When a common carrier has transported property of a perishable nature, which cannot be kept without great deterioration or substantial destruction, to its place of destination and has notified the owner or consignee of the arrival of the same, and the owner or consignee, after such notice, has refused or omitted to receive and take away the same and pay the freight and proper charges thereon, the carrier, in the exercise of a reasonable discretion, may sell the same at public or private sale without advertising. The proceeds, after deducting the amount of the freight and charges and expenses of sale, shall be held for the persons entitled thereto. If the owner or consignee cannot be found on reasonable inquiry, the sale may be made without such notice.   [PL 1987, c. 490, §1 (NEW).]