% more than an undocumented item. That's why appraising valuables before shipping means both protection and preserving their value!
Step 4: File a Claim with the Carrier or Insurer
Once your documents are ready, it’s time to formally file a claim. Each carrier has its own procedures and deadlines, so submitting your claim on time is crucial.
And here you have different options to file a claim. Firstly, you may apply with the carrier – If the package was lost or damaged during transit, you must file the claim with the shipping company (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS). Another way is to act through insurance and to file the claim directly with the insurer instead of the carrier. And the last option is to claim with the seller: many retailers offer refunds or replacements for lost or damaged packages. So try to contact them first, as they may handle the issue on your behalf.
Are there any other nuances? Yes, such as claim deadlines that you should be aware of. Transportation carriers set strict deadlines for filing claims:
USPS: 60 days for domestic claims for lost packages, 7 days for damaged items.
FedEx: 21 days for international lost or damaged shipments.
UPS: 60 days for lost packages, 14 days for damaged shipments.
If your claim is denied, do not lose hope - many carriers allow appeals if additional evidence is provided. If necessary, you can turn up the heat by contacting consumer protection agencies.
By the way, did you know that according to industry reports, more than 1.7 million packages go missing every day in the U.S. alone. So filing a claim correctly is your best chance of getting compensation!
Best Practices for Different Types of Shipments
Regular Goods (Clothing, Books, Electronics)
Everyday items may not seem fragile, but poor packaging and careless handling can still cause damage. To avoid problems, always choose a sturdy package with enough cushioning to protect the contents. At the same time always keep the receipt and tracking number in case something goes missing. If you're sending valuable electronics or expensive items, consider insurance for extra security and peace of mind.
Fragile Items (Glass, Ceramics, Delicate Electronics)
Please note that glassware, ceramics, and delicate electronics need extra care when shipping. So, you should wrap them in bubble wrap and use a sturdy outer box that can help prevent damage. Double-boxing is also a good idea,as it adds even more protection. By the way, labeling the package as "Fragile" won’t guarantee careful handling, but it can improve the chances, so do not neglect it. For particularly valuable or breakable items, consider full insurance coverage to ensure you’re protected in case of emergency.
Expensive Valuables (Antiques, Collectible Coins, Jewelry)
For rare collectibles and luxury goods, security matters just as much as proper packaging. So get all the items appraised before shipping so you have the possibility to confirm their full value in case you need to file a claim. Then use tamper-proof containers to add an extra layer of protection against theft, while choosing a reliable courier service with tracking and signature confirmation to have a full peace of mind.
Better Safe than Sorry
Sending a parcel is about getting things from point A to point B, but it is also about learning how to protect its value. No one is immune to loss and damage, but paying attention to packaging, paperwork and insurance can save the day. After all, it is not about what you send but how much care you have taken to protect your mailing.