Running a successful propane business requires balancing customer needs, operational costs, and supplier relationships. While owners must focus primarily on deliveries, safety, and customer service, one area that often goes overlooked is vendor agreements. The right deals with your various suppliers can have a major effect on your bottom line, thereby improving cash flow and… Continue reading Vendor Deals Strengthen Cash Flow
The propane industry is changing quickly, and one of the biggest forces driving that change is the wave of mergers and acquisitions happening across the country. Larger companies are buying smaller ones, regional distributors are joining forces, and investors are entering the market to expand their reach. For small propane businesses, these moves can feel… Continue reading Adapting to Change in the Propane Merger Landscape
When we talk about how cold a month gets, one useful measure is heating degree days (HDDs). An HDD shows how much the average outdoor temperature fell below a base value – typically 65 °F in the U.S. The colder the temperature, the higher the HDDs. The more HDDs there are, the more heating (and… Continue reading Heating Degree Days – and Why October’s Numbers Matter
In the propane industry, strong relationships often matter just as much as competitive pricing or reliable service. One way many fuel companies can create these relationships is through supplier mixers. These events bring together propane business owners, managers, suppliers, and industry partners in one place to share ideas, strengthen trust, and create new opportunities. For… Continue reading Strengthening Propane Supplier Ties Through Mixers
The propane industry is built on meeting demand wherever it rises, whether in large cities, small towns, or remote rural areas. But not all regions generate the same level of profit, and understanding those patterns can make the difference between steady growth and struggling to keep up. For many propane companies, profitability depends on knowing… Continue reading Finding the Strongest Markets for Propane Profits
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
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?
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
As your propane business grows, so does your list of vendor partners – from tank manufacturers and software providers to fuel suppliers and printing services. These partnerships are meant to help your business run smoother and grow faster. But sometimes, what looks like a good deal on paper can subtly drain your profits over time.… Continue reading Vendors Can Fuel Growth or Drain Profits
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 the propane industry, pricing can feel like a constant battle between risk and opportunity. Market fluctuations, unpredictable weather patterns, and supply chain disruptions all play a role in determining costs. For propane businesses, having a solid buying strategy isn’t just about getting the lowest price; it’s about making smart, forward-thinking decisions that protect margins… Continue reading Turning Market Uncertainty Into an Advantage
Regarding propane delivery, the road that lies between the supply terminal and your customer matters more than you might think. If you’re running a propane company, you know how much time, money, and planning it takes to keep everything moving. But there’s one piece of the puzzle that’s often out of your control – the… Continue reading Trucking Challenges That Could Slow You Down
Propane logistics is one of the most important aspects of running a successful propane business. From managing delivery schedules to tracking inventory, every part of the process must be carefully planned to keep operations running smoothly. Mistakes in logistics can lead to delays, lost revenue, and unhappy customers. Here are some of the most common… Continue reading Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Propane Logistics
The propane industry has always been a game of logistics, but in 2025, managing tank assets has become more critical than ever. While the tank shortages that plagued marketers in the early 2020s have eased somewhat, new pressures – supply chain disruptions, rising demand for clean energy, and unpredictable weather patterns – continue to test… Continue reading Five Strategies for Propane Retailers to Optimize Tank Assets
With the United States facing a propane shortage, small businesses and propane companies must take proactive steps to consistently maintain operations and meet customer needs. While supply constraints present challenges, strategic planning and efficiency measures can help businesses navigate this period successfully. Here’s a practical guide detailing how that can be implemented. Strengthening Supply Chain… Continue reading Staying Ahead: How Fuel Retailers Can Navigate the Current Propane Shortage
Propane prices have been higher this winter than last year, mainly due to colder temperatures in January and increased propane exports. Even though propane inventories were substantial at the start of the heating season, the combination of freezing weather and demand from overseas markets has driven prices up. Wholesale Propane Prices Are Rising Wholesale propane… Continue reading Why Propane Prices Are Higher This Winter
Efficient propane tank rotation is key to minimizing dead stock and ensuring a smooth supply chain. Here, we present a straightforward guide on how to successfully manage your tanks. Mastering this propane business fundamental will go a long way in keeping your operations running smoothly and efficiently. What is Dead Stock? Dead stock in the… Continue reading Turn Dead Stock into Dynamic Success: Mastering Tank Rotation
Choosing to work with third-party propane suppliers can have a big impact on your business. Whether you’re considering this route to meet growing demand or to reduce costs, it’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges. Here, we dive into both the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. What Are Third-Party… Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Working With Third-Party Suppliers
CHS has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art propane rail-ship terminal in Yuma, Colorado, offering a significant boost to propane marketers in the region. Strategically located, the facility is set to benefit businesses across eastern Colorado, western Nebraska, and western Kansas, providing a much-needed alternative to the distant Conway propane hub in Kansas. Scott Pearson, Vice President… Continue reading CHS Launches Propane Rail-Ship Terminal in Yuma
The propane industry has seen its resilience tested amidst supply chain disruptions. These interruptions, caused by factors ranging from geopolitical issues to natural disasters, pose a significant challenge. Here, we explore strategies propane businesses can implement to manage and adapt to these disruptions, ensuring reliability in service and maintaining customer trust. Understanding the Vulnerabilities The… Continue reading Managing Propane Supply Chain Challenges
Renewable propane, a relatively recent addition to the energy landscape, has quickly become a reality in the United States. In just three short years since the first significant amounts were sold to end-users in 2019, renewable propane has found its way into the market, making its presence felt in different states across the country. This… Continue reading The Era of Renewable Propane: A Clean Energy Revolution
Recent changes in the market have highlighted the complex dynamics of propane production and its widespread impact. An important event took place on August 4 involving the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) gathering data for its Weekly Petroleum Status Report. This information was made public on August 7, revealing a pivotal moment in the propane… Continue reading Exploring the Journey of Propane: Origins and Supply Chain Dynamics
Empowering Growth Through Technology – In the dynamic landscape of technological advancements, industries face a dual prospect of challenges and opportunities to amplify their operations. Propane companies, pivotal in providing energy to millions, stand on the threshold of transformation. The integration of technology not only streamlines processes and enhances efficiency but also emerges as a… Continue reading Empowering Growth Through Technology: Elevating Safety in the Propane Industry
Washington State stands as the leading producer of apples, pears, and cherries in the United States. The fruit tree orchards spanning over 265,000 acres rely on propane-powered wind machines to safeguard the crops from frost damage. A single wind machine, coupled with a 500-gallon propane tank, is typically employed to protect a 10-acre block of… Continue reading Shifting Dynamics in Propane Tank Infrastructure and the Evolving Needs of the Fruit Tree Industry
