Subd. 1. Powers generally.

The functions of the transportation regulation board shall be legislative and quasi-judicial in nature. It may make such investigations and determinations, hold such hearings, prescribe such rules and issue such orders with respect to the control and conduct of the businesses coming within its jurisdiction as the legislature itself might make but only as it shall from time to time authorize.

Subd. 2. Specific functions and powers.

The board shall further hold hearings and issue orders in cases brought before it by either the commissioner or by a third party in the following areas:

1. (a) Adequacy of services which carriers are providing to the public, including the continuation, termination or modification of services and facilities.
2. (b) The reasonableness of tariffs of rates, fares, and charges, or a part or classification thereof. The board may authorize common carriers by rail and motor carrier for hire to file tariffs of rates, fares, and charges individually or by group. Carriers participating in group rate making have the free and unrestrained right to take independent action either before or after a determination arrived at through such procedure.
3. (c) The issuing of franchises, permits, or certificates of convenience and necessity.

Subd. 3. Subpoena power.

The board shall have subpoena power.

Subd. 4. Hearings; notice.

With respect to those matters within its jurisdiction the board shall receive, hear and determine all petitions filed with it in accordance with the procedures established by law and may hold hearings and make determinations upon its own motion to the same extent, and in every instance, in which it may do so upon petition. Upon receiving petitions filed pursuant to sections 221.121, subdivision 1, 221.151, 221.296, and 221.55, the board shall give notice of the filing of the petition to representatives of associations or other interested groups or persons who have registered their names with the board for that purpose and to whomever the board deems to be interested in the petition. The board may grant or deny the request of the petition 30 days after notice of the filing has been fully given. If the board receives a written objection and notice of intent to appear at a hearing to object to the petition from any person within 20 days of the notice having been fully given, the request of the petition shall be granted or denied only after a contested case hearing has been conducted on the petition, unless the objection is withdrawn prior to the hearing. The board may elect to hold a contested case hearing if no objections to the petition are received. If a timely objection is not received, or if received and withdrawn, and the request of the petition is denied without hearing, the petitioner may request within 30 days of receiving the notice of denial, and shall be granted, a contested case hearing on the petition.

Subd. 5. Operation with regard to federal law.

The board is authorized:

1. (a) To cooperate with all federal agencies for the purpose of harmonizing state and federal regulations within the state to the extent and in the manner deemed advisable.
2. (b) To conduct joint hearings with any federal agency or commission within or without the state and participate in any proceedings before any federal agency or commission when it considers such participation advisable and for that purpose may approve and establish freight rates or charges that depart from the distance principle required by any state law.
3. (c) To nominate members to any joint board as provided by federal acts.