News Archives - Page 4 of 30

Conviction in the Sterling, VA Explosion: How Propane Companies Can Protect Themselves Against Lawsuits and Criminal Charges (Part Two)

The Sterling, Virginia propane explosion of February 2024 did not simply end with the complete destruction of a home or the tragic death of firefighter Trevor Brown. What followed was a lengthy courtroom drama and a series of lawsuits that now stand as a warning for the entire propane industry. In July 2025, the veteran… Continue reading Conviction in the Sterling, VA Explosion: How Propane Companies Can Protect Themselves Against Lawsuits and Criminal Charges (Part Two)

The Sterling, VA Propane Disaster: A Wake-Up Call on Safety Neglect and Legal Risks for Propane Businesses (Part One)

The propane industry is built on precision, responsibility, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Every service call involves hazardous materials that, if mishandled, can quickly spiral into disaster. The tragic events of February 16, 2024, in Sterling, Virginia, illustrate just how devastating the consequences of a single safety lapse can be, not only in terms… Continue reading The Sterling, VA Propane Disaster: A Wake-Up Call on Safety Neglect and Legal Risks for Propane Businesses (Part One)

Propane Forklift Safety Protects People and Businesses Alike

Forklifts are essential tools in many different industries, most often used in warehouses and construction sites. They keep materials moving, save time and effort, and help businesses operate more efficiently. However, forklifts also come with various risks, especially when powered by propane. While propane is a safe and reliable fuel, it must be handled correctly… Continue reading Propane Forklift Safety Protects People and Businesses Alike

Outdoor Festivals Depend on Propane for Reliable Energy

Festivals and outdoor events are some of the most challenging environments to keep running smoothly. They bring together hundreds – and sometimes thousands – of people who expect comfort, safety, and entertainment without unpleasant interruptions. Behind the music, food, and lights, there has to be a dependable energy source that can handle the demand. Propane… Continue reading Outdoor Festivals Depend on Propane for Reliable Energy

The Financial Ratios That Drive Propane Companies

Every propane business owner knows that numbers tell a story. Sales totals, delivery costs, and payroll are all part of the fiscal picture, but financial ratios bring these details together in a way that shows the overall health of your company. The challenge is that not every ratio is equally useful. Some can create noise,… Continue reading The Financial Ratios That Drive Propane Companies

Rising Demand, Aging Grid: Why Forward-Thinking Growers Are Revisiting Propane

Propane – The energy landscape is shifting — and quickly. The U.S. Department of Energy’s latest report on electric grid reliability highlights a growing concern: America’s electric infrastructure may not be prepared for the expected surge in demand driven by AI, data centers, and expanded manufacturing sites. That matters not just in big cities, but… Continue reading Rising Demand, Aging Grid: Why Forward-Thinking Growers Are Revisiting Propane

Strengthening Propane Supply with Smarter Sourcing Strategies

In today’s changing energy market, propane businesses are looking for ways to keep supply steady and operations efficient. With U.S. propane production and exports on the rise, there is an opportunity for small and mid-sized marketers to refine their sourcing strategies and better prepare for seasonal demand swings. One factor helping improve reliability is increased… Continue reading Strengthening Propane Supply with Smarter Sourcing Strategies

Managing Out-of-Gas Calls: Safety and Operational Best Practices

Out-of-gas incidents require immediate, careful handling. While some interruptions of service stem from simple supply issues, others can indicate leaks, appliance malfunctions, or unsafe system conditions. Timely and methodical responses will do much to protect customers, technicians, and company liability. They will also preserve customer confidence in your service reliability, a foundational component in any… Continue reading Managing Out-of-Gas Calls: Safety and Operational Best Practices

Ways Retail Propane Distributors Manage Risk

Retail propane distributors face more price swings than many other industries. From seasonal demand shifts to sudden supply chain changes, the price of propane can rise or fall fast—and that makes it tough to keep your margins steady. While you can’t control the market, you can prepare for it. That’s where risk management and hedging… Continue reading Ways Retail Propane Distributors Manage Risk

Passing the Torch: Build a Propane Driver Mentorship Program That Sticks

Bringing on new drivers in the propane industry is more than simply filling seats in trucks. It’s about passing on your values, safety standards, and strong work ethic. But without a strong training process, new hires can feel lost or rushed – and that can lead to mistakes. A driver mentorship program helps correct that… Continue reading Passing the Torch: Build a Propane Driver Mentorship Program That Sticks

Insurance Costs Climbing? Here’s What the Smartest Operators Are Doing

The rising cost of insurance is hitting propane businesses hard. Whether you are running a single-location operation or managing a growing fleet, you’ve probably noticed that premiums have jumped in recent years. It’s not just the ever-increasing costs that are concerning; it’s also the demands insurers are placing on safety practices, reporting, and risk management.… Continue reading Insurance Costs Climbing? Here’s What the Smartest Operators Are Doing

Power in Every Drop: Why Energy Density Matters

Propane’s unique properties, particularly its high energy density, position it as a critical energy source across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. This characteristic enables efficient energy delivery, making propane a versatile and sustainable option in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. With multiple severe weather events in 2025 highlighting the need for reliable and efficient fuels,… Continue reading Power in Every Drop: Why Energy Density Matters

How Crude Oil Changes Impact Your Propane Supply

If you’ve noticed changes in propane pricing, supply trends, or customer concerns lately, it might have something to do with crude oil. Crude plays a big role in the propane market, and recent shifts in production, exports, and demand are making quite an impact. Whether you’re managing current deliveries or planning for the months ahead,… Continue reading How Crude Oil Changes Impact Your Propane Supply

Behind the Numbers: What Your Balance Sheet Reveals

Running a propane business takes more than keeping tanks filled and trucks on the road. Behind the scenes, your financial records tell the full story of how strong your company really is. And, one of the best tools you have is your balance sheet. A balance sheet isn’t just something for the accountant to review… Continue reading Behind the Numbers: What Your Balance Sheet Reveals

Smarter School Fleets: Why Buses Run Better on Propane

School districts prioritize safe, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions to ensure reliable student services. Propane-powered school buses have emerged as a compelling option, offering reduced maintenance demands and operational efficiency compared to diesel alternatives. For those seeking dependable and sustainable fleet operations, propane’s benefits are particularly significant for school bus maintenance. Its clean-burning properties… Continue reading Smarter School Fleets: Why Buses Run Better on Propane

Emergency-Ready Energy: Why Propane Belongs in Your Town’s Strategic Plan

When a storm knocks out power or roads shut down after a wildfire or flood, families and local businesses quickly find out how ready – or unready – they are for real emergencies. One of the biggest challenges during these events is keeping things running. That means heating homes, cooking food, fueling backup systems, and… Continue reading Emergency-Ready Energy: Why Propane Belongs in Your Town’s Strategic Plan

Is the U.S. Propane Supply Really at Risk?

There’s a belief that keeps making the rounds, especially during colder months or energy policy debates – the idea that the propane supply in the United States is fragile or unreliable. While this idea spreads quickly, the truth is that the propane supply is much more stable. Propane is not only a dependable fuel that’s… Continue reading Is the U.S. Propane Supply Really at Risk?

Ways to Avoid Delays in Bulk Propane Delivery

Moving Propane in bulk is a critical part of keeping businesses, homes, and farms running smoothly. But getting large quantities of Propane Delivery from terminals to bulk plants – and eventually to end users – is no simple task. It involves tight schedules, heavy trucks, safety risks, and unpredictable delays. If just one part of… Continue reading Ways to Avoid Delays in Bulk Propane Delivery

Tips to Protect Propane Tanks in Coastal Areas

If you manage propane tanks near the coast, you know your job comes with extra challenges. Wind, salt, sand, and storms can all wear down your equipment faster than in other places. Anchoring tanks properly and keeping them in good shape will do much to safeguard your business, your customers, and your reputation. Whether you’ve… Continue reading Tips to Protect Propane Tanks in Coastal Areas

Overlooked Rules in Propane Safety Training

Propane safety training is something every propane business takes seriously. It protects your people, your customers, and your company’s reputation. But even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overlook certain training areas that are just as important as the basics. These gaps can create risks you might not see until something suddenly goes wrong.… Continue reading Overlooked Rules in Propane Safety Training

Common Bulk Propane Plant Violations Found in Inspections

Bulk propane plants are the heart of many propane operations. They store large volumes of fuel, supply trucks, and keep customers running year-round. But with that responsibility comes risk. That’s why regular inspections matter, and why so many businesses are now paying closer attention to what those inspections uncover. When inspectors walk through a bulk… Continue reading Common Bulk Propane Plant Violations Found in Inspections

Avoid Debt Traps and Keep Your Propane Business Strong

Running a propane business comes with a steady mix of income, expenses, and responsibilities. Some seasons are great, and others can feel tight. As you grow, you may be tempted to take on loans or payment plans to keep things moving. But if you’re not careful, those short-term solutions can lead to long-term trouble. Debt… Continue reading Avoid Debt Traps and Keep Your Propane Business Strong

Safe Ways to Handle Leftover Propane

Propane is a valuable fuel that powers everything from home heating to outdoor cooking. But when a tank is only partially used, many people aren’t sure what to do next. Do you toss it, store it, or try to use the rest of it up quickly? Handling leftover propane the right way is not only… Continue reading Safe Ways to Handle Leftover Propane

Fuel Logistics Is Shifting – Here’s What to Know

Fuel keeps everything moving – from delivery trucks and farm equipment to heating systems and emergency generators. But getting that fuel where it needs to go has become more complicated over time. The fuel logistics industry, which includes everything from bulk storage and transport to last-mile delivery, is facing new challenges and changes that affect… Continue reading Fuel Logistics Is Shifting – Here’s What to Know

Make the Most of Tax Deductions in Propane

When it comes to running a business, every dollar counts. And when tax season rolls around, the way you manage your tax deductions can have a big impact on your bottom line. Many business owners focus on income and expenses but overlook just how much smart planning around tax deductions can help keep more money… Continue reading Make the Most of Tax Deductions in Propane

How Propane Tank Makers Are Solving Supply Problems

Propane tank manufacturers today are facing more pressure than ever before. Supply chain delays, labor shortages, rising material costs, and new regulations are all hitting at once. It’s no longer enough to simply keep the production line running. Companies must now think differently about how they work if they want to keep up with demand… Continue reading How Propane Tank Makers Are Solving Supply Problems

Growing with Loans: A Guide for Business Owners

If you’re like many propane business owners, you’ve worked hard to build your company the traditional way – earning every customer and stretching every dollar. Because of this, taking on debt may not feel natural to you. After all, you’ve likely been taught to avoid owing money and to keep things stable and simple. However,… Continue reading Growing with Loans: A Guide for Business Owners

The Protection of Photographic Proof

If you’re working in the propane industry, you already know how important details can be. Whether it’s a tank install, a service call, or a Proof safety check, there are a lot of moving parts – and a lot of ways things can go wrong if they’re not tracked properly. That’s where photo documentation comes… Continue reading The Protection of Photographic Proof

What Global Issues Are Shaping Propane Supply?

If you run a propane business, you’ve probably noticed how much prices and supply levels can shift, sometimes without much warning. You might be doing everything right on your end, but larger forces outside the country can still impact how easy it is to get propane, what it costs, and how you plan for the… Continue reading What Global Issues Are Shaping Propane Supply?

Overloaded Trucks? Here’s How to Stop It Before It Starts

In propane delivery, safety and timing are everything. When a truck is too heavy, even by a small amount, it puts your drivers, your equipment, and your business at risk. Overloading doesn’t just cause wear and tear on your trucks; it can lead to serious accidents, breakdowns, and fines. You may not notice the cost… Continue reading Overloaded Trucks? Here’s How to Stop It Before It Starts