1. A permanent permit to operate as a contract carrier of property may be issued by the commissioner to an applicant with or without hearing, but upon notice to all interested parties authorizing such applicant to provide transportation as a contract carrier of property. Applications for a permanent permit shall be accompanied by a filing fee as prescribed in section one hundred forty-four of this chapter. The application for a permanent permit shall be granted if the commissioner finds that:

1. (a) the applicant is fit, willing and able to provide the transportation to be authorized and to comply with this chapter and the regulations of the commissioner; and
2. (b) the proposed service to the extent authorized will be consistent with the public interest and the policy declared in section one hundred thirty-seven of this chapter.