Propane Current Events Archives

Bridging the Gap Between Propane Codes and On-Site Realities

Propane professionals often work in environments where written safety codes meet unpredictable real-world situations. While the NFPA 58 code provides a solid framework, on-the-ground scenarios sometimes demand flexibility, interpretation, and communication to maintain both compliance and safety. Changing Dispensers, Changing Safety Zones As propane equipment evolves, so does the way we define safety boundaries. With modern… Continue reading Bridging the Gap Between Propane Codes and On-Site Realities

Ohio Lowers Age for Hazardous Materials Endorsement to Support Propane Transport

On July 2, 2025, Ohio’s governor signed House Bill 96 – a provision embedded in the state’s funding legislation extending through fiscal year 2027 – that allows commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders aged 18 to 20 to receive a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) for intrastate propane transport. Background on HME Requirements Until now, Ohio was among… Continue reading Ohio Lowers Age for Hazardous Materials Endorsement to Support Propane Transport

Off-Season, On Guard: Safety Checks That Save You Later

The off-season may feel like a break, but it’s one of your best chances to get ahead. While things are quieter, you have more time to give your equipment, trucks, and systems a full checkup. It’s much easier to catch small problems now than deal with expensive and inconvenient breakdowns during the busy season. Regular… Continue reading Off-Season, On Guard: Safety Checks That Save You Later

Protecting Your Business from Contractor Mistakes

Hiring contractors can be a smart way to get jobs done without expanding your full-time team. But when something goes wrong, you might be surprised to find yourself responsible, even if the contractor isn’t your employee. That’s where vicarious liability comes in. It’s the legal idea that a business can be held responsible for the… Continue reading Protecting Your Business from Contractor Mistakes

Don’t Let Sales or Service Slip – Here’s How to Balance Both

Running a propane business means you’re always wearing more than one hat. You’re trying to grow your sales, take care of your customers, and still have time to handle service calls, installations, and safety checks. Some days, the sales side pulls you in one direction, while the service side demands your time somewhere else. If… Continue reading Don’t Let Sales or Service Slip – Here’s How to Balance Both

Hedge or Hustle? Choosing the Right Propane Price Strategy

Propane prices can swing quickly. That’s why many propane business owners look to futures contracts as a way to protect themselves or improve their profits. But there’s a big difference between trading futures for a profit and using them to hedge your costs. If you’re considering propane futures, you need to know which approach fits… Continue reading Hedge or Hustle? Choosing the Right Propane Price Strategy

The Savvy Buyer’s Guide to Propane Tank Savings

Storage tanks are a major investment for any propane business. Whether you’re growing your customer base or replacing older equipment, these tanks are key to keeping your operations running smoothly. However, buying tanks doesn’t have to break your budget. With a smart plan and careful timing, you can bring costs down while still getting the… Continue reading The Savvy Buyer’s Guide to Propane Tank Savings

Keeping the Wheels Turning: Smart Fixes for the Driver Shortage

Across the propane industry, one issue continues to demand attention: a growing shortage of qualified bobtail drivers. As demand for propane stays steady and, in some regions, even rises, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain reliable delivery schedules. The reasons are many – an aging workforce, fewer people entering skilled trades, and tough… Continue reading Keeping the Wheels Turning: Smart Fixes for the Driver Shortage

Timing Is Everything: Run Your Propane Ads Like a Pro

If you want your community ads to catch attention and bring in customers, the timing matters just as much as the message. You could have the best ad in town, but if it shows up when no one is looking or caring, it won’t do much. Figuring out the best times of year to run… Continue reading Timing Is Everything: Run Your Propane Ads Like a Pro

Tank Up at the Campground: Profiting from the RV Crowd

Seasonal RV parks offer a steady wave of propane demand, especially during peak travel months when vacationers and full-time RVers set up camp. If you’re looking to grow your propane business without committing to major new infrastructure, these parks can be a strong place to start. The key is figuring out how to serve them… Continue reading Tank Up at the Campground: Profiting from the RV Crowd

NPGA Issues Urgent Alert on Potentially Mismarked Interior Gas-Piping Material

On June 26, 2025, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) alerted state propane associations and industry professionals about a potentially mislabeled aluminum pipe product being marketed for interior gas line installations. This alert is intended to prevent unsafe installations and ensure compliance with applicable building codes. What’s at Stake NPGA identified a manufacturer – GasFlex… Continue reading NPGA Issues Urgent Alert on Potentially Mismarked Interior Gas-Piping Material

NPGA Requests Special Hours-of-Service Exemption to Help Deliver Propane During Emergencies

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has formally applied to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for a special exemption to hours-of-service (HOS) regulations during the cold-weather months. Published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025, the application aims to support propane delivery efforts when demand spikes and conditions become more challenging. Why the Exemption… Continue reading NPGA Requests Special Hours-of-Service Exemption to Help Deliver Propane During Emergencies

State Laws Are Changing Energy – Will Your Propane Business Keep Up?

State lawmakers across the country are making big moves when it comes to energy policy. Many of these changes are aimed at pushing electricity and reducing fossil fuel use. While these policies might seem far away from your day-to-day Propane Business at delivery work, they can have a direct effect on how you operate, grow,… Continue reading State Laws Are Changing Energy – Will Your Propane Business Keep Up?

Stop Guessing: Quote Commercial Jobs With Confidence

Pricing commercial propane jobs isn’t just about plugging numbers into a calculator. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to underprice the job, miss key details, or lose the bid altogether. When you’re quoting bigger jobs – especially for farms, restaurants, or commercial buildings – small mistakes can cost you in a big way. You might… Continue reading Stop Guessing: Quote Commercial Jobs With Confidence

When Propane Deliveries Go Wrong – And What You Can Do About It

No propane business wants to talk about delivery mistakes, but almost every company has had them. A tank gets skipped. A driver ends up at the wrong address. A customer runs out of gas because something was overlooked. It’s easy to feel frustrated or even embarrassed when unfortunate things happen, but these moments are more… Continue reading When Propane Deliveries Go Wrong – And What You Can Do About It

Short Videos Are Fueling Propane Growth – Are You In?

If you’ve ever watched a quick video online and felt informed or entertained in less than a minute, you’ve already seen how powerful short-form video can be. These short clips, also known as reels, are all over platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. They quickly catch people’s attention and leave a strong message in just… Continue reading Short Videos Are Fueling Propane Growth – Are You In?

The Secret to Becoming the #1 Name in Propane

Trust isn’t something you can buy. It’s earned slowly, through every delivery, phone call, and handshake. If you’re running a propane business, you know how important trust is to your long-term success. It’s what brings customers back year after year, and it’s what turns a local business into a household name. But how do you… Continue reading The Secret to Becoming the #1 Name in Propane

Building Safety Bonds with Your Local Fire Team

When emergencies happen in small towns, volunteer fire departments are often the first ones to show up. They’re the ones making quick decisions, protecting lives, and handling dangerous situations – including propane-related incidents. If you own or run a propane business, these local fire teams aren’t just a part of your community, they’re also your… Continue reading Building Safety Bonds with Your Local Fire Team

Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness, It’s Leadership

Running a propane business isn’t for the faint of heart. You juggle service calls, safety protocols, staffing, scheduling, and customer care – sometimes all before lunch. It’s easy to feel like asking for help means you’re falling short. But the truth is, knowing when to reach out isn’t a weakness. It’s actually a strength that… Continue reading Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness, It’s Leadership

Team Up to Grow: How a Propane Co-op Could Boost Your Business

If you run a small propane company, you already know how tough it can be to stay competitive. Big suppliers have buying power, large fleets, and strong brand recognition. But small operators have something else – community ties, strong customer loyalty, and the ability to work together. One powerful way to make the most of that is by starting a propane co-op with nearby companies just like yours.

Keep Tanks Trouble-Free All Year with Seasonal Maintenance

Running a propane business means more than just delivering fuel. Your commercial clients rely on you to help keep their operations safe, steady, and ready for every season. That’s where a seasonal maintenance check program can make a big difference. This simple investment of time will give your clients peace of mind and helps you… Continue reading Keep Tanks Trouble-Free All Year with Seasonal Maintenance

What Should You Do When a Leak Call Comes In?

Getting a leak call after hours is one of the most serious situations you’ll face in the propane business. It can be stressful, urgent, and often happens at the worst time – late at night, during dinner, or when you’re finally winding down for the day. But when safety is on the line, every second… Continue reading What Should You Do When a Leak Call Comes In?

From Paycheck to Powerhouse: Smart Bonus Strategies

Running a business means keeping your team motivated while also meeting your corporate goals. One way to do both is by offering a bonus program. However, not all bonus programs work the same way. Some bring great results, while others create confusion or even tension. If you want to set up a bonus plan for… Continue reading From Paycheck to Powerhouse: Smart Bonus Strategies

Serving More Customers Starts with the Right Location

Running a propane business means more than just keeping up with deliveries. It also means planning for growth. One way to achieve smart growth is by placing your operations where the demand is already high. When a certain area starts calling in more orders than usual, it may be time to ask yourself if a… Continue reading Serving More Customers Starts with the Right Location

Safety First: How Propane Businesses Handle Extreme Weather Conditions

Weather can change fast, and when it does, propane businesses are often the first ones to feel it. Whether it’s a heatwave, flood, or excessively high winds, extreme weather conditions bring a mix of safety risks, delivery challenges, and rising customer needs. If you’re in propane delivery, you know it’s not enough to just keep… Continue reading Safety First: How Propane Businesses Handle Extreme Weather Conditions

Helping Seniors Feel Confident with Their Propane Tank

It’s easy to assume that checking a propane tank gauge is second nature, especially if you’ve been in the industry for years. But for some of your customers, especially seniors, this basic task can feel uncertain, unfamiliar, or even risky. Many older adults want to stay independent and manage their energy needs on their own,… Continue reading Helping Seniors Feel Confident with Their Propane Tank

Propane’s Critical Role in Emergency Response

When disaster hits – whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, or flood – the first question is always about people’s safety. The second is often about power. In moments like these, propane becomes more than just a fuel; it turns into a lifeline. From powering emergency shelters to keeping hospital generators running, propane plays a… Continue reading Propane’s Critical Role in Emergency Response

Turning Gas Mowers into Propane Powerhouses: A Smart, Sustainable Upgrade

Commercial landscapers and flooring contractors are increasingly choosing propane conversion kits—and it’s easy to see why. With rising gas prices, tougher emissions rules, and downtime concerns, propane is emerging as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline. For businesses using mowers, polishers, and grinders, these kits offer a practical way to switch fuels without replacing… Continue reading Turning Gas Mowers into Propane Powerhouses: A Smart, Sustainable Upgrade

Will Your Propane Shutoff Work When It Matters Most?

Your propane business runs on preparation, precision, and safety. While most of your equipment works day in and day out without issues, one system must never fail – the emergency shutoff. It’s your last line of defense when something goes wrong, and when lives and property are at stake, it has to work instantly. That… Continue reading Will Your Propane Shutoff Work When It Matters Most?

Making Propane Easy for Landlords With Multiple Properties

In many communities, landlords are some of the busiest propane customers you’ll deal with. From duplexes to apartment buildings to mobile home parks, these property owners often juggle multiple tanks across different units and tenants. Some properties may be on automatic delivery, while others are will-call. Some tanks are landlord-owned, and others are rented. Keeping… Continue reading Making Propane Easy for Landlords With Multiple Properties