When a hearing has been held before the department of inspections and appeals after notice, it shall make a report in writing setting forth the findings of fact and its conclusions together with its recommendations as to what reparation, if any, the offending carrier shall make to a party who has suffered damage. The findings of fact are prima facie evidence in all further legal proceedings of every fact found. All reports of hearings and investigations made by the department of inspections and appeals shall be entered of record and a copy furnished to the carrier against which the complaint was filed, to the party complaining, and to any other person having a direct interest in the matter. A reasonable fee not to exceed the actual duplication costs may be charged for the copies.