Renewable Propane Arrives at U-Haul Autogas Locations in SoCal

U-Haul announced its latest green initiative on Oct. 6 with the purchase of its first million gallons of renewable propane. The fuel is available to customers at U-Haul autogas facilities across Southern California.

The largest retailer of propane in the U.S., U-Haul teamed with national distributor Suburban Propane Partners LP (Whippany, N.J.) to supply the ecofriendly fuel. U-Haul plans for this product offering to be ongoing as it continues to pursue sustainable solutions as an industry leader.

“The introduction of renewable propane is a welcome disruption to the industry,” stated John Barnett, U-Haul propane program manager. “Carbon-neutral fuels are in demand. It’s all about sustainability. While U-Haul is paying a premium for this product, we have chosen to absorb this cost so our customers will benefit the environment at no additional charge. Californians can feel even better about fueling with propane in the growing autogas sector.”

Renewable propane is derived from renewable sources such as beef fats, vegetable oils, grease residue, and other biomass feedstocks. It boasts a lower carbon intensity than traditional propane while providing similar performance metrics. Renewable propane also has one of the lowest carbon intensity scores compared to gasoline, diesel, and compressed natural gas, thus reducing harmful contributors to greenhouse gases.

“We are very excited to align with U-Haul to supply renewable propane in support of our collective efforts to lower carbon emissions in the state of California,” stated Nandini Sankara, Suburban Propane spokesperson. “This arrangement, along with our recent investment in Oberon Fuels, are part of our continued commitment to developing innovative solutions to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint, particularly at a time when so many states have established aggressive carbon reduction targets over the next few decades.”

This initial U-Haul purchase and customer offering of renewable propane has the global effect of eliminating 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, according to the Western Propane Gas Association.

Joy Alafia, WPGA president and CEO, added: “WPGA applauds U-Haul for its demonstrated leadership in transportation decarbonization. U-Haul’s decision to power fleets with renewable propane is a clean energy trifecta; the move provides an opportunity for the community to drive a vehicle powered by a sustainable fuel solution, reduces U-Haul’s carbon footprint, and has the global effect of taking 1000 cars off the road.”

U-Haul began selling propane in 1984 and became the largest U.S. retailer by 1987. Today, U-Haul safely supplies propane to thousands of customers daily across the U.S. and Canada.

U-Haul promotes sustainable solutions through its core business model of truck and trailer sharing; by reusing old and often vacant buildings for its new stores, cutting down on new-construction emissions and helping cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings; by curbing emissions through fuel efficiency and the proximity of neighborhood dealers to residential areas; by offering green products like biodegradable packing peanuts, boxes made from recycled cardboard, the reusable plastic Ready-To-Go Box, and furniture blankets made from recycled denim; and by offering in-store programs like Take A Box, Leave A Box and Re-Use Centers that serve as redistribution hubs for gently used household furnishings.
As an essential service provider, U-Haul has remained open throughout 2020 to meet the needs of its communities.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, October 15, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.