Steamboats, railroads and other public carriers doing business in Louisiana shall pay at the point of delivery for all freight they may fail, refuse or neglect to deliver, and for all overcharges above the rate of freight contained in the bill of lading or contract, except for freight received in sealed cars from other roads outside of Louisiana.

They may be sued either in the courts at the point of delivery or in the courts at the point of shipment or in the courts of their domicile at the option of the party bringing suit for the recovery of all freight they may fail, refuse or neglect to deliver, or for all damages arising from such failure, refusal or neglect, or for all damages done to freight while in transit.