(a) In all cases where there is, by physical connection of railroads, a continuous line of railway communication between railroad stations within this state, whether such stations are on railroads operated by one and the same company or corporation or on railroads operated by different and independent companies or corporations, it shall be the duty of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, to and from such stations, to make just and reasonable rates for freight, express, and passenger traffic, to be observed by all persons, companies, or corporations operating any railroad or engaged in transporting persons or property as express or freight in this state.
(b)
(1) All persons, companies, or corporations operating any railroad in this state that forms part of a continuous line of railroad communication to any point in this state shall issue through-passenger tickets and check baggage through to and from points on the continuous line of communication at through-rates and fares.
(2) All freight and traffic carried wholly within this state to and from stations on lines of continuous carriage aforesaid shall be waybilled through at through-rates and tolls from point of departure to point of arrival without being rebilled at junction points. In cases of carload freights, the forwarding carrier shall receive and forward the same in cars in which the freight is tendered without breaking bulk of package.