Storing propane outside in cold winter temperatures can decrease the efficiency of a propane tank, according to Powerblanket. The company’s propane tank heater offers a simple, economical and efficient solution to keep propane tanks from losing pressure in cold weather. The propane tank heater wraps propane tanks in a durable vinyl blanket that spreads electrical heating evenly throughout the surface... read more
Superior Plus Energy Services, based in Rochester, N.Y., is now a member of Alliance AutoGas. Superior Plus Energy Services serves residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, transportation and governmental customers in nine states across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. The company ranks 15th on LP Gas’ Top 50 Propane Retailers list. “We are excited to be a partner of an organization that delivers... read more
Virginia’s Chesterfield County school district purchased 20 propane-powered school buses for its fleet. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the school district purchased the Blue Bird propane buses from Carter Machinery, a Caterpillar dealer serving Virginia and southern West Virginia. The school district’s new autogas buses will replace old diesel buses in its fleet. Additionally, the school district tested two autogas... read more
In the Know is a monthly partnership between LP Gas magazine and Propane Resources. Our focus this month is on employees, addressed by financial consultant Tamera Kovacs. Q: How can propane retailers serve as mentors for the next generation of working professionals? A: I was 15 when I got my first job working for someone who wasn’t family. My dad told me he was... read more
The typical propane business is usually in a new-customer sales funk this time of the year. The main focus is on keeping those bobtails rolling and delivering propane during the peak heating-demand period. Many marketers in moderate and cold-climate areas of the country postpone most new installations until spring. There is no better time for you and your sales staff... read more
The Dow Chemical Co.’s world-scale propane dehydrogenation unit (PDH), located at the company’s Oyster Creek site in Freeport, Texas, completed a performance test, certifying that the unit is operating at full capacity and meeting the Honeywell UOP Oleflex performance guarantee. “Dow’s world-scale PDH unit has reached full rates and passed acceptance testing,” says Jim Fitterling, Dow’s president and COO, in... read more
After being in a downtrend since January 2014, propane prices could be at the beginning of a long-term uptrend. It is a prospect that has many propane retailers interested in hedging the cost of their future propane needs to protect against rising prices. Many retailers are interested in protecting themselves and their customers as far out as three years. Currently,... read more
Alliance AutoGas completed a propane autogas conversion of a bi-fuel 2016 3.5-liter Ford F-150 V6 at The Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. According to Alliance AutoGas, more than 100 participants watched the conversion at the show. The converted F-150 truck will soon embark on a 5,300-mile trip. This May, the truck will start a cross-country journey in Kansas City, Kan.,... read more
Growing a propane business organically is not easy. Just ask a growth-minded propane marketer who is adding new customers or increasing gallons by selling new propane applications to customers. These marketers understand that growth requires a vibrant marketing function with ample resources, hard work, persistence and expertise. They also do not believe in the commonly held myths that growth will... read more
Nestlé Waters North America committed to add 155 medium-duty beverage delivery trucks fueled by propane autogas to its fleet. The Ford F-650 trucks will be outfitted with Roush CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems with 45-usable gallon fuel tanks. According to Roush CleanTech, the autogas fuel system meets California Air Resources Board and Environmental Protection Agency compliance. Nestlé Waters North America,... read more
