(1) The commission may consolidate applications for certificated auto transportation authority for joint consideration if:

(a) The authority requested in the applications overlaps in whole or in part; and

(b) The subsequent application was filed within thirty days of the date the initial application appears on the application docket.

(2) Applications for overlapping authority not filed within thirty days after the initial application appears on the application docket will be decided after the conclusion of proceedings resolving the initial application and any other application qualifying for joint consideration.

(3) When applications consolidated by the commission for joint consideration also contain requests for territory or services not overlapping that requested in the other application, and the nonoverlapping services or territory may be appropriately severed, the commission may decide the nonoverlapping portions of the application separately from the portions that do overlap.