(a) General rule.--No person or corporation shall render service as a contract carrier by motor vehicle unless there is in force with respect to such carrier a permit issued by the commission, authorizing such person or corporation to engage in such business. The application for such permit shall be determined by the commission in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b), except as set forth in subsection (d).

(b) Application and issuance.--Every application for such permit shall be made to the commission in writing, be verified by oath or affirmation, and shall be in such form and contain such information as the commission may require by its regulations. A permit shall be issued by the commission to any qualified applicant therefor authorizing in whole or in part the service covered by the application, if it appears from the application, or from any hearing held thereon, that the applicant is fit, willing and able properly to perform the service of a contract carrier by motor vehicle, and to conform to the provisions of this chapter and the lawful orders or regulations of the commission thereunder, and that the proposed service to the extent authorized by the permit will be consistent with the public interest and the policy declared in section 2501 (relating to declaration of policy and definitions); otherwise such application shall be denied.

(c) Special permit provisions.--The commission shall specify in the permit the business of the contract carrier by motor vehicle covered thereby, and the route and area required in serving the customers in such business, and shall attach to it, at the time of issuance, and from time to time thereafter, such reasonable terms, conditions, flexibility and limitations consistent with the character of the holder as are necessary to carry out, with respect to the service of such carrier, the requirements of this part.

(d) Armored vehicles.--A contract carrier permit to provide the transportation of property of unusual value, including money and securities, in armored vehicles shall be granted by order of the commission upon application. Such carriers must conform to the rules and regulations of the commission.

(July 6, 1984, P.L.602, No.123, eff. imd.)

1984 Amendment. Act 123 amended subsec. (a) and added subsec. (d).