(A) An applicant applying for a certificate or applying to amend a certificate to operate as a motor vehicle common carrier must submit a written application to the commission on a form provided by the commission. The commission must post information regarding an application to apply for a certificate or amend a certificate for fifteen days immediately following receipt of the application. Any person who may be affected by the issuance or amendment of the requested certificate or amendment may file a written objection with the commission within fourteen days after the commission posts the notice regarding the application.

(B)(1) If no objection to an application is filed pursuant to subsection (A), the commission may meet to determine if the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform the proposed service, upon a showing based upon criteria established by the commission. If the commission issues a directive approving the application, the Office of Regulatory Staff may then issue the certificate. The directive of the commission shall serve as the commission’s order thirty days after issuance.

(2) If an objection is filed with the commission, the commission must hold a hearing to determine if the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform the proposed service. The commission must publish a notice of hearing for an application for a certificate on the commission’s website for not less than thirty days before the date of the hearing.

(C) If an application is denied, another application may not be made until at least six months have elapsed since the date of the denial.