The paper examines the process of controlling entry into intrastate tr
ucking markets. A sample of 297 applications to the Tennessee Public S
ervice Commission for authority over the period 1984-1991 is examined.
The results indicate that the Tennessee Public Service Commission lim
its entry in a manner that is protective of the incumbent carriers. Th
e Commission is more likely to grant authority the more restricted the
requested authority. Industry opposition to applications reduces the
probability that authority is granted. Finally, the evidence suggests
that the Commission may discriminate against the smallest firms in gra
nting new authority.