A FedEx driver is accused of dumping hundreds of packages into a ravine in Alabama, according to Authorities
To avoid a supply-chain disruption, you might order your personal necessities and holiday gifts in advance. Eventually, let’s say those packages made it to the final link and were dumped into a nearby ravine by a driver.
Authorities in Alabama are currently looking into a FedEx driver who is accused of throwing out multiple truckloads of packages.
More than 300 to 400 boxes “of assorted sizes” were found in a wooded area on private property in Blount County on Wednesday, according to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
Later that day, FedEx dispatched trucks and drivers from all over the South to begin the recovery process for the packages, the company added. Assorted packages were seen in the back of a truck, boxes scattered on the ground, and several trucks parked in the woods.
As of Monday, Sheriff Mark Moon said that the driver had been identified and questioned; he has not publicly named him. While investigators worked to clear up the “debacle,” the media and public were asked to be patient.
“Dumped at least six times,” Moon said in a Tuesday update, making FedEx a victim of six separate theft of property cases.
There are currently about 450 victims, some of whom live in Blount County and others who have been contacted by investigators, he said. This will not be an easy or fast case to close.”
A FedEx spokesperson told NPR in an email that the company has looked into the matter and is working with authorities, and that the person responsible has been terminated from his or her position as a FedEx Ground employee.
“We regret the inconvenience this situation has caused and appreciate our customers’ understanding throughout the package recovery process,” the statement added. “Where possible, recovered packages are being delivered to the intended recipients. In the event of a damaged shipment, we will make every effort to work with the affected shippers to reach a resolution.”
Customers were urged to check their shipments online if they had any questions.