Shipco Transport

I have a shipment that has arrived from Sri Lanka and is awaiting pickup in a warehouse in Baltimore. I just learned today that Shipco claims charges due in the amount of $198 and will not release the shipment for me to pick up until those charges are paid. Tomorrow is my last day of free storage, and Shipco accepts payment only by check sent by mail. My next availability to pick up the shipment is Tuesday, August 8. This means I will incur at least one week worth of charges.

I learned of these charges today when I called Shipco to ask why they have not released the shipment. I spoke with an employee named Mary G. Mary G confirmed that the original invoice for these charges was sent to the wrong email address.

I became aware that Shipco was using the wrong email address when my customs broker tracked my shipment and notified me that I should have received an arrival notice, but I had never received that notice. I contacted Shipco, learned that they had incorrect contact information for me, and provided a correct email address and other contact information. I subsequently received other correspondence from them that did not indicate any charges due. I never received any communication indicating charges due until today. Since the shipment was sent freight prepaid, I was not excecting additional charges, although I now understand that the additional charges are related to handling the shipment at the port, so I am fine with paying them.

Mary G insisted that the fact that I received the later communications and my email address has now been updated meant that I received the earlier communication as well even though she verified that it was sent to the wrong email address. This makes absolutely no sense.