(1) In addition to the powers and duties now or hereafter transferred to or vested in the Department of Transportation, the department shall represent the customers of any motor carrier or railroad, and the public generally, in all controversies respecting rates, valuations, service and all matters of which the department has jurisdiction regarding motor carriers and railroads. In respect thereof, the department shall make use of its jurisdiction and powers to protect such customers, and the public generally, from unjust and unreasonable exactions and practices and to obtain for them adequate service at fair and reasonable rates.

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(2) The department is vested with power and jurisdiction to supervise and regulate every motor carrier and railroad in this state, and to do all things necessary and convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction.

(3) The department may participate in any proceeding before any public officer, commission or body of the United States or any state or other jurisdiction for the purpose of representing the public generally and the customers of the services of any motor carrier or railroad operating or providing service to or within this state.

(4) The department may make joint investigations, hold joint hearings within or without this state and issue concurrent orders in conjunction or concurrence with any official, board, commission or agency of any state or of the United States. [1995 c.733 § 15; 1997 c.275 § 9]

[1983 c.338 § 756; 1985 c.16 § 361; 1989 c.782 § 1; 1993 c.371 § 1; renumbered 682.015 in 1995]