By the word “preference” as used in this article is meant any advantage, privilege, right, opportunity, precedence, choice, favor, priority, or gain that is or may be, or is sought or purposed to be accorded, granted, given, allowed, permitted or extended to any person, place, or thing, as against any other person, place, or thing in the receipt, carriage, transportation, movement, placing, storing, handling, caring for or delivery of any freight, commodity or article, or any railroad car or by any common carrier in this State, or any agent or employé thereof. Any person who shall ask, solicit, demand, or receive, directly or indirectly, from any person, corporate or otherwise, any money, reward, favor, benefit, or other thing of value, or the promise of either, as a consideration for procuring or effecting, or with the intent of the person asking, soliciting, demanding, charging or receiving the same, or the promise thereof, that such person can or will, seek or undertake to procure or effect any preference in the receipt, carriage, transportation, storing, movement, placing, handling, caring for, or delivery of any freight, commodity or article, or any railroad car by any common carrier in this State or any agent or employé thereof, shall be fined not less than one hundred nor more than one thousand dollars and be imprisoned in jail not less than thirty days nor more than six months.