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Wilson Trucking Corp. v. Commonwealth

Citations: 204 Va. 685; 133 S.E.2d 290; 1963 Va. LEXIS 201Docket: Record No. 5677

Court: Supreme Court of Virginia; December 2, 1963; Virginia; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

The case involves Wilson Trucking Corporation's petition to the State Corporation Commission for clarification regarding its rights under two certificates of public convenience and necessity issued in 1953. Wilson sought to combine these certificates to provide freight service between Lynchburg and Roanoke via Waynesboro, a move opposed by the Commission's Commerce Counsel and Hemingway Transport of Virginia, an intervenor in the proceedings. The Commission denied Wilson's petition, citing limitations in Certificate No. F-646 meant to protect other routes and service providers, and noting that Wilson never had direct authority for the proposed route. The Commission found no public need to remove these limitations and no evidence of inadequacy in existing services. Wilson's appeal argued that the Commission lacked authority to impose such limitations, referencing precedent from Cook Transfer v. Commonwealth. However, the Commission and the court distinguished the statutes governing motor vehicle carriers from those of household goods carriers. The court upheld the Commission's decision, affirming the limitations as consistent with the 1953 certificate transfer and concluding that Wilson's petition failed to demonstrate the necessity or legal basis for altering the established route restrictions.

Legal Issues Addressed

Authority of the Commission to Impose Route Limitations

Application: The court recognized the Commission's authority to impose route limitations, distinguishing it from household goods carriers' statutes.

Reasoning: Wilson argues that the Commission lacked authority to impose this limitation in Certificate No. F-646, citing Cook Transfer v. Commonwealth...

Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity

Application: Wilson Trucking Corporation sought clarification on its rights to combine two certificates to provide a new service route, which was denied by the Commission.

Reasoning: Wilson Trucking Corporation petitioned the State Corporation Commission to clarify its rights regarding two certificates of public convenience and necessity issued in 1953.

Limitations on Freight Transport Routes

Application: The Commission maintained limitations on freight routes to protect other service providers' rights, denying Wilson's attempt to alter these limitations.

Reasoning: The key issue is whether Wilson can accept freight in Roanoke for Lynchburg transport via Waynesboro, and vice versa.

Presumption of Correctness of Commission Orders

Application: The Commission's denial of Wilson's petition is presumed just and correct, a presumption Wilson did not successfully rebut on appeal.

Reasoning: The Commission's order rejecting Wilson's petition is presumed to be just, reasonable, and correct, a presumption Wilson failed to rebut on appeal.