Learn about what’s happening in the trucking space

Crystal Flash’s bobtail thanking U.S. veterans is indicative of a movement across the industry. (Photo courtesy of Crystal Flash)

The propane industry relies on employees who come from all walks of life. A prime example of this is the company Crystal Flash in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A 100 percent employee-owned fuel distribution company, a significant amount – 13 percent – of Crystal Flash workers are veterans and active-duty military.

This May, Crystal Flash decorated several of its bobtail vehicles with graphics to celebrate and thank the country’s service members.

“We are incredibly grateful for the service and dedication of our teammates who are veterans or active service members, and this celebration is our way of honoring them,” Brad Gandy, president and CEO of Crystal Flash, says.

And Crystal Flash is far from the only propane company adorning its bobtails with special designs to support certain causes or promote special messages to its customers and community.

As part of this month’s trucking issue, LP Gas spoke with several companies undertaking similar initiatives with their own bobtails.

This trend is one of many developments in the trucking space that’s covered in this issue.

For example, you can read about a Texas-based truck manufacturer that’s planning to introduce dedicated LPG bobtails to the United States, so propane retailers can deliver their propane using propane-powered vehicles.

There’s also a slew of new products making their way into the market, including camera systems, remote-controlled cranes, ergonomic loading decks and more. These innovations will help truck drivers by making their jobs safer and easier.

Of special importance are new Environmental Protection Agency mandates that seek to reduce vehicle emissions, but will actually hurt the companies that rely on bobtails to keep their businesses afloat, according to industry leaders.

Read about these stories and more in this month’s special trucking issue:

• Companies use their bobtails to share important messages
• Enhancing truck operator safety
• Nexio looking to bring propane-powered bobtail to U.S. market
• Trucking fleets’ future with EPA’s emissions standards