(a) The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to prescribe and establish such reasonable regulations for household goods carriers and motor contract carriers operating in intrastate commerce as the commissioner deems necessary with respect to rates and charges, issuance of certificates or permits, classification of carriers, abandonment or suspension of service, routes, speed, adequacy of service, financial responsibility, insurance covering personal injury, property damage and cargo, uniform system of accounts, records, reports, safety of operation and equipment and the public convenience and safety. Not later than July 1, 2003, the commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, establishing a procedure for the resolution of claims disputes between household goods carriers and motor contract carriers operating in intrastate commerce and their customers. To prevent unjust discrimination, undue preference or prejudice between shippers or consignees and household goods carriers transporting household goods in intrastate commerce, the commissioner may prescribe and establish settlement of claims governing the payment of tariff charges, including regulations for weekly or monthly settlement, in the delivery or transfer of possession or title of household goods between shippers, consignees and household goods carriers transporting household goods in intrastate commerce. This authorization shall not be construed to prohibit any household goods carrier from extending credit in connection with rates and charges on household goods transported for any branch of the government of the United States or any department of the state, or for any county, city, borough or town.

(b) The commissioner, after notice and hearing, may impose a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars for each violation of a provision of the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Each day on which the violation occurs shall be deemed a separate offense.