Opinion ID: 1865421
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Fit, Willing and Able, etc.

Text: (§ 301(11), Tit. 48, Code 1940) Finally, Redwing attacks R. C. Van Lines fitness to hold contract carrier authority. Redwing contends that prior unauthorized operations of R. C. Van Lines should preclude a finding that R. C. Van Lines is fit, willing and able, etc. The record shows R. C. Van Lines under its interstate authority had moved commodities manufactured in Covington County, Alabama, to various points in the state. R. C. Van Lines claimed those operations occurred because it was under a belief it was authorized to transport some commodities intrastate by its ICC temporary authority. The record reveals that after being advised the intrastate operations were illegal, R. C. Van Lines leased the equipment to the shippers and sought intrastate authority. Moreover, R. C. Van Lines represented at the APSC hearing its willingness to comply with the Motor Carrier Act, and rules and regulations of the APSC. The action of R. C. Van Lines, after being notified of the illegality of the instrastate operation, authorized the APSC to conclude there was good faith in the representation of R. C. Van Lines that it would adhere to the laws of this state. We find nothing offensive about those prior unauthorized operations which should preclude a finding by the APSC that R. C. Van Lines is fit, willing and able, etc. to perform the proposed service. To the contrary, we find an abundance of evidence in the record to support a finding of R. C. Van Lines' fitness, willingness and ability to perform the proposed service. R. C. Van Lines' financial statement shows third quarter 1975 profits of $21,618, and its balance sheet as of 30 September 1975, reflects total assets of $930,109.34. In 1975, R. C. Van Lines had gross revenues of $1,962,000. The evidence shows R. C. Van Lines has already invested $160,000 in equipment to provide service for Chembond. It consists of stainless steel trailers, insulated and specially equipped to handle adhesives; 1975 model trailers built to specifications required by Chembond. R. C. Van Lines expressed its intention to provide service for Chembond through a terminal at the Chembond plant site. Evidence of R. C. Van Lines was that it had personnel qualified to hire and supervise the proper drivers to operate its equipment to transport Chembond's substances and the drivers to be used will be specially trained in handling adhesives. Further, that R. C. Van Lines will provide washing, cleaning and maintenance facilities at the Chembond plant site, and will be able to provide equipment promptly upon request. Having found the APSC's order is supported by competent substantial evidence of record, the judgment of the circuit court sustaining the order of the APSC is due to be, and is affirmed. AFFIRMED. TORBERT, C. J., and BLOODWORTH, FAULKNER and ALMON, JJ., concur.