Perishable property which has been transported to destination, and the owner, or consignee, notified of its arrival, or being notified, refuses or neglects to receive the same and pay the legal charges thereon, or if upon diligent inquiry the consignee cannot be found, such carrier may, in the exercise of a reasonable discretion, sell the same at public or private sale without advertising, and the proceeds, after deducting the freight and charges and expenses of sale, shall be paid to the owner or consignee upon demand.
770 ILCS 90/2