Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the carrying, storage or handling by any transportation company, subject to the provisions of this title, of property free or at reduced rates for the United States, or for the State of Alabama, or for any municipality, or for charitable purposes, or to or from fairs and expositions, for exhibition thereat, or property shipped by or to its officers or employees for their own exclusive use or consumption, or that of their immediate families; or prevent such companies from issuing excursion, mileage or commutation tickets, provided such excursion, mileage or commutation tickets shall be obtainable by all persons applying therefor under like circumstances and conditions. Nor shall anything in this title be construed to prevent such transportation companies from giving free transportation or reduced rates therefor to any person authorized by law to receive such free transportation or reduced rates therefor. Any express company may carry free or at reduced rates the personal packages or property of its officers and employees and of the officers and employees of railroad companies. Any transportation company may furnish free transportation for the body of any deceased officer, agent or employee, and to the members of the family of the deceased to and from the place of decease, and to and from the place of burial. Upon the shipment of livestock or other property, requiring the care of an attendant, the transportation company may furnish free transportation, including return passage, to the shipper or to some person or persons designated by him as attendant.