(a) Before any motor carrier of property shall operate any motor vehicle on or over any public highway of this state, it shall first secure a motor carrier of property permit from the commissioner by making application therefor on forms supplied by the commissioner and paying the required filing fee. The application shall be in writing and under oath and shall include such information as the commissioner may require including, but not limited to:

(1) Whether hazardous commodities will be transported;

(2) The number and type of vehicles to be utilized;

(3) The carrier's safety record and safety rating; and

(4) Proof of compliance with applicable insurance or self-insurance requirements.

(b) The commissioner shall issue the motor carrier of property permit if the application is complete and the applicant demonstrates compliance with the laws of this state and the rules and regulations of the commissioner regarding insurance and safety, including the handling of hazardous materials. The commissioner may refuse to issue a permit where the applicant has failed to show compliance with the applicable laws of this state and the rules and regulations of the commissioner. In any such instance where a permit is denied, the applicant shall, upon request made within 30 days of the date of denial, be entitled to a hearing to contest such denial of a permit.

(c) The commissioner may, at any time after notice and a hearing, suspend, revoke, alter, or amend any permit issued under this title if it shall appear that the holder of the permit has violated or refused to observe any of the lawful and reasonable orders, rules, or regulations prescribed by the commissioner, any provisions of this title, or any other law of this state regulating or providing for the taxation of motor vehicles.

(d) In order to provide for the publication and maintenance of just and reasonable joint-line rates, routes, classifications, and mileage guides, the commissioner may establish a collective rate-making procedure for all motor carriers of property who elect to participate.