Guides

Carrier Claims Program Guide

The Carrier Claims Program allows EasyPost to automatically file claims with supported carriers for eligible lost or damaged shipments. No manual claim submission is required when enrolled in this program. Reimbursement is based on the declared value of the goods, and an administrative fee is only applied to successful claims.

For USPS and FedEx shipments, EasyPost allows product-level data to be passed at shipment creation via the line_items field. This field enables EasyPost to internally retain total_line_value and item_description to support the carrier claim process. These values are not sent to the carrier and do not appear in the shipment API response.

Note: This process differs from EasyPost Shipping Insurance, which is handled separately and offers broader coverage and faster claims processing.

Prerequisites

  • Enrollment in the Carrier Claims Program.
  • Shipment must be created through EasyPost using a supported carrier service (currently USPS and FedEx; additional carriers may be added in the future).

Adding Shipment Data

To enable claims automation, include the following item-level data using the line_items array when creating shipments.

Field Requirements

Each object within the line_items array must include:

  • total_line_value (string): The total value of the items line.
  • item_description (string): A brief description of the item.

Example

{
  "line_items": [
    {
      "total_line_value": "129.00",
      "item_description": "Mugs"
    },
    {
      "total_line_value": "45.50",
      "item_description": "T-shirts"
    }
  ]
}

Limitations

  • Currently supported for USPS and FedEx shipments (additional carriers may be added in the future).
  • Data must be passed at the time of shipment creation.
  • Values are not submitted to the carrier and do not appear in the API response.

Best Practices

  • Include line_items when shipping via USPS or FedEx if carrier claims may be required.
  • Use concise product descriptions and accurate item values.
  • Retain proof of value and images of the packaging and product.

FAQs

Q: What is a carrier claim?

A request for reimbursement submitted to the shipping carrier when a shipment is lost or damaged.

Q: Is manual claim submission required?

No. EasyPost automatically submits carrier claims for enrolled customers. However, if product value data was not provided at the time of shipment creation (such as the line_items field), supporting documentation may be required via the EasyPost Dashboard. Refer to the Carrier Claims - Bulk Upload Product Values article for more information.

Q: What happens after a claim is submitted?

The carrier reviews and processes the claim. Approved reimbursements are applied as credits to the EasyPost account.

Q: Is line_items supported for all carriers?

No. This functionality is only supported for USPS and FedEx shipments. Additional carriers may be added in the future.

Q: Will line_items appear in the API response?

No. Data is retained internally and not returned in the API response.

Additional Resources