In the case of Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Co. v. Jackson Vinegar Co., 1912, the Supreme Court was asked to determine whether a railroad company could be held liable for damages caused by its failure to deliver goods in a timely manner. The Jackson Vinegar Company had contracted with the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Company for transportation of vinegar from Memphis, Tennessee to Vicksburg, Mississippi within five days. However, due to negligence on part of the railroad company's employees, delivery was delayed causing damage to vinegar barrels which resulted in loss for Jackson Vinegar Co.. The court ruled that under common law principles governing bailments (temporary possession or control over personal property), when goods are delivered into custody of carrier it is their duty not only safely carry but also promptly deliver them at destination; any delay beyond reasonable time constitutes breach entitling owner recover damages resulting therefrom unless such delay can be justified by circumstances beyond control or prevention.

In the dissenting opinion for Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Co. v. Jackson Vinegar Co., it was argued that the majority's decision to hold the railroad company liable for damages caused by a delay in shipment was unjustified. The dissenting justices believed that there were no grounds to assume negligence on part of the railroad company, as they had not violated any explicit contractual obligations or demonstrated clear misconduct in their handling of goods. They contended that delays can occur due to various unforeseen circumstances beyond control, which should be considered while determining liability. Therefore, they disagreed with imposing an absolute duty on carriers to deliver goods within a specific time frame without considering potential justifiable reasons for delay.