Every common carrier by motor vehicle subject to the provisions of this chapter receiving property for transportation originating and terminating in this state shall issue to the shipper a receipt or bill of lading therefor and shall be liable as a common carrier under the laws of this state to the lawful holder thereof for any loss, damage or injury to such property caused by it; and no contract, stipulation, receipt, rule or regulation contained in said receipt or bill of lading, or otherwise, shall exempt such common carrier from the liability hereby imposed; but nothing in this section shall deprive any holder of such receipt or bill of lading of any remedy or right of action which he has under existing law. Every bill of lading so issued to the shipper shall state the class or classes of freight or express shipped and the rate to the point of destination and the aggregate charge made for the transportation. The commission shall prescribe the forms and contents of bills of lading receipts, expense bills and other records to be used by such common carriers subject to the provisions of this chapter and to make all proper rules and regulations with respect thereto which may be necessary or proper to secure the safe receipt, handling, transportation and delivery of property by such common carriers upon just and reasonable terms, and such records shall be subject to inspection by the commission.
Ala. Code § 37-3-23 (1975)