69-12-505. Suspension of proposed rate revision -- hearing. (1) Upon its own initiative or upon the complaint of any interested party filed with the commission within 20 days after the date upon which a change or revision of any rate, fare, charge, or classification is filed with the commission, the commission may suspend the operation of such rate, fare, charge, or classification for a period not to exceed 180 days. The order directing such suspension must be issued by the commission not less than 2 business days prior to the proposed effective date. The motor carrier or carriers filing such rate, fare, charge, or classification shall be given prompt notice by the complaining party, mailing a copy of the complaint concerning such proposed change or revision to the carrier or publishing agent, and such carrier or carriers also shall be given an opportunity to reply to any such complaint. If the proposed change or revision is in a tariff issued by a tariff publishing bureau for a motor carrier or carriers, notice to such bureau of any complaint will constitute notice to the participating carriers in such tariff.

(2) (a) If all the protests are withdrawn and the commission finds the proposed increase justified, the commission may vacate the suspension and permit the proposed rates to become effective without a public hearing.

(b) Unless the suspension has been vacated, whenever the suspension of any proposed change or revision in a tariff is ordered by the commission, it shall also order a public hearing to consider the reasonableness of the proposed change or revision. Due notice shall be given for such hearing to all known interested or affected persons, and the same shall be allowed to appear and present evidence. Additional prepared testimony may be presented before or during the hearing and may also be submitted after the hearing with the permission of the commission.

(3) After considering the evidence presented at such hearing, the commission shall issue an order approving, denying, or modifying the proposed change or revision. Unless such hearing is held and such order is issued within 180 days from the date upon which the suspension was ordered, the proposed change or revision shall be deemed approved and effective as filed.