Accurate propane meter readings are critical to every part of your business. They guide your billing, help track product movement, and protect you and your customers from disputes. But if the readings are slightly off, they can throw off your records, cost you money, and lead to unhappy clients. Getting those numbers right isn’t just… Continue reading Trust the Numbers: Why Meter Accuracy Matters More Than Ever
When a customer meets your propane company for the first time, whether through a phone call, website, technician, or delivery driver, they decide, often without saying a word, if they’ll stay with you. That first impression sets the tone for everything that follows. And in this industry, where word of mouth referrals, trust, and reliability… Continue reading More Than Just a Delivery: What Customers Notice First
Running a propane company means dealing with many moving parts – equipment, delivery schedules, safety systems, fuel supply, and service. One of the most significant cost areas that often gets overlooked is vendor relationships. You rely on outside vendors, from tank suppliers to software systems, to keep your business running. But over time, even trusted… Continue reading Are Your Propane Vendors Costing You More Than You Think?
Establishing a propane manufacturing plant involves a detailed understanding of production processes, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics. Propane, a clean-burning fuel, is primarily produced as a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. Its applications range from residential heating and cooking to industrial uses, making it a valuable energy source. Understanding Propane Production Propane… Continue reading Setting Up a Propane Manufacturing Plant: Key Considerations
Local school districts are always looking for cost-effective and reliable energy solutions. Many schools use propane for heating, cooking, and even fueling their buses. For propane businesses, securing contracts with school districts can provide a steady stream of long-term revenue. However, breaking into this market requires a strategic approach. Understanding the needs of schools, presenting… Continue reading Expanding Opportunities by Partnering with Local Schools
Understanding Current Propane Pricing Trends As of mid-2025, U.S. wholesale propane prices have experienced fluctuations due to various market dynamics. For instance, in April 2025, prices were reported at $0.97 per gallon, slightly higher than the previous year. However, prices have decreased by approximately 7.6% since the beginning of the year. These fluctuations are influenced… Continue reading Assessing Propane Purchase Timing Amid Market Shifts
In the evolving landscape of the construction industry, propane marketers have a unique opportunity to position themselves as indispensable partners. By aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainability, technological integration, and workforce development, propane businesses can offer solutions that address the specific needs of construction professionals. Here are three innovative strategies to foster collaboration between… Continue reading Key Strategies for Fostering Collaboration with the Construction Industry
Keeping your fleet in top shape is essential when running a propane business. Trucks that run well ensure smooth deliveries, safer operations, and lower costs. On the other hand, ignoring minor issues can lead to big problems. That is why regular reviews of your fleet’s health matter. Checking your trucks every quarter clearly shows where… Continue reading Avoid Costly Surprises: Quarterly Fleet Checks That Save You Money
Every propane delivery company faces the same challenge. You want to grow but don’t want to waste time, fuel, or money doing it. That’s where route density becomes your secret weapon. While many think growth simply means gaining more customers, innovative propane businesses understand that where those customers are located matters as much as how… Continue reading When Every Mile Counts, Route Density Leads the Way
As weed resistance grows and the pressure to reduce chemical use intensifies, farmers are exploring better ways to protect their crops without harming the environment or the soil. One method gaining traction is propane-powered flame weeding — a modern twist on a time-tested approach that offers precision, sustainability, and reliability. Unlike herbicides, which can linger… Continue reading Flame Weeding with Propane: A Smarter, Cleaner Way to Manage Fields
Your top customers are the backbone of your propane business. They provide the steady demand that keeps your trucks rolling and your operations running. While it may be easy to assume that everything is fine with these long-time clients, consistently staying in touch with their needs and habits is essential. Regular audits are not about… Continue reading Why to Audit Your Top Ten Propane Customers Every Year
No propane company wants to pull a tank and lose a client, but sometimes, leaving equipment on an inactive property costs more than it’s worth. Tanks take up space, tie up capital, and can become a liability. Pulling a tank too soon – or doing it without care – can damage the client-company relationship and… Continue reading Innovative Ways to Free Up Tanks Without Losing Customers
The propane industry is currently grappling with a significant challenge: a shortage of qualified bobtail drivers. This issue, intensified by factors such as an aging workforce, stringent certification requirements, and increased demand during peak seasons, has led to delays in deliveries and increased operational costs. As the demand for propane remains steady year after year,… Continue reading Innovative Approaches to Mitigate the Driver Shortage
Running a propane company comes with various risks – some of them legal, financial, or tied to unexpected accidents. As a business owner, you’re naturally focused on day-to-day operations, and it’s easy to overlook how your personal savings, property, and investments might be in danger. If the company is sued, hits financial trouble, or faces… Continue reading Protect What’s Yours: How to Keep Personal Assets Safe in a Risky Industry
The propane industry has long relied on traditional billing and payment systems. Still, new technology could change how businesses handle transactions. Blockchain, a digital record-keeping system, has gained attention in many industries for its ability to improve security, accuracy, and efficiency. While it is mainly linked to cryptocurrency, blockchain can potentially impact propane transactions in… Continue reading Blockchain Technology is Transforming Fuel Transactions
Expanding your propane business often means finding new ways to serve customers and increase sales. One option that more companies are considering is offering financing for propane equipment. Providing financing allows customers to purchase tanks, heaters, and other propane-powered appliances without the burden of paying the full cost upfront. This can make your services more… Continue reading Making Equipment More Accessible with Smart Financing Options
In today’s competitive propane market, technology platforms offer invaluable insights that can do much to drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction. By effectively utilizing data from these platforms, propane businesses can make informed decisions, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the competition. Understanding Customer Behavior Modern management software provides detailed information about customer demographics,… Continue reading Unlocking Business Potential: Leveraging Technology Platforms
Rising interest rates are making waves across every industry – and propane is no exception. If you’re thinking about upgrading or building a new bulk plant, you’ve likely felt the pressure of tighter loan terms and higher monthly payments. Financing options today look very different than they did even two years ago. That’s why it’s… Continue reading Feeling the Pinch? Interest Rates and Plant Expansion
As more large corporations enter the propane industry and small businesses are bought up or merged into national chains, many local propane providers find themselves asking the same question: “How can I compete?” The answer may not be in size or scale, but in something you’ve already built – your local relationships. In an industry… Continue reading Your Local Advantage Is Stronger Than You Think
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
Building lasting client relationships is the foundation of any propane business. These partnerships grow over time and often begin with small, steady orders. However, as your client relationships mature, there may come a point when increasing their order size makes sense for both sides. The challenge, however, is encouraging larger orders without sounding pushy. Clients… Continue reading How to Get Larger Orders Without Pressuring Clients
Your delivery drivers do much more than simply drop off propane. They’re often the only face your customer sees related to your business. That makes them your frontline team – your boots on the ground. If you train them correctly, they can do far more than just deliver fuel. They can notice great sales opportunities,… Continue reading From the Driver’s Seat to Sales Growth
When propane companies compete for customers, most of them focus on lowering prices or pitching better deals. But there’s another approach that often wins – offering better service. While the price may get immediate attention, good service builds long-term loyalty. If you’ve ever lost a customer to a competitor, they likely didn’t just offer a… Continue reading The Art of Outserving, Not Outselling, Your Competitor
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
Building customer loyalty starts from the very first day someone signs up for your propane service. While long-term customers often run on habit and well-established trust, first-year customers are still figuring out if they made the right decision by choosing your company. They are looking at everything you do, judging how you treat them, and… Continue reading The First Year Matters Most When Building Customer Loyalty
In today’s dynamic digital world, traditional propane marketing methods are becoming less effective. Consumer behaviors have shifted, new platforms have emerged, and companies that fail to adapt are at risk of falling behind. To remain competitive, propane retailers must embrace change, focus on digital engagement, and leverage tools that foster growth and strengthen customer relationships.… Continue reading Modern Strategies to Market Your Business in a Changing Landscape
Running a propane business means regularly facing tough choices. From equipment purchases and staffing changes to territory expansion or new service offerings, the pressure to make the right call can build fast. Getting caught in a cycle of overthinking is easy, but second-guessing your choices can slow down growth and cause missed opportunities. The key… Continue reading How Do You Make Big Decisions With Confidence?
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
In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders often find themselves inundated with tasks and responsibilities. However, it’s essential to recognize that being busy doesn’t always equate to being productive. Effective leadership involves discerning which activities drive meaningful results and which merely fill up the calendar. The Challenge of Mere Activity Leaders frequently face the temptation to… Continue reading Beyond the To-Do List: Leading with Strategic Intent
