(1) No Class A or B Motor Carrier shall charge or receive any greater compensation in the aggregate for the transportation of persons, or of like kind of property, for a shorter than for a longer distance over the same line in the same direction, the shorter being included within the longer distance, nor charge any greater compensation as a through rate than the aggregate of the intermediate rates without Commission approval. Upon a showing to the Commission, after notice and hearing, a carrier may seek approval of such rate, and if supported by sufficient evidence, the Commission may grant such greater rate for a shorter distance.