Opinion ID: 1832879
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Issue (2): Substantial Weight of the Evidence

Text: Applicants argue the Commission's decision finding the proposed transfer of authority not to be in the public interest is not supported by the substantial weight of the evidence. Applicants contend the record shows only that protestants fear new competition and possible diversion of intrastate traffic. This fear, applicants assert, is legally insufficient to support a finding that approval of the applications is not in the public interest. See Alabama Public Service Commission v. Chem-Haulers, Inc., 293 Ala. 677, 309 So.2d 453 (1975). Applicants further note that although the public interest test includes consideration of the effect of new competition on existing carriers, nevertheless the record here conclusively demonstrates that any competitive effect that might result from approval of the applications is so negligible that no protestant could be harmed. These arguments take a very narrow view of a multifaceted Commission order. That order affirmatively shows that disapproval of the applications was not based solely on findings of diversion or competitive effect. The Commission found that approval of the applications would result in a major restructuring of Alabama's Transportation Industry. This finding was based on considerations of diversion, competitive effect, and an implicit factor; dividing A-OK's authority under its certificate in the manner requested would result in applicant carriers being allowed to dramatically increase the areas those carriers could serve directly or indirectly. There is substantial evidence in the record of the proceedings before the Commission which supports the finding that such a restructuring would occur. The Commission's order indicates that various factors, including creditors' interests, Floyd & Beasley Transfer Co., Inc. v. Alabama Public Service Commission, 276 Ala. 130, 159 So.2d 833 (1963), entered into its judgment that the proposed transfers would not be in the public interest. On this record we cannot say the decision of the Commission is not supported by substantial evidence or that the Commission erred to the prejudice of the applicants' substantial rights when it decided the proposed transfers would not be in the public interest. The judgment of the Circuit Court of Covington County is reversed. We remand with directions that an order affirming the order of the Alabama Public Service Commission and allowing costs to protestants be entered. Reversed and remanded with directions. BLOODWORTH, MADDOX, FAULKNER and ALMON, JJ., concur.