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I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my 3rd Rail Rio Grande F3s, which UPS was showing as scheduled to be delivered this afternoon. In checking for an update, a small "Delay" sign appeared. Called UPS to see what was going on, and the customer service lady said the cause was a "train wreck!"

She didn't know any more. (I'm assuming she didn't mean that the delay was because it was my trains that got wrecked. ) I suppose the delivery truck must have gotten stuck at a crossing due to a derailment. I don't know how the truck could be delayed so long that the entire day's deliveries were shelved, but there it is. Just hope the UPS truck didn't get hit! Since UPS doesn't deliver on Saturdays, my engines get to sit on the truck all weekend (in 90+ degree heat), and I'll have to wait until Monday before they arrive. Maybe.

I've had trains delayed before, but never because of a train wreck.

Last edited by breezinup
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FWIW, years ago I got a package from UPS that was partially burned.  It turned out that only the packaging was cooked, the item inside was fine.  There was a note attached to the packaging explaining that the shipment had been involved in a "transport" fire and instructions for any claims of damage.  I guess I was one of the lucky ones, I suspect some people got items in less then perfect condition.

UPS CSR could have been speaking figuratively (i.e., a disastrous situation, occurrence, or process).  Your trains may be en route to Concord, NC.

Yeah, "train wreck" has a lot of meanings these days.   Got an update late yesterday from UPS, which said:

"A train derailment has delayed delivery. We're adjusting plans to deliver your package as quickly as possible."

At least they're not enroute to Concord, NC!

@CALNNC posted:

You haven't lived until you get a plastic bag from the USPS full of a mangled, gear tooth embossed, greasy package inside with a 'Sorry, Technical difficulty' note attached.

I guess I've lived, then. Back in the day when I was shooting 8mm home movies, I'd sent a roll (they were 50' rolls) to a Kodak plant in California for development. About a week and a half later, I got a #10 white envelope in the mail. Inside was what appeared to be a small plastic sandwich bag with the bare roll of film inside, and a small note with a single line saying something like "difficulties enroute." What happened to the yellow Kodak box it would have shipped in, who knows? When I removed the roll of film, it was soaked in what appeared to be motor oil. It was more than weird.

Luckily, after I cleaned the film, foot by foot, with gentle dish detergent and water, the developed film was fine.

A few years ago I got a UPS box that was run over by dual wheels, most likely the UPS truck that was delivering it!  It was a fairly flat box with a laptop in it, needless to say, it didn't survive the experience!  However, they kindly left it my driveway at the garage door.  Doubtless the driver was hoping I'd run over it and not realize that it was already toast!

Of the hundreds of packages I've received over the years (typically several hundred a year at least), I've only had a handful of significant damage results, so I guess all things considered the shipping companies are still doing a decent job.

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