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Feature Articles

In-depth feature stories examining the trends, challenges and innovations shaping the propane and LPG industry.

  • Moving the Mail—Trucks Roll with Winter Cold

    (March 19, 2018) — It’s a safe bet that bulk plants were churning faster this past winter compared to the previous two, even absent a stinging Polar Vortex. But there was a new and widely reported storm phenomenon moniker — a bomb cyclone that unleashed freezing blizzard conditions across wide areas. Overall, more sustained wintry cold meant trucks had to roll. Two transportation companies wheeling to meet ramped-up demand were Etchberger Trucking Inc. of Freeport, Ill. and C Three Logistics LLC of Newfield, N.J., both headed by customer-focused, next-generation owners. Kris Etchberger of Etchberger Trucking and Henry Papiano of C Three Logistics founded their common carrier operations in recent years, following their fathers into the industry after previously working in the family businesses. Etchberger observes that this…
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  • New LPG Filtration System Benefits Autogas Fleets

    (March 19, 2018) — Alliance AutoGas (Swannanoa, N.C.) has aligned with Donaldson Co. (Valencia, Calif.) to release a new line of clean LPG filters that remove potentially harmful particulate matter and heavy ends from propane systems. The filters were designed specifically for the propane industry. While it’s common for gasoline and diesel fuels to be filtered multiple times as they are transported to an end-user, propane has historically not been filtered. As propane, or in this use, autogas, has gained popularity as a transportation fuel, the need for consistent fuel quality has become greater for fleet customers. Two new filters, available from Alliance AutoGas (AAG) and Donaldson Co., have been explicitly designed to eliminate potential fuel contamination issues with autogas fuel dispenser systems. A highly…
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  • Southeastern Presentation To Examine Areas Propane Autogas Clearly Best Fuel Choice For Vehicle Class 2-7 (soon 8!)

    Describing autogas as one of the most promising sectors for future increases in propane utilization, ICOM North America (New Hudson, Mich.) co-founder and chairman, Albert Venezio, will share insights on how to reap its benefits with his audience at the 2018 NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo in Atlanta. His experience will equip dealers with the tools they need to capture the promise of this expanding revenue source. During his presentation, he will acquaint propane industry professionals with methods to identify a fleet prospect, and illustrate, step-by-step, how to make the sale and close the deal. Marketers will leave with a solid understanding of critical benefits of propane autogas and how to communicate them to fleet representatives in a way that differentiates for fleet…
    Read More →: Southeastern Presentation To Examine Areas Propane Autogas Clearly Best Fuel Choice For Vehicle Class 2-7 (soon 8!)

  • Utility One Source Rebranding as Custom Truck One Source

    Kansas City, MO (March 9, 2018) – Utility One Source (UOS) announced Feb. 27th a major rebranding effort, changing the company’s name to Custom Truck One Source. The rebrand unifies all company platforms under the Custom Truck One Source name. Known for customization across a wide range of industries and a vast array of products, Custom Truck One Source is positioned as a true “one stop shop” for its customers. Company officials say the new name sends a clearer message about what the company does. “Every day, people look to us for innovative solutions—and clear communication about them,” said Fred Ross, CEO. “With our focus on custom in the name, it can work for every industry we serve, whether it’s utility, forestry, rail, construction, propane,…
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  • Mosquito Magnet Recall Due to Injury Hazard

    (March 7, 2018) — This recall involves Mosquito Magnet traps and Quick Clear Cartridge kits. Consumers should immediately stop using the Quick Clear Cartridge kits on recalled Mosquito Magnet traps and contact Woodstream for a free repair of the regulator hose. The traps are designed to attract and capture mosquitos and other insects into the vacuum, where they dehydrate and die. The recall, which affects approximately 28,000 units, was conducted voluntarily by Wodstream Corp. of Knoxville, Tenn., under the U.S. Consumer Protection Saftey Commission's Fast Track Recall process. The traps connect to a 20-gallon propane tank and measure about 30 to 35 inches tall. The Mosquito Magnets were sold in green or green/gray combination with a black and green plastic stand. “Mosquito Magnet” is printed…
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  • Anheuser-Busch Distributor Unveils New Propane Autogas Delivery Trucks

    CHARLESTON, S.C., (March 7, 2018) — Southern Eagle Distributing, one of the oldest continual Anheuser-Busch distributorships in the United States, has purchased two propane autogas vehicles to reduce both emissions and costs. “Southern Eagle Distributing has adopted propane autogas technology to reduce our overall emissions and create a more environmentally friendly and green fleet,” said Jim Henderson, vice president of operations for Southern Eagle Distributing. “We care about and support our local communities and want to impact them positively. A less polluting fleet benefits everyone.” The trucks will be used in Charleston, South Carolina, to deliver over 600 beverage types including beer, soda, energy drinks, juice and water. The two new Ford F-650 beverage delivery trucks are each equipped with a Ford 6.8L V10 3V…
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  • Autogas Ride & Drive Opportunities At 2018 Work Truck Show/Green Truck Summit

    https://www.bpnews.com/index.php/publications/magazine/feature-articles/1520-autogas-ride-drive-opportunities-planned-for-work-truck-show
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  • As Temps Tumble, Truck Builders Report Demand for High-Value Trucks Soars

    (March 7, 2018) — “Sales of retail propane trucks always have their peaks and valleys,” says Brian Amthor, executive vice president at Amthor International Inc. (Gretna, Va.). “The last couple of years were valleys, but we’re now making a move back up to the peak.” All of the truck builders BPN spoke with recently described sales as being back on the rise and there are several factors in play. “We’ve really had the perfect storm,” says Scott Swensen, sales representative of Lin’s Propane Trucks (Dighton, Mass.), and December’s Bomb Cyclone that sunk temperatures well below zero during the last half of that month was only part of the storm Swensen was referring to. “The cold weather is certainly a factor,” comments Tim Schweppe, Arrow Tank…
    Read More →: As Temps Tumble, Truck Builders Report Demand for High-Value Trucks Soars

  • Cold Winter, New Strategic Plan: Hot Topics in Warm Santa Barbara

    Gathering in early February 2018 for the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) meetings in temperate Santa Barbara, Calif., board members and guests alike admitted they were ready for a break from the cold. Furthermore, industry members who have weathered two warm winters following the unnerving Polar Vortex of 2013-2014 seemed very satisfied with how the winter of 2017-2018 was unfolding. Propane leaders were eager to head to meetings to discuss the cold winter and plot the future direction of the industry. Beginning with the NPGA Propane Supply and Logistics committee meeting, always one to draw a large crowd due to its relevance to most in the industry, members gathered for an update from Debnil Chowdhury, U.S. NGL research and consulting lead at IHS Markit (London)….
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  • Outdoor Gas Fire Pit Recalled, Fire and Burn Hazards Cited

    (February 27, 2018) — The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports certain Hampton Bay brand 50,000-Btu, 30-in., outdoor gas fire pit table/patio heaters are being recalled due to fire and burn hazards. Units with model numbers G-FTB51057B and UPC 6944937601579 are involved. The fire pits have an antique bronze finish with a natural slate tabletop and a black base that holds a propane cylinder. CPSC nots the manufacturer has received three reports of consumers who were burned while turning off the propane cylinder after using the fire pit. The bowl base lacks a heat shield to protect consumers from burns. The units were sold exclusively at Home Depot stores nationwide and online from August 2016 to November 2017 for about $200. The manufacturer is Zhejiang…
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  • Adding Burner Tips to Sell More Gallons Is Continuing Challenge

    Dave Honeycutt’s family started in the oil business in Maryland in 1932. Nearly five decades later, in 1980, it added an HVAC business that brought the company a new focus on service as one of its key benefits. This was then followed in 2000 with the incorporation of Tevis Propane’s locations in Westminster and Hampstead, Md., to the mix of businesses. From the beginning, Honeycutt deemed selling and servicing propane appliances and hearth products critical to the success of the propane venture. He recognized that adding burner tips to customers’ homes was the best way to increase propane load. “We built a 3000-square-foot showroom to showcase our propane appliances,” Honeycutt said. “With a staff of 30 technicians on the road with the HVAC business to…
    Read More →: Adding Burner Tips to Sell More Gallons Is Continuing Challenge

  • Community Tanks Benefit Both Residents and Propane Retailers

    Combined Energy of Monticello, N.Y. has been serving residential customers throughout the Tri-State region of New York’s Catskill Mountains and lower Hudson Valley, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern New Jersey since 1968. One of the challenges the company has encountered is that, for many of its customers, the home the propane retailer serves is their second home. Some of these are winterized, whereas others have the heat left on throughout the winter season. This makes it difficult for the propane marketer to track the product consumed in many of these second residences, allowing a stronger possibility of home freeze-ups. According to Combined Energy Services’ general manager, Mike Taylor, the best solution for many is to install a community tank that serves multiple homes. Instead of each…
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