I ordered a laptop from Dell, and was scanned "Out For Delivery" at the courier's depot last Wednesday. Unfortunately, it remained on the delivery truck for THREE DAYS before being re-scanned back into the courier's warehouse.
Dell packaging, while maybe OK in avoiding small knock is totally inadequate for freezing temperatures.
Is there a possibility that the laptop will develop problems specifically related to the excessive exposure to low temperatures.

Where is the truck?

The electronics will not be a problem. And unless the battery is being subjected to sub-zero (°F) temperatures, I would not be concerned. They are pretty robust. Their operating temperatures, however, are less extreme, and generally they must not be operated in below freezing (32°F) temperatures. And like just about all matter, moisture will condense on (and in) them if cold then brought into a warm environment. So when they finally do deliver this, do NOT do anything to the battery, notebook or power supply for several hours except unpack them. Give them time to come up to normal room temperatures.

Thanks for the information and advice.
Unfortunately, it might be academic as there is no sign of the laptop being delivered. UPS tracking shows the laptop to be in the depot since Tuesday 14th Dec. and has been scanned out for delivery a couple of time, but no show.
The weather is not causing this as I had another delivery from Dell via UPS on Monday of a monitor which was shipped after the laptop.
I think the laptop is lost, but I have to wait 30 days before I can claim back my cash from Dell.
Regardless, delivered or not that's the last with Dell.

It is not fair to blame Dell when it is clear it was UPS who "lost" it.

You're right it's not Dell's fault that the laptop was mislaid, but having contacted Dell four times (2 e-mails and 2 phone calls), it was only the girl I spoke to during the last phone call who actually tried to find out what was going on. The others were doing the party line of "backlog of orders" rather than really helping.
Anyway, it's been re-scheduled for delivery so hopefully ... and I'll be taking your advice.
Thanks,
Rannoch
PS After watching the tv coverage of the terrible problems of the people at the airports and train stations this laptop issue goes down the list.

PS After watching the tv coverage of the terrible problems of the people at the airports and train stations this laptop issue goes down the list.

Maybe not. Cargo carriers don't have the safety restrictions people carriers have. Suitcases and packages often reach destinations before the passengers. Certainly though, the weather is wrecking havoc on all transportation systems.