(1) The business of operating as a motor carrier of persons or property for hire upon the highways of this state is declared to be a business affected with the public interest. It is hereby declared to be the state transportation policy to do the following:

(a) Promote safe, adequate, economical and efficient service and to promote the conservation of energy.

(b) Promote sound, economic conditions in transportation.

(c) Encourage the establishment and maintenance of reasonable rates for transportation services, without unjust discriminations, undue preferences or advantages or unfair or destructive competitive practices.

(d) Provide specific state action immunity against all antitrust claims and prosecution in those instances when carriers lawfully develop, publish and charge rates relating to the transportation of household goods and joint line rates relating to the transportation of other property and provide services specifically prescribed and subject to regulation by the Department of Transportation and in those instances when carriers lawfully engage in prior consultation for purposes described in this paragraph.

(2) The volume of motor carrier traffic presents dangers and hazards on public highways and makes it imperative that:

(a) Stringent rules be employed, to the end that the highways may be rendered safe for the use of the general public;

(b) The wear of such highways be controlled;

(c) A minimum of inconvenience to other users of the highways be effected;

(d) A minimum hindrance and stoppage to other users of the highways compatible with needs of the public for adequate transportation service, be effected;

(e) The highways be safeguarded from improper or unnecessary usage;

(f) Operation by irresponsible persons or any other operation threatening the safety of the public or detrimental to the general welfare be prevented;

(g) Congestion of traffic on the highways be minimized;

(h) The various transportation agencies of the state be adjusted and correlated so that public highways may serve the best interest of the general public; and

(i) A method of assessing privilege taxes be provided to enable the further construction of highways and to provide for the operation, preservation and maintenance of highways already built.

(3) The Legislative Assembly hereby declares that to effect the ends and purposes listed in this section, this chapter is adopted. [Formerly 767.020; 2015 c.283 § 13]