As a propane business owner, you are likely focused on the day-to-day challenges of deliveries, customer service, and keeping operations efficient. But there is a growing issue you should also pay close attention to: electric grid reliability. More states and utility companies are studying the future of the electric grid, and the results of these… Continue reading Turning Grid Struggles Into New Growth for Your Propane Company
In the propane industry, safety must always be a top priority. However, many companies struggle to get customers interested in paid safety inspections. While customers know safety matters, they often see inspections as something they can skip, especially when money is tight. So, how can you structure a paid safety inspection program that customers want?… Continue reading Selling Safety: Turn Inspections Into Must-Have Services
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) offers a comprehensive Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program designed to assist individuals in obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME). This program aligns with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which mandate specific training requirements for new CDL and HME applicants. Understanding… Continue reading Simplifying CDL and Hazmat Training: NPGA’s ELDT Program Makes Compliance Easy
In the propane industry, inventory levels play a crucial role in determining market prices. Fluctuations in supply and demand, influenced by various factors, can lead to significant price volatility. For propane businesses, understanding these dynamics is essential for strategic planning and maintaining profitability. The Role of Inventory in Price Determination Propane inventory levels are a… Continue reading Decoding the Impact of Propane Inventory Dynamics
When you think about growing your propane business, your first calls are probably to your banker, supplier, or marketing team. But one expert you should not overlook is your insurance agent. They play a bigger role in your success than you might think. Planning for growth without them can leave you exposed to risks that… Continue reading Planning to Expand? Bring Your Insurance Agent to the Table
The energy industry is shifting. What once was a transaction-based service – deliver, bill, repeat – is being slowly replaced by something more familiar to modern consumers: subscriptions. Just as consumers now pay monthly for streaming services, software, and groceries, many are becoming more open to subscription-based energy models. For propane businesses, this change might… Continue reading Is Propane Ready for Subscription-Based Energy?
In the propane industry, traditional marketing methods like direct mail, newspaper ads, and word-of-mouth referrals have long been the norm. While these approaches definitely have their merits, the digital age offers new avenues to connect with customers, enhance visibility, and drive growth. Transitioning to digital marketing doesn’t mean abandoning tried-and-true methods; it simply involves augmenting… Continue reading From Print to Pixel: A Practical Guide to Embracing Digital Marketing
In the competitive realm of propane sales, understanding the dynamics of the purchasing process is crucial. Often, sales efforts are directed toward individuals who are involved in the buying process but lack the authority to make final decisions. To enhance sales effectiveness, it’s imperative to identify and engage with the actual decision-makers within prospective client… Continue reading Empowering Sales by Engaging the True Decision-Maker
In the evolving landscape of the propane industry, private equity firms are increasingly seeking platform companies – businesses that serve as a foundation for growth through acquisitions. For propane business owners aiming to attract such investment, understanding what makes a company appealing to private equity is crucial. Key Attributes of an Attractive Platform Company Private… Continue reading Positioning Your Business for Private Equity Investment
The propane industry is more competitive than ever. Growing demand over the years has attracted more propane marketers, raising customer expectations beyond just receiving fuel. Today’s customers expect reliable service, seamless communication, accurate billing, and safe, on-time deliveries. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. propane consumption reached 1.48 million barrels per day… Continue reading Six Propane Sales Strategies You Can Implement Now for Long-Term Growth
In the propane industry, your delivery drivers often have the most face-to-face time with your customers. They’re in the field daily, pulling up to farms, homes, job sites, and commercial locations. They see things that others on your team don’t – like new construction, a business expanding its footprint, or a competitor’s tank sitting on… Continue reading From Delivery to Discovery: How Drivers Can Fuel Growth
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is inviting propane industry professionals to register for the 2025 Mid-Year Board Meeting and Propane Days, taking place June 8–10, 2025 at the Hilton Washington D.C. Capitol Hill, located at 525 New Jersey Avenue NW in the heart of the nation’s capital. This annual event is a cornerstone of… Continue reading Registration Now Open: 2025 NPGA Mid-Year Board Meeting & Propane Days in Washington, D.C.
California is known for its bold energy goals and strict environmental policies. However, recent developments there demonstrate that propane is carving out a stronger role in the state’s clean energy conversation. From new laws to local victories, propane is proving that it decidedly belongs in California’s energy future. A Major Win for Propane Vehicles One… Continue reading California’s Propane Future: Bright, Bold, and Building Momentum
When propane companies think about growing their commercial base, they look to the usual channels – restaurants, schools, or larger facilities. However, rural contractors are one often overlooked group that can be a steady source of long-term business. These builders, remodelers, and service crews depend on fuel in remote areas, especially during peak building seasons.… Continue reading Get Ahead of the Season: Win Over Rural Contractors Early
Every mile your truck drives costs money. Fuel, labor, vehicle wear, and employee time all add up, especially if you’re serving rural or hard-to-reach areas. For propane companies, determining how to price deliveries fairly and profitably is one of your most significant decisions. One way to manage that cost is by adjusting your pricing based… Continue reading Propane on the Move: Should Distance Shape Your Delivery Pricing?
If you’ve been serving the same propane customers for years, chances are some of them are still using tanks that no longer match their needs. As usage patterns change – due to larger families, new appliances, or seasonal business spikes – it becomes important to evaluate whether their current tank size is still a good… Continue reading Bigger Tank, Smarter Move: When Upsizing Makes Sense for Your Customer
Even if your propane company prides itself on top-quality service and strong customer loyalty, that doesn’t mean you can ignore what other businesses are charging. Keeping an eye on competitor pricing isn’t just for companies trying to be the cheapest in town. In fact, watching price trends can help you protect your position, build smarter… Continue reading Staying Competitive Through Informed Pricing Decisions
In the propane industry, where supply disruptions and price swings are all too common, depending on just one or two suppliers can quietly put your entire business at risk. You may not notice the risk when things are going smoothly. But once weather events, market shifts, or transportation issues hit, that limited supplier list can… Continue reading Stronger Supply Starts with More Than One Source
Propane marketers today are navigating a tricky landscape. While the acute tank shortages of the early 2020s – driven by steel price spikes and covid-era supply chain chaos – have eased, new pressures like volatile material costs and surging demand keep tank management front and center. Propane powers over 14 million U.S. households, a number… Continue reading Smart Strategies for Mastering Propane Tank Management
In a propane operation, your dispatcher often functions as the hub of all moving parts. From coordinating delivery routes to managing driver communication and handling schedule adjustments, this role holds significant operational value. But when a single dispatcher begins to operate with full autonomy, without documentation or oversight, your business becomes exposed to avoidable risk.… Continue reading The Hidden Vulnerability Behind the Dispatch Desk
In propane operations, verbal agreements often happen during quick phone calls or on-site visits. Long-time clients may confirm delivery schedules, pricing, tank swaps, or service expectations in passing. While these relationships are based on trust, they also introduce risks when the terms aren’t properly documented. In a regulated industry where compliance, liability, and customer satisfaction… Continue reading Propane – From Words to Proof: Why Documentation Matters
Running a propane company means managing a myriad of operations – deliveries, staffing, safety checks, vehicle maintenance, and customer service. But one concept often gets left behind in the daily grind: your break-even point. It’s the financial line that separates profit from loss. If you’re just guessing – or using outdated math – you might… Continue reading Hidden Costs That Could Be Killing Your Margin
The U.S. propane market is seeing a price surge, and many in the industry feel the impact. With propane being a key fuel source for homes, businesses, and industrial operations, understanding why prices are rising is essential. A significant factor behind this price increase is the growing level of U.S. propane exports, which is affecting… Continue reading Why Are U.S. Propane Prices Rising? What It Means for Your Business
You can only cover so much ground on your own as a propane business owner. Expanding your service area, gaining new customers, and building brand awareness takes a lot of time, effort, and resources. One smart way to grow without adding more delivery trucks or staff is by creating a network of resellers. When done… Continue reading Expanding Your Reach with a Strong Reseller Network
Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that EDP, headquartered in Chicago, Ill., has acquired Midwest Bottle Gas Distributors, Inc. (“Midwest Gas”), located in Highland Heights, Ky.
Propane businesses rely on their drivers to ensure safe and efficient deliveries. However, the process of hiring and maintaining qualified drivers goes beyond just filling positions – it requires meeting strict regulatory requirements and ensuring ongoing training. As the industry faces workforce shortages and evolving compliance standards, propane companies must take a proactive approach to… Continue reading Strengthening Your Operations with Qualified Drivers
