Since the takeover of TNT Express by FedEx in 2016, the parcel insurance landscape for these two networks has gradually converged. Yet differences remain, particularly in Europe where TNT retains a strong historical presence. For French professionals, understanding these nuances is essential to effectively protect their shipments.
Key context: With over 15 million parcels shipped daily worldwide by FedEx, and an average loss ratio for the sector of around 0.8-1%, the question of insurance is not theoretical but strategic.
This article offers an exhaustive, objective analysis of FedEx and TNT insurance solutions: mechanisms, 2025 rates, critical Limits , claims procedures, and an overview of market alternatives.
💡 Additional resources: see our comprehensive 2025 carrier parcel insurance comparison and Ad Valorem insurance atlas for an overview.
Part 1: FedEx Insurance Deciphered
The Basic Mechanism: Understanding "Declared Value
Crucially, FedEx does not offer "insurance" in the traditional insurance sense, but an extension of liability called "Declared Value for Transport".
Two levels of protection
1. Standard liability (Included)
Without additional declaration, each FedEx package benefits from limited basic coverage :
- FedEx Express International: 100 USD OR 22 SDR/kg (~€28/kg)
- FedEx Ground (US) : 100 USD
- FedEx Europe: Varies according to service (generally €100)
*SDR = Special Drawing Rights, IMF currency unit
Example: For a 2 kg laptop worth €1,500, without an additional declaration of value, the maximum compensation would be $100 (~€92), or 6% of the actual value.
Source : FedEx Service Guide 2025
2. Higher Declared Value (Pay Option)
This option allows you to increase the FedEx liability limit to the value you declare, within the Authorized Limits .
FedEx 2025 Ad Valorem Insurance Pricing: Structure and Calculation
Standard Tariff Grid & Concrete Calculation Examples
According to the FedEx 2025 tariff conditions, the cost of the declared value is calculated as follows:
📊 Analysis: The effective rate fluctuates between 1.2% and 1.5% of value, slightly above the market average (0.8-1.2%).
Critical Limits : The Achilles Heel of FedEx Insurance
Herein lies the main limitation for professionals.
General Limits
Services & Limits :
- FedEx International Priority: $50,000
- FedEx International Economy: $50,000
- FedEx Envelopes/Paks: $500 ⚠️
- FedEx Ground (US): $50,000
Limits for Specific Goods
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Some categories are subject to a drastic Limit of 1,000 USD (~920€), regardless of their actual value:
Categories concerned :
- Jewelry, precious stones, precious metals
- Watches (all categories)
- Works of art, antiques, collectibles
- Furs
- Plasma screens and high-definition TVs
- Certain high-end electronic equipment
Case study: You ship a luxury watch worth €8,000. Even if you declare this value and pay the corresponding insurance (~$120), your maximum compensation will be $1,000 (~€920), or 11.5% of the actual value.
Source : FedEx Service Conditions
Parcel Insurance exclusions and prohibited goods
Beyond the Limits, certain goods are totally excluded from any compensation or prohibited from being shipped:
Totally excluded :
- Cash, cheques, credit cards
- Securities, shares, bonds
- Irreplaceable manuscripts
- Unworked skins and furs
- Live plants and seeds
Forbidden for shipment :
- Hazardous materials (unless otherwise agreed)
- Firearms and ammunition (except under strict conditions)
- Live animals
- Drugs and illegal substances
FedEx Claim Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide
Timeline Critique
Deadlines to be met :
- Damaged parcel: 7 days after delivery (domestic) / 21 days (international)
- Lost parcel: After 7 days' delay (domestic) / 21 days (international)
- Maximum Claim Period: 9 months from date of shipment
⏰ Please note: After these deadlines, FedEx may refuse the claim without examining the file.
Required documents
Mandatory checklist :
- ✅ FedEx claim form (available online)
- ✅ Copy of packing slip (Air Waybill)
- ✅ Original proof of value (purchase invoice, delivery note)
- ✅ Sales invoice to end customer
- ✅ Detailed photos:
- Damaged product (all angles)
- Inner and outer packaging
- Labels and the complete package
- ✅ Report of findings (if applicable)
Investigation process
Typical steps :
- Submission: Online deposit via the FedEx portal
- Acknowledgement of receipt: Within 24-48 hours with file number
- Investigation 10-30 days on average
- Checking the declaration of value
- Packaging analysis (standards met?)
- Survey of the hub concerned
- Decision: Acceptance, refusal or request for additional information
- Compensation: 7-15 days after acceptance
📊 Observed statistics (internal study of 150 files) :
- 52%: Accepted at first examination
- 28%: Refused (non-conforming packaging, insufficient proof)
- 20%: Additional information requested
Total average time: 45-60 days from declaration to payment.
Strengths and weaknesses of FedEx Insurance
✅ Recognized advantages
1. Leading Global Network
- Coverage in over 220 countries
- Robust infrastructure and real-time traceability
- Recognized logistics expertise
2. Easy integration
- Direct declaration when creating a label
- No separate insurance contract
- Unified transport + protection interface
3. High Limits for standard goods
- USD 50,000 covers most business shipments
- Suitable for B2B and spare parts
4. Digitized process
- Claims 100% online
- Follow-up via dedicated portal
⚠️ Critical Limitations
1. Discriminating Limits
- 1,000 for luxury and high-tech: unsuitable for these sectors
- There's no way around it
2. Cost above market
- Rate of 1.5% vs. 0.8-1.2% for competitors
- No volume degressivity
3. Time limits for compensation
- 45-60 days on average vs. 24-72h for modern solutions
- Significant cash impact
4. Procedural Strictness
- Packaging: strict FedEx standards (double cardboard box, wedging, etc.)
- Proof: original invoices required
- High risk of refusal (28% in our study)
Part 2: TNT Insurance analyzed
Background: TNT in the FedEx Ecosystem
Since the 2016 acquisition, TNT Express operates under the FedEx banner but retains :
- Its brand and network in Europe
- Its specific commercial conditions
- A separate Ad Valorem insurance offer
In 2025, the operational merger continues, but the two systems still coexist, particularly in France, where TNT remains a benchmark for intra-European shipments.
TNT Insurance mechanism
TNT offers classic Ad Valorem insurance, which covers the intrinsic value of goods over and above basic liability.
Responsibility Standard TNT
Without additional insurance, TNT applies the following liability limits depending on the country:
- Intra-France: €23/kg
- Intra-Europe: 22 SDR/kg (~€28)
- International: Warsaw Convention
Example: A 3kg parcel containing €900 worth of goods would only be compensated for €69-84 without insurance.
Ad valorem pricing TNT 2025
TNT vs FedEx Price Structure & Comparison Examples
According to TNT Express France conditions:
📊 Analysis: TNT is more advantageous from ~500€, but the 5€ minimum penalizes small shipments.
TNT Limits and Exclusions
Limits Maximums
Limits according to services :
- TNT Express: $50,000
- TNT Economy Express: $25,000
- TNT 9h, 10h, 12h: $50,000
On a positive note: TNT does NOT apply a reduced Limit of €1,000 for luxury goods and watches (unlike FedEx).
Specific exclusions
Totally excluded :
- Precious metal ingots
- Cash and foreign exchange
- Gemstones not set
- Works of art over €10,000 (unless otherwise agreed)
- High-value antiques
Restrictions:
- Jewelry and watches: Coverage available but secure packaging mandatory
- Electronics: Original packaging recommended
TNT Claim Procedure
Strict deadlines
Deadlines to be met :
- Declaration of visible damage: 7 days after delivery
- Declaration of hidden damage: 14 days after delivery
- Declaration of loss: 28 days after dispatch date
- Absolute limit: 9 months
Required documents
Complete file:
- TNT claim form
- Original packing slip
- Commercial invoice (purchase + sale)
- HD photos of damage
- Certificate of value (if >€5,000)
- Expert report (if >€10,000)
Typical Timeline
Process observed :
- D+0: Online declaration
- D+3: Acknowledgement of receipt
- D+15 to D+30: Investigation
- D+30 to D+45: Decision
- D+45 to D+60: Payment
Average lead time: 50-70 days (slightly longer than FedEx).
Strengths and weaknesses TNT Insurance
✅ Benefits
1. Preserved Luxury Blanket
- No €1,000 Limit like FedEx
- Suitable for the watchmaking/jewellery sector
2. Competitive pricing (Average Value)
- 1.2% vs. 1.5% FedEx
- 20% savings on large volumes
3. Dense European Network
- Excellence in intra-European flows
- Short lead times France/Germany/UK
⚠️ Limitations
1. Long compensation periods
- 50-70 days on average
- Same cash flow problems as FedEx
2. Demanding documentation
- Packaging: strict standards
- Proof: originals required
3. Limits per Service
- 25,000€ for Economy (vs. 50,000€ for Express)
Part 3: Comparison and alternatives
Face to face: FedEx vs TNT
Recommended Use Cases
Choose FedEx if :
- ✅ International shipments outside Europe
- ✅ Marchandises standard <1 000$
- ✅ Need for maximum traceability
- ✅ Volumes faibles (<50 colis/mois)
Choose TNT if :
- ✅ Dominant intra-European flows
- ✅ Shipment of watches/jewelry (>€1,000)
- ✅ Average values (€1,000-10,000)
- ✅ Price sensitivity (large volumes)
Panorama of Ad valorem 2025 alternatives
In addition to FedEx and TNT, the market offers specialized solutions that correct the identified limitations.
1. Traditional transport insurers
Players: AXA Logistics, Allianz Cargo, Groupama Transport
Advantages :
- Made-to-measure roofing
- Negotiable Limits
- Expertise in complex claims
Disadvantages :
- Separate subscription (annual contract)
- Heavy administration
- Similar lead times (30-60 days)
2. Modern E-commerce solutions (+Focus Claisy)
Actors : Claisy, Route, Shipsurance
Advantages :
- Ultra-fast compensation: 24-72 hours
- CMS integration(Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop)
- Not excluding luxury/high-tech
- Simplified declaration
- Multi-carrier compatible
Disadvantages :
- Recent players (less track record)
- Sometimes geographically limited
Focus Claisy:
- Commercial warranty (not insurance)
- Rate: 0.5-1% depending on risk profile
- Deadline: 48 hours for compensation
- Coverage: High-value products included
- Process: 3 clicks, zero paper
📊 Full comparison: See our detailed Claisy vs Shipsurance vs Route analysis.
3. Auto Insurance
Principle: Set up an internal fund to cover claims.
Suitable if :
- Volume >500 parcels/month
- Sinistralité <0,5%
- Strong cash position
Simplified calculation :
- If you ship 1,000 parcels/month at an average value of €500
- With 0.8% claims experience: 8 claims/month = €4,000
- Provision: €5,000-6,000/month (cushion)
- vs Insurance: €6,000/month (1.2% of €500,000)
Global Comparison Chart
Conclusion: Choose your parcel insurance strategically, not reactively
FedEx and TNT insurance are neither perfect nor unsuitable: they meet specific needs, particularly for Carrier companies with predictable flows and a compatible product typology.
Their strengths:
- Native integration
- Global (FedEx) or high-performance European (TNT) network
- Digitized processes
Their limitations:
- Critical Limits (FedEx luxe)
- Long claims processing times (45-70 days)
- Cost above market (1.2-1.5%)
In 2025, the question will no longer be "Should I insure?" but "Which solution optimizes my cost/protection/agility ratio?"
Our Recommendation
Hybrid approach :
- Analyze your claims experience over 12 months (number of claims, values, causes)
- Segment your flows :
- Standard products :
- Small volumes: Carrier Insurance
- For large volumes : Specialized solution
- High value: Specialized solution
- Very large volumes: an analysis needs to be carried out according to the level of margins and the standard deviation of prices => our recommendation is a Hybrid solution - The analysis will enable us to judge at what level partial self-insurance is optimal.
- Standard products :
- Test an alternative for 3 months in parallel
- Measure impact: payback period, acceptance rate, total cost
Insurance is not an expense, but an investment in operational peace of mind and customer satisfaction. Choose the insurance that protects not only your parcels, but also your cash flow and growth.
Parcel insurance appendices
Legal and regulatory aspects
Applicable legal framework
French Commercial Code (Article L133-1): "The Carrier is responsible for the loss and damage of the objects to be transported", but this responsibility can be contractually limited.
International conventions :
- Warsaw Convention (1929): International air transport
- Montreal Convention (1999): Modern revision, limit of 22 SDR/kg
- CMR (1956): International road transport (Europe)
Sources : ICAO, Legifrance
Implications for Professionals
⚖️ Legal point: By signing the contract of carriage (acceptance of the GTC), you accept the limitations of liability. Ad Valorem insurance is the only contractual means of circumventing them.
Sources and Resources
Official documentation
- FedEx Service Guide 2025
- FedEx Declared Value Policy
- TNT Express Insurance
- Montreal Convention - ICAO
- French Commercial Code - Legifrance
Studies and comparisons
- Carrier parcel insurance comparison 2025
- Ad Valorem insurance atlas
- Claisy vs Route vs Shipsurance analysis
CMS Practical Guides
Article written by the Claisy editorial team - updated in September 2025 - Expertise in e-commerce transport and logistics insurance