How can propane companies bring out the best in their drivers?

June 19, 2025 By LP Gas

Answers from the LPG Editorial Advisory Board:

“Bring out the best with high expectations, forever focusing on safety and valuing your drivers. Set an example and take a ride with one of your drivers during an early season wintery day and help pull the hose. Ask your drivers lots of leading questions about how to improve safety and make sure they have the tools they need to work safe. Continue to preach the basics: looking left, right and left again; slowing down in the winter on curves; using chock blocks and seat belts; three points of contact getting in and out of trucks; wearing grippers; etc. I always recommend a safety meeting on the first day of winter weather to let the roads clear out and remind everyone of the importance of safe winter driving.”

– Leslie Anderson, president and CEO, Propane Gas Association of New England, Portland, Maine

“Invest in them, and not just with money. Invest in training so that they are confident and safe. Invest in the equipment they use. If the truck needs repairs, fix it. If your driver sees that you don’t care, then don’t expect them to give their best effort. Take the time to talk to them and show you sincerely care about them and their customers.”

– Dan Richardson, president and CEO, Conger LP Gas, Tifton, Georgia

“Propane drivers are the heartbeat of our industry — they build trust one delivery at a time. To bring out the best in them, companies must create a culture where drivers feel valued, supported and empowered to grow. That means more than just providing the right tools and training – it’s about listening to their feedback, recognizing their contributions and offering clear opportunities for advancement. When drivers see a future within your organization, they’re more engaged, more committed, and ultimately, more successful – and so is your company.”

– Christina Armentano, executive vice president and COO, Paraco Gas, Rye Brook, New York

Photo of Michelle Bimson Maggi — Bimson Maggi

“Bringing out the best in your drivers starts by showing appreciation and respect. Treat your drivers fairly and equally. You need to create a supportive, safe working environment by spending one-on-one time with them, listening to their feedback and acting on it to make positive changes.”

– Michelle Bimson Maggi, vice president, corporate affairs, Ferrellgas, Liberty, Missouri

“It’s important to recognize and reward drivers for safe driving records, on-time deliveries, or exceptional customer feedback. Incentives like bonuses, gift cards or public acknowledgment can boost morale. Recognition is free and goes a long way.”

– Dustin Delay, vice president, Cost Management Solutions, Houston, Texas

“How do you bring the best out of your drivers? You have to build ownership. Make them look forward to coming to work. Happy drivers are the best drivers. They want to know why, be part of the plan. Management by intimidation does not work. If you deliver anything to anybody in such a forceful way, all they’re going to do is push back or slow down and not produce.”

– Mike Walters, vice president, safety and fleet, Superior Energy Systems, Columbia Station, Ohio

“Investing in trucks and staying on top of maintenance builds a reliable fleet that shows drivers their safety matters and helps them perform with confidence and pride.”

– Dennis Halverson, propane product manager, Christensen Inc., Richland, Washington

Jaenicke

“Bringing out the best in drivers goes beyond offering a competitive compensation plan. Make them feel like more than just a ‘driver’ by offering continuous education and training, the best in routing and scheduling technology, and a well-maintained truck fleet. Drivers feeling like an important part of the team is essential to propane business success.”

– Tom Jaenicke, propane specialist, ATomiK Creative Solutions, Charlevoix, Michigan

Featured homepage photo: Andyqwe/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

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