Been ripped by a Freight Agent. Where do I stand?

[melbzetec]

Have blown some rings in the Focus, and long story short, I bought a brand new short motor from the UK at a great price.

Paid more for the freight than the short motor itself, but still a good deal. About $1300 landed.

Placed the order early December and waited. Opted to have it delivered straight to the workshop (Rob Herrod) who is doing the work because they're close to Tullamarine and it just made sense.

So I get a call today from some freight agent (I'll leave the name out) who I've never had anything to do with before , who says I owe $125 for custom clearance ( fair call), $55 for courier (fair enough)..................and $600 for storage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Their argument: It arrived on Christmas Eve, rang the workshop and no one there (duuurrr), and they have had it stored for 11 days. $55 per day plus GST!!! Thanks very much Fu.k u.

What the fu.k...!!!!

I can't see on what legal basis they can do this. Where is the contract? Offer, acceptance, consideration.

Anyone know how they can do this? They don't have a contract with me...never heard of them, was never informed of , or agreed to, a storage fee.
Sounds like blackmail, not contractural obligation.

I'm stuffed though as I need the car. So I had to pay the bastards (3% surcharge on the credit cards thanks very much!!!!)

I caouldn't see anyway around it, but it is a f...kn racket