Tag: Propane Operational Efficiency

NFPA 58 Inspection Changes Could Raise Costs for Propane Fleets as Early as 2027

New proposed revisions to NFPA 58 are expected to significantly change how propane companies manage ASME tank inspections – particularly for older residential tank fleets. For many small and mid-sized propane marketers, the impact could show up quickly in both compliance workload and operating costs. A Major Shift in Tank Inspection Requirements Under the proposed… Continue reading NFPA 58 Inspection Changes Could Raise Costs for Propane Fleets as Early as 2027

Today in Propane

LP Gas Magazine revisits Ryan McPherson, the 2022 Rising Leader who now serves as district manager for Pico Propane and Fuels. McPherson shares how he leverages data‑driven routing and crew safety tools to keep his territory profitable, noting that “the biggest margin driver this year is minimizing truck idle time.” His insights underline the growing importance of… Continue reading Today in Propane

Propane Industry M&A Wave Gains Speed as Buyers Hunt for Scale and Stability

Mergers and acquisitions are accelerating across the propane industry, reshaping competition for distributors, retailers, and family-owned operators nationwide. Over the past year, propane companies of every size have entered acquisition talks as rising operating costs, succession concerns, and demand for operational efficiency push more owners to consider strategic partnerships or outright sales. Industry analysts say… Continue reading Propane Industry M&A Wave Gains Speed as Buyers Hunt for Scale and Stability

Digital Gauges Become Standard at Manchester Tank

Manchester Tank & Equipment Co., headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, announced that beginning this summer, all new 420-pound and horizontal propane tanks leaving its facilities will come equipped with Rotarex digital pressure gauges as standard equipment. The rollout marks a significant step toward broader digitization across propane storage and field operations. The new gauges replace traditional… Continue reading Digital Gauges Become Standard at Manchester Tank

Suburban Propane’s RNG Strategy Signals a Bigger Shift: Efficiency Is Now Tied to Tax Incentives

Regulatory changes tied to federal clean fuel incentives are starting to reshape how propane and energy companies think about operations, technology, and profitability. Recent earnings disclosures from Suburban Propane show how closely operational efficiency and tax strategy are now linked – especially in the growing renewable fuels segment. Clearer Rules Around Section 45Z Are Changing… Continue reading Suburban Propane’s RNG Strategy Signals a Bigger Shift: Efficiency Is Now Tied to Tax Incentives

Top Technology Trends Shaping Fuel Delivery in 2026

Predictive operations, digital dispatch, and safety technology are transforming propane distribution The fuel delivery industry continues to operate in an environment defined by volatility. Weather fluctuations, fuel price swings, labor shortages, and rising customer expectations are forcing companies to improve their operational efficiency like never before while continuing to maintain strict safety standards. As a… Continue reading Top Technology Trends Shaping Fuel Delivery in 2026

Boosting Efficiency in Propane Cylinder Exchanges

Improving the efficiency of propane cylinder exchange programs is crucial for maintaining both customer satisfaction and operational speed. Here, we detail a number of practical strategies for streamlining your exchange process and enhancing your overall business performance. Streamlined Logistics Effective logistics are the heart of a successful cylinder exchange program. Start by optimizing your delivery… Continue reading Boosting Efficiency in Propane Cylinder Exchanges

Utah’s New Climate Shield Law Gives Propane Industry a Legal Safe Harbor

Utah has passed groundbreaking legislation that could reshape how propane companies manage legal and environmental risks. Here’s what small business owners and managers need to understand – and the steps to take now. A New Legal Safety Net for Greenhouse Gas Emitters On April 2, 2026, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed House Bill 222, establishing… Continue reading Utah’s New Climate Shield Law Gives Propane Industry a Legal Safe Harbor

Local Markets Drive Propane Performance More Than National Trends

National propane data provides useful context, but it rarely reflects the conditions that actually determine performance at the local level. Degree days, housing density, infrastructure access, and state-level regulations vary widely across different regions, and those differences directly affect margins, delivery efficiency, and risk exposure. Operators who rely too heavily on national averages often misjudge… Continue reading Local Markets Drive Propane Performance More Than National Trends

Propane Retailers Slash Customer Costs with Mobile Apps and Digital Portals

Digital tools are transforming the way fuel companies attract and retain customers. In an era where convenience drives consumer choice, propane delivery companies are turning to mobile apps and integrated web portals to cut costs and strengthen customer loyalty. A recent industry study shows that retailers using these digital tools are reducing customer acquisition costs… Continue reading Propane Retailers Slash Customer Costs with Mobile Apps and Digital Portals

Building Accountability Systems That Enforce Daily Discipline

Operational discipline in a propane business is not a policy; it is a system. Many companies have procedures that look solid on paper, but execution breaks down in the field, in dispatch, or in the office. That gap carries real consequences. Missed safety checks, incomplete documentation, inefficient routing, and inconsistent customer handling all increase liability,… Continue reading Building Accountability Systems That Enforce Daily Discipline

Propane Operations Under Pressure From Uncontrollable Forces

Propane operations are built on planning, but performance is often dictated by variables no operator can control. Weather volatility, infrastructure constraints, regulatory shifts, and global energy flows continue to shape day-to-day execution in ways that are difficult to predict and even harder to manage in real time. For propane businesses, the risk is not simply… Continue reading Propane Operations Under Pressure From Uncontrollable Forces

2026 Propane Industry Survey Offers Critical Insights for Small Businesses

Benchmarking performance has never been more important – especially as propane prices fluctuate and federal regulations reshape operations. Here’s what short-haul delivery operators need to know. A Trusted Tool in a Volatile Market Accounting firm Gray, Gray & Gray has released its 35th annual Energy & Propane Industry Survey, a trusted tool that helps propane… Continue reading 2026 Propane Industry Survey Offers Critical Insights for Small Businesses

When Forecasts Collide: Dispatch Rules for Conflicting Weather Models

Weather drives propane operations more than any other external factor, yet dispatchers are increasingly forced to build routes when forecasts disagree sharply. One model shows a hard freeze, another delays it 24 hours. One predicts heavy rain, another a slight drizzle. When those differences shape run priorities, driver hours, and customer risk exposure, guessing wrong… Continue reading When Forecasts Collide: Dispatch Rules for Conflicting Weather Models

How One Texas Propane Company Is Using Technology to Fuel Growth

In the heart of Texas, where dependable energy service is a way of life, Belleville Butane Company is proving that even well-established fuel retailers can reinvent themselves. The family-owned propane provider, led by owner Dallas Dodd, has recently embraced a digital strategy designed to modernize operations without losing the personal service that built its reputation.… Continue reading How One Texas Propane Company Is Using Technology to Fuel Growth

Heating Demand Holds as Economic Slowdown Tests Propane Margins

Economic slowdowns tend to expose weak points across energy markets, but propane retail has historically followed a different pattern. While construction, discretionary spending, and commercial activity soften, core residential heating demand remains steady. For propane marketers, that creates a mixed operating environment. Volume stability does not always translate to margin stability. Customer payment behavior shifts,… Continue reading Heating Demand Holds as Economic Slowdown Tests Propane Margins

Service Expansion Is Redefining Propane Revenue Stability

Margin pressure, weather variability, and customer concentration risk have pushed propane marketers to look beyond gallon sales. Service expansion is no longer a growth strategy reserved for large operators; it is becoming a practical response to revenue volatility. Companies that rely solely on fuel delivery are more exposed to warm winters, delayed fills, and pricing… Continue reading Service Expansion Is Redefining Propane Revenue Stability

NPGA Propane Expo Heads to Nashville With Safety, Technology, and Big Giveaways in Focus

The propane industry’s biggest annual gathering is set to return to Nashville in 2026, bringing together thousands of marketers, suppliers, fleet operators, and service providers for several days of business meetings, product showcases and hands-on education. The National Propane Gas Association’s Southeastern & International Propane Expo is scheduled for April 19-21 at Music City Center… Continue reading NPGA Propane Expo Heads to Nashville With Safety, Technology, and Big Giveaways in Focus

Predictive Delivery Analytics Improves Customer Experience

Data-Driven Forecasting Reduces Runouts Customer expectations in the propane industry are changing. Residential and commercial customers increasingly expect quick, reliable deliveries, clear communication, and convenient digital access to their accounts. For propane marketers, predictive delivery analytics is becoming an important tool for meeting those modern expectations while improving operational efficiency at the same time. Rather… Continue reading Predictive Delivery Analytics Improves Customer Experience

As Fuel Dealers Near Retirement, Private Equity Steps In

A quiet but powerful transition is reshaping America’s local fuel delivery businesses. Across the country, many family-owned propane and heating oil companies are facing what industry observers call a “succession cliff.” Owners who built their businesses decades ago are reaching retirement age. Some postponed exit plans during the pandemic or recent market volatility. Others never… Continue reading As Fuel Dealers Near Retirement, Private Equity Steps In

What Propane Companies Possess That Fuel Startups Don’t

Every summer, the same problem shows up across propane operations. Trucks sit idle more often. Drivers lose hours. Assets that were pushed hard all winter suddenly have nothing urgent to do. At the same time, gasoline and diesel demand spikes for fleets, construction sites, marinas, municipalities, and convenience-driven residential customers. Startups have noticed this gap… Continue reading What Propane Companies Possess That Fuel Startups Don’t

Propane Retailers Tap On-Demand Fuel Delivery for Steady Year-Round Revenue

Propane retailers across North America are increasingly exploring on-demand gasoline and diesel delivery as a strategic way to maintain steady revenue throughout the year. Rather than simply competing with other propane operations, many marketers view mobile fueling as a complementary service that leverages their existing infrastructure, drivers, and customer relationships. Promoting Diversification Without Disruption Industry… Continue reading Propane Retailers Tap On-Demand Fuel Delivery for Steady Year-Round Revenue