This delivery for the replacement item all went as intended - the package arrived next day (as promised by the supplier), a 3 hour delivery slot was texted by the delivery driver, the package arrived within that time slot and the item was undamaged.
This is in complete contrast to the first attempt - the package arrived after 2 days (despite the promise of next day delivery) and no confirmed delivery slot was given, so it was only by luck that there was someone at home to receive the package. The driver also explained that the dampness on the outside of the package was from it being left out in the rain. A closer inspection revealed that the casing of the battery inside the package was split and the 'dampness' was actually leaking battery acid.