Sec. 17. (a) Upon the filing of an application under this chapter for contract carrier authority to operate motor vehicles in intrastate commerce, the department shall, within a reasonable time, fix a time and place for a public hearing in the city of Indianapolis, unless otherwise ordered by the department. A copy of the notice of hearing shall be mailed to the applicant, at the address set out in the application, at least ten (10) days before the date set for hearing. Any person interested in the proceedings may appear in person, or by counsel, and offer any evidence either in support of, or in opposition to, the granting of the authority requested in the application.

(b) In determining whether requested contract authority should be granted, the department shall, among other things, consider the following factors:

(1) The financial ability of the applicant to furnish adequate contract carrier service.

(2) The effect of granting the requested authority on other transportation service then in existence, and particularly whether the granting of authority will seriously impair that other service and will unreasonably impair the efficient public service of any certificated common carrier by motor vehicle, or by railroad, then adequately serving the same territory.

(3) Whether or not any certificated common carrier by motor vehicle, or by railroad, then serving the same territory, will furnish transportation services designed to meet the distinct need of the supporting contract shipper or shippers.

(c) If the department, after hearing, determines that the proposed operation, as requested in the application, meets all of the requirements of contract carriage, as defined in this chapter, and that the applicant is qualified in all respects to perform the proposed operation, the department shall approve the application and issue the requested authority, subject to terms, restrictions, and limitations as determined by the department.

(d) The department shall specify and name in the permit the name of the contracting person. The scope of the permit shall be attached at the time of issuance, along with any reasonable terms, conditions, and limitations consistent with the character of the holder as a contract carrier.

As added by P.L.99-1989, SEC.13.