LP Gas 2014 10 PDF

THE PROPANE INDUSTRY’S PREMIER INFORMATION SOURCE | www.LPGASmagazine.
com OCTOBER 2014

Support system: AmeriGas
exec uses cancer diagnosis
to improve lives of others
Step van market: Engine,

chassis partners in place
Snapshot: Pink propane

mower an “eye-catcher”
A new way of
fueling Propane industry
leaders contemplate
widespread shift
toward European-style
refueling technology
S
ES
E EN
SU AR
IS AW
ER
NC
CA
Oh No,
you’re offline!
You’re missing out on the full digital experience.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
When you view this publication offline, you’re not connected to everything this digital
edition has to offer. Return to this edition online to enjoy the full interactive experience.
>> Mobile and tablet reading >> Share with friends

>> Access to issues >> Video
>> Searching capabilities >> Contents Gallery
For publishers: learn more about digital publishing with Mozaic

Go Online!
What’s your output?
If you’re pricing tankless units

based only on input, it’s like
using the wrong end of a hammer
Before you pick a non-condensing tankless
water heater to save money, check out the total costs.
Consider the Navien NPE-S (NPE-240S, NPE-210S, NPE-180S) condensing advantages:

•More output for the money. With high efficiency condensing technology, NPE-S units
deliver more BTUs where it counts, resulting in greater flow rates than comparable units.
•Lower installation costs for you. You can typically install a NPE-S in half the time of
other tankless units — usually within 4 hours, with more flexibility and lower material costs.
•Lower operating costs for the homeowner. Our industry leading 0.99 EF
can save the homeowner more on the yearly operating cost.
Compare the total costs and you’ll see why Navien is the leader in condensing technology.
To learn more visit www.CondensingSaves.com or www.Navien.com
W E M A K E I T E A S Y T O G O T A N K L E S S
VO L U M E 74 | N U M B E R 10
OCTOBER 2014
The propane industry’s premier information source
Features
30 | SUPPORT SYSTEM
AmeriGas executive uses
her cancer diagnosis to
improve lives of others.
38 | A NEW WAY OF
FUELING
Propane industry leaders
contemplate widespread
shif toward European-
38
style refueling technology.
45 | STEPPING UP (AND
DOWN)
Industry partners in place
for propane to penetrate
step van market.
Departments
6 | OPENING DELIVERY |
A cancer diagnosis can put 30 18
everything into perspective.
8 | VITAL SIGNS | Propane export

terminal projects alive on West
Coast, Gulf Coast.
18 | FOCUS ON PROPANE
AUTOGAS | Propane
conversion runs smoothly for
customized transportation
company.
26 | DATAPOINTS | Study fnds

propane to play a signifcant role
in propylene production.
45
On the cover | A Ford F-150 at Superior Energy Systems that runs on propane/Brian Richesson
www.LPGasmagazine.com October 2014 LPGas | 3

Contact Us Today About Turn-Key Packages Available
for Immediate Delivery!
~ OR ~ 64
Call For a Quote On A Custom Body/Crane Package!
48 | BUSINESS MATTERS | Five vital signs to get your
propane business running at optimal levels.
49 | MARKETING MIX | Te value of your business is

Call 877-811-7665 the result of your own actions.
Or Visit Us Online:
50 | LET’S TALK | Benefts of propane water heaters
www.Palfleet.com aplenty, but are your customers aware?
53 | PRODUCT SHOWCASE | New products for propane

autogas and motor fuel applications.
64 | SNAPSHOT | Pink mower marks New York retailer’s

entry into propane autogas.
Looking to Finance ONLINE. Visit www.lpgasmagazine.com to get news,
Equipment? numbers and events listings as well as features and columns

from the most recent issue of LP Gas Magazine.
Social media: Also fnd us on facebook.com/lpgasmagazine
Member of and twitter.com/lpgas_mag.
LP Gas (ISSN 0024-7103) is published monthly by North Coast Media LLC, IMG Center, 1360 East 9th
Street, Suite 1070, Cleveland, OH 44114. Subscription rates: One year $40, two years $57 (U.S. and
possessions), one year $52, two years $78 (Canada and Mexico) and one year $130, two years $185
(all other countries). Air expedited service is available in countries outside the U.S. and Canada for an
additional $48 for one year or $96 for two years per order. Single copies (prepaid only) $5 (U.S. and pos-
BE SMART & SAVE! sessions) $7 (Canada and Mexico) and $16 (all other countries). Back issues (if available, prepaid only) $9
(U.S. and possessions), $13 (Canada and Mexico) and $33 (all other countries). Include $6.50 per order
✔ Leasing conserves cash plus $2 per additional copy for U.S. postage and handling. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland OH
44101 and additional mailing offices.
✔ 100% fnancing*
POSTMASTER: Please send address change to LP Gas, PO Box 2090, Skokie, IL 60076. Printed in the U.S.A.
✔ Quick and easy Copyright 2014 North Coast Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
✔ ALL types of equipment fnanced reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical including by photocopy,
recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the publisher.
Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific
*Learn more at www.vfgusa.com! clients is granted by North Coast Media, LLC for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright
888.834.3278 Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr, Danvers, MA 01923, phone 978-750-8400, fax 978-750-4470. Call
for copying beyond that permitted by Sections 107 or 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscriptions to LP Gas are available by calling 847-763-4942.

Member Since 1999 For single back issues, CD-ROM, call 847-763-4942.
North Coast Media LLC provides certain customer contact data (such as customers’ names, addresses,
phone numbers and e-mail addresses) to third parties who wish to promote relevant products, services
and other opportunities which may be of interest to you. If you do not want North Coast Media LLC to
Vision Financial Group, Inc. make your contact information available to third parties for marketing purposes, simply call 847-763-
615 Iron City Drive • Pittsburgh, PA 15205 4942 between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 CT and a customer service representative will assist you
in removing your name from North Coast Media’s lists.
4 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

1360 East 9th St., Suite 1070
IMG Center
Cleveland, OH 44114 Family owned and
855-460-5502 operated since 1995!
www.LPGasmagazine.com
Servicing majors and
Editorial Publisher: independents
Brian Kanaba
Editor in Chief:
Brian Richesson 855-460-5502, ext. 3745 We offer the following services and products:
855-460-5502, ext. 3748 Fax: 216-706-3711 • Refurbished ASME tanks
Fax: 216-706-3711 bkanaba@northcoastmedia.net • Used ASME tanks “as is”
brichesson@northcoastmedia.net PRODUCTS
Classified Representative: • We’ll refurbish your ASME tank
Kelli Velasquez
Managing Editor:
855-460-5502, ext. 3767
• FREE storage yards
Kevin Yanik
855-460-5502, ext. 3724 Fax: 253-484-3080 • Transportation for ASME tanks
Fax: 216-706-3711 kvelasquez@northcoastmedia.net • Buy scrap in whole load lots
kyanik@northcoastmedia.net Senior Audience Development
Sr. Digital Editor: Manager:
Diane Sofranec Antoinette Sanchez-Perkins
855-460-5502, ext. 3793 asanchez-perkins@northcoastmedia.net
dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net 216-706-3750
Fax: 702-586-2790
Art Director:
Kim Traum Digital Operations Manager:
855-460-5502, ext. 3779 Bethany Chambers
Fax: 216-706-3710 855-460-5502, ext. 3771
ktraum@northcoastmedia.net bchambers@northcoastmedia.net
Web Developer:
Production Jesse Malcmacher
Production Services Manager: 216-363-7925
Chris Anderson jmalcmacher@northcoastmedia.net
216-978-5341 Crist Propane Services, LLC
Subscriptions/Back Issues/
canderson@northcoastmedia.net
Customer Service:
13344 E Hwy 60, Irvington, KY 40146
Phone: 847-763-4942 www.cristpropaneservices.com
Advertising Sales & Marketing Fax: 847-763-9694
President and CEO: www.lpgasmagazine.com/lp-gas- Don Fulton Charlie Russ Joe Crist
Kevin Stoltman content/subscriber-services MI, IN, OH, IL, WI, NC KY, TN, MS, AL, GA, SC All other states
855-460-5502, ext. 3740 989-745-8892 270-668-5629 270-668-3448
Fax: 216-706-3712 List Rental:
kstoltman@northcoastmedia.net Antoinette Sanchez-Perkins donafulton@gmail.com cruss.cpsinc@bbtel.com cpsinc@bbtel.com
North Coast Media
VP Finance & Operations: 8756 Castle View Ave.
Steve Galperin Las Vegas, NV 89129
855-460-5502, ext. 3705 asanchez-perkins@northcoastmedia.net Finally Real Security For The Propane Dealer!
sgalperin@northcoastmedia.net 216-706-3750
Fax: 702-586-2790
VP Graphic Design & Production: Item #B827P
Pete Seltzer
855-460-5502, ext. 3737
pseltzer@northcoastmedia.net
Editorial Advisory Board

Item #S502K
Item #B513G
THE FIRST REAL POLock™!

t The Industry’s First True POLock™
t Thousands Of Different Key Codes
Dale Delay Patrick Hyland Tom Jaenicke Daryl McClendon t Every Dealer Has His Own Registered Key
President, Director of Industry Owner, ATomiK Principal & Owner,
t Can Be Keyed Alike To Other Lock Styles
Cost Management Programs, Propane Creative Solutions, DFM Enterprises,
Solutions, Education & Research Charlevoix, MI Willowbrook, IL t Over 60,000 Usable Key Combinations
Livingston, TX Council, Cleveland, OH t 7 Pin Anti-pick Tubular Mechanism
t Rust Resistant Solid Brass Construction
r Call Lock America Direct
Or Ask Your Local Distributor
For The POLock™.
Larry Osgood Joseph Rose Jim Renaldo Mike Walters Regular Price: $28.20
President,
Consulting
President/CEO,
Propane Gas
Director, Sales &
Marketing, Renaldo
Vice President, Safety
& Training, Superior
Priced As Low As:
*Patent Pending
Solutions LLC, Association of New Sales & Service Inc., Energy Systems,
Monument, CO England, Epsom, NH North Collins, NY Columbia Station, OH
$19.74
(When ordered in groups of 100 pieces)
LP Gas does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the advertisements
contained in the publication, and cannot take any responsibility for any losses or other damages
incurred by readers in reliance on such content. LP Gas welcomes unsolicited articles, manuscripts,
photographs, illustrations and other materials but cannot be held responsible for their safekeeping 9168 Stellar Court, Corona, CA
or return. Tel: (951) 277-5180 Toll Free: (800) 422-2866 Fax: (951) 277-5170
Website: www.laigroup.com Email: sales@laigroup.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF | BRIAN RICHESSON
It’s about the people

A cancer diagnosis can put everything into perspective
P
rostate cancer awareness month which is scheduled this year for Nov. a year, Conway says. Last year, they
of September transitions to 17 at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club raised less than $1 million.
breast cancer awareness month in McKinney, Texas. If there’s one message he likes to
of October, and we take time Pros4Care is an initiative that Ed convey about the disease, it involves
out from our busy lives to think about Varney of Emerson Process Manage- the conflicting reports about prostate-
people. ment and former LP Gas Editor Pat specific antigen (PSA) test scores.
We think about our family, friends Hyland, now of the Propane Educa- “If a PSA score is high, it tells the
and colleagues, and those affected by tion & Research Council, cofounded physician and patient that something is
these diseases that have permeated the out of concern for the risk older men, wrong, possibly with the prostate, with
country. Chances are we know some- specifically from the propane indus- the gland itself,” he says. “It could be
one who has faced these dire life situ- try, face from the disease. Its golf event an enlarged prostate or poor prostate
ations – and someone who has coura- has generated more than $250,000 health, but it does not directly reflect an
geously battled and overcome them. since 2007. issue with cancer. There’s a misnomer
These diseases force us to ask Golf seems like a popular way to that when a PSA score is high, it’s can-
“Why?” and question life’s big picture. grow awareness about a disease affect- cer automatically.”
Jane Stroupe of AmeriGas asked ing men – after all, Arnold Palmer has Instead, additional testing would
these questions in her battle against fought for the cause – but as one PCF follow to determine what’s causing the
breast cancer, but now she’s helping to representative explains, it’s not just high score, Conway says.
answer them for women who are re- about men helping men.
cently diagnosed with the disease. Jen- “Not everything we do in golf is Joining the fight
nifer Webb, our contributing editor, from a men’s perspective. It’s become a With so much information available
tells Jane’s touching story beginning family matter to a larger degree,” says about cancer and events promoting
on page 30. Chris Conway, director of golf, sports prevention and research, here’s a quick-
As part of these national cancer enterprises, at PCF. “Often it’s the hitting list of web resources:
awareness initiatives, North Coast ladies in our lives who actually have ■ American Cancer Society: cancer.org
Media, our parent company, is contrib- more of that arm-bending type of per- ■ Prostate Cancer Foundation: pcf.org
uting a portion of this month’s reve- sistence to help our guys – husbands, ■ North Coast Media publication Pest
nues across all magazine brands toward brothers, fathers, uncles – go get Management Professional shared this
the American Cancer Society (ACS). checked and make sure they’re taking link, outlining an initiative in which
Aside from skin cancers, breast care of their health.” men can receive free PSA screenings for
cancer is the most common form of Conway oversees the organiza- prostate cancer: eddiecheck.com.
the disease among American women, tion’s golf programs and helps groups ■ And to register for the Pros4Care
with one in eight facing a diagnosis around the country facilitate events to golf event, contact the Texas Propane
during her lifetime, according to ACS. benefit prostate cancer awareness and Gas Association’s Jackie Mason at 800-
Prostate cancer is prevalent in Ameri- research. The golf professional serves 325-7427 or visit txpropane.com.
can men, with one in seven facing that as a resource, offering ideas to help More information can be found on
diagnosis during his lifetime. ensure events’ successes. These ideas page 55. LPG
may come in areas such as marketing
Propane’s role with PCF and promotions, sponsorships, and
For seven years now, one particular budgeting. He’s been a resource for the
event in the propane industry has sup- Pros4Care event.
ported the Prostate Cancer Founda- In all, these events around the coun-
tion (PCF): The Pros4Care golf outing, try can raise upwards of $1.5 million brichesson@northcoastmedia.net

[NEWS B R I E F S]
INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS

ThompsonGas makes
push in Carolinas
ThompsonGas acquired
the assets of Little River
Pembina, Phillips 66 export terminal
LP Gas/Ellco Industries,
based in Gastonia, N.C.
projects alive on West Coast, Gulf Coast
P
According to embina Pipeline Corp. selected a site Much of the propane destined for large
ThompsonGas, the acqui- for its planned West Coast propane international export markets is expected to
sition involves some cus- export terminal project, agreeing come from the growing supply in western
tomers located in South with the Port of Portland, Ore., and Canada, the company said.
Carolina and represents setting forth the terminal site, which in-
ThompsonGas’ first move cludes an existing marine berth. Phillips 66 breaks ground in Texas
into that state. The terminal agreement enables Pem- Phillips 66 held a groundbreaking cer-
bina to begin the process of engaging and emony for construction of its new LP gas
Ferrellgas to expand consulting with project neighbors and other production and export terminal in Free-
midstream operations stakeholders within the city; municipal, port, Texas.
Ferrellgas Partners LP state and federal governments; and all ap- The terminal will be located at the site
plans to acquire two plicable environmental and regulatory of the company’s existing marine terminal
salt water disposal wells authorities, according to a company press and will leverage its midstream, transporta-
in the Eagle Ford Shale release. tion and storage infrastructure to supply
region of south Texas The company, based in Calgary, Alberta, petrochemical, heating and transportation
from C&E Production LLC Canada, said it will spend $500 million to markets globally.
and its affiliates, based in initially develop a 37,000-barrel-per-day The terminal will have an initial export
Bryan, Texas, the propane propane export facility, with an anticipated capacity of 4.4 million barrels per month –
retailer announced. in-service date of early 2018.
Continued on page 10
The acquisition will
increase the partnership’s
salt water disposal wells
in the region to eight.
Ferrellgas established [ P R O PA N E M A S T E R L I M I T E D PA R T N E R S H I P CO M PA R I S O N ]
its midstream division in Fiscal Recent Total Units
May with the acquisition Year Quarter Price Current Current Est. Tax Debt/ Outstanding
of Sable Environmental Company End End (9/15/14) Distribution Yield Deferral Capital (millions)
LLC. It said the C&E AmeriGas (APU) Sept. June $45.52 $3.52 7.7% 75% 59% 92.9
assets will be managed Ferrellgas (FGP) July April 28.17 2.00 7.1 90 108 82.7
with other existing salt NGL Energy Partners (NGL) March June 42.12 2.36 5.6 80 45 83.6
water disposal facilities Suburban Propane (SPH) Sept. June 44.42 3.50 7.9 80 52 60.3
under the Sable platform, Average: 7.1% 66%
increasing the daily oper-
ational permitted capac- [ L A S T T W E LV E M O N T H S ]
ity 33 percent to 180,000 Gross Gross Gross Proft Gross Proft Retail Gallons Sold Percent Gross Proft
barrels. Company Revenue Proft Margin (Per employee) (millions) Change (Per gallon)
In addition, Ferrellgas AmeriGas $3,413 $1,397 41% $164,390 1,270 2% $1.02
will have the contractual Ferrellgas 1,979 614 31 169,483 653 2 0.65
right to acquire an addi-
NGL Energy Partners 2,125 227 11 90,940 163 9 0.16
tional well from C&E affili-
Suburban Propane 1,602 760 47 193,260 533 1 1.43
ates in the region.
Average: 33% $154,518 4% $0.81
• Dollar fgures in millions, except for per-unit data. Sharon Lui – analyst, Wells Fargo Securities LLC
Amthor adds distributor • Revenue and gross proft data are based on total propane gallons sold.
in South Carolina • Employee data is based on most recently completed fscal year.
• NGL’s revenue and gross proft data include the sale of distillates and
Spartan Tank & Trailer in other natural gas liquids.
Spartanburg, S.C., was
Source: FactSet, partnership reports and Wells Fargo Securities LLC
AUGUST
[NEWS B R I E F S]
[ H E AT I N G D EG R E E DAYS BY S TAT E ] named a distributor of

truck-mounted tank
Deviation Deviation
From Last 12 From manufacturer Amthor
State August Norm Months Norm International’s products.
Alabama 0 0 2962 123
Alaska 218 -81 9878 -1312 Former coach to deliver
Arizona 0 0 1576 -584 Work Truck Show address
Arkansas 0 -2 3964 458 Former NFL head coach
California 0 -9 1834 -800 Tony Dungy will serve
Colorado 19 -40 6870 -538 as the keynote speaker
Connecticut 39 25 6423 354 LOWER THAN HIGHER THAN PERCENT at The Work Truck Show
Delaware 0 -1 4854 114 AVERAGE AVERAGE RETURN 2015. His motivational
HEATING HEATING NOT
Dist. of Columbia 0 -7 4144 89 DEGREE DAYS DEGREE DAYS MEANINGFUL address will be part of the
Florida 0 0 502 -192 President’s Breakfast &
Georgia 0 0 3081 198 New Mexico 0 -11 4376 -460 NTEA Annual Meeting on
Hawaii 0 0 0 0 New York 1 -17 6323 207 March 5.
Idaho 20 -30 6625 -283 North Carolina 2 1 3677 152 According to a press
Illinois 13 -8 7217 863 North Dakota 73 1 10033 585 release, Dungy is known
Indiana 18 0 6577 683 Ohio 25 7 6431 459 for a leadership style that
Iowa 22 -7 8044 985 Oklahoma 0 -2 4328 578 emphasizes decency
Kansas 1 -7 5663 544 Oregon 10 -51 5081 -69 and respect. He’s written
Kentucky 0 -4 4932 316 Pennsylvania 38 20 6402 493 about these values in
Louisiana 0 0 2170 386 Rhode Island 48 35 6344 455 several books, includ-
Maine 27 -31 8377 365 South Carolina 0 0 2982 187 ing “Quiet Strength: The
Maryland 0 -2 5131 282 South Dakota 39 -2 8220 372 Principles, Practices, and
Massachusetts 12 -7 6697 290 Tennessee 3 2 4439 439 Priorities of a Winning
Michigan 12 -24 7696 747 Texas 0 0 2316 319 Life.”
Minnesota 8 -50 9551 795 Utah 6 -16 5912 -701 The 2015 Work Truck
Mississippi 0 0 2901 338 Vermont 106 38 8629 519 Show will be held
Missouri 3 -7 5890 672 Virginia 0 -2 4661 182 March 4-6 at the Indiana
Montana 61 -40 8036 -274 Washington 14 -59 5384 -129 Convention Center in
Nebraska 12 -9 6861 337 West Virginia 0 -12 5577 281 Indianapolis, the same
Nevada 0 -9 3197 -606 Wisconsin 45 -4 8848 1057 city where Dungy com-
New Hampshire 33 -16 7895 307 Wyoming 43 -35 7915 -389 piled an 85-27 record in
New Jersey 1 -4 5782 338 United States 8 -7 4691 167 seven seasons as head
Data courtesy of the Climate Prediction Center/National Weather Service coach of the Indianapolis
Colts. Educational pro-
gramming, including
the Green Truck Summit,
[BY LEO MICHAEL] begins March 3.
Tank monitoring device

gains recognition
A device that automati-
cally records and trans-
mits to a laptop, tablet or
smartphone the amount
of propane remaining in a
commercial or residential
tank earned its creator an
M2M Evolution Business

[NEWS B R I E F S]
Continued from page 8 Continued from page 9 industries. The M2M Evolution Business
the equivalent of eight very large gas Impact Award. Impact Award covers implementa-
carriers, with a ship-loading rate of Technology Assurance Labs’ OWL tions across any vertical or application,
36,000 barrels per hour, according to (Overhead Wireless Logic system) including but not limited to retail, med-
the company. Startup of the export received recognition because it “suc- ical, transportation/fleet, smart energy,
terminal is expected in mid-2016. cessfully leveraged M2M (machine supply chain and more.
to machine) and the IoT (Internet
ICAP Energy, Gasteam partner of Things) to solve a business issue, Redesigned PERC website caters
ICAP Energy, the energy business of launch a new service or create rev- to building professionals
ICAP PLC, and Gasteam America enue opportunities,” according to The Propane Education & Research
LP, a physical brokerage and inter- award sponsors Crossfire Media and Council (PERC) announced a redesign
national marketing and consulting Technology Marketing Corp. (TMC). of its buildwithpropane.com website,
firm, formed a strategic business al- OWL offers the ability to send which now has a more streamlined
liance to complement and strengthen monthly usage invoices as well, to look to make it easier for residential
their respective LP gas operations. make it easy for propane retailers to and commercial building profession-
According to the agreement, provide a “pay as you go” service, says als to find information about training,
which was announced in a press Ken Stauffer, co-founder of Technology research, resources and products.
release, Gasteam will benefit from Assurance Labs. It uses software with Users will find the latest propane
ICAP Energy’s futures and deriva- capabilities for maps, graphics, report- news and trends on the homepage,
tives expertise and infrastructure, ing and alerts. along with PERC’s Propane Product
and ICAP will gain broader access Crossfire Media is a marketing com- Directory, which expanded from 350
to the international LP gas markets pany focused on future trends in tech- products to nearly 4,000 following the
by working closely with Gasteam’s nology. TMC publishes magazines for website redesign.
futures and swaps clients. LPG the communications and technology Continued on page 12
s
Flow
o n
ti
ova
In n
e re
Wh
When You Take Advantage

of the 30% Autogas Rebate,* LGL150 Series
You Want American Energy-Efficient
Sliding Vane Pumps
Quality Equipment.
Better Get Blackmer.
“We chose Blackmer pumps for their reliability, longevity,

and safe and efficient operation.”
Aaron Cohen, Director of Automotive Services,
Nevada, Yellow-Checker-Star Transportation, Process | Energy | Military & Marine
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Visit us at the PSG Grand Rapids
27th World LP Gas Forum 1809 Century Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1530
Contact your authorized Blackmer distributor today.
& 29th AIGLP Congress USA
+1 (616) 241-1611
*Contact your PERC representative for information.
Booths 83/84 www.blackmer.com

[ NNEEW
WSS BBRRIIEEFFSS]
Continued from page 10 12 a larger variety of propane-powered Premium content is available to
“Time and time again, residential products, from boiler systems to water registered users of the website. They
and commercial building professionals heaters to outdoor fire pits and every- will have access to downloadable
tell us they come to our site for product thing in between.” guides and the Propane Energy Update
information,” said Bridget Kidd, PERC’s The site also includes information e-newsletter, plus they will be able to
director of residential and commercial about the benefits of using propane save product directory search results
programs, in a press release. “Now, appliances, explaining that it helps for future reference, the council said.
with our more comprehensive direc- boost efficiency, lower costs, improve The new design also allows users to
tory, they have faster, easier access to comfort and reduce carbon footprint. easily view and access the website on
their mobile devices.
Gas leak risk reason for recall of

freplaces, stoves, inserts, log sets
Hearth & Home Technologies is recall-
ing, in collaboration with the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission,
Services, Inc. about 20,000 propane and natural gas
fireplaces, stoves, inserts and log sets
• Only authorized because the valves in the units may
leak, creating a fire hazard.
Prins distributor in No injuries have been reported, the
company said. The products were sold
the U.S. at fireplace stores from May through
July of this year under the names
• Same day shipping! Hearth & Home Technologies, Heat-N-
Glo, Heatilator, Outdoor Lifestyle and
Quadra Fire.
• Exclusive North
Women in Propane Council to co-host
American distributor roundtable at World LP Gas Forum
of the Ultra Low The National Propane Gas Association’s
Women in Propane Council (WiP) will
Emission Staübli co-host a roundtable discussion at
nozzle ---------- the World LP Gas Forum and AIGLP
Congress on Oct. 29.
Coming October 2014! Discussion will focus on the creation
of a global network for women in the
industry and the role the World LP Gas
Association (WLPGA) would play.
Nikki Brown, managing director at
Cavagna Group UK Ltd., will lead a con-
versation with Nancy Coop, business
development executive at Ferrellgas
and WiP’s founding chair, and Jill
Hopkins, CFO of Sheldon Gas Co. and
The source for WiP’s current chair. Coop and Hopkins
will share the history of the WiP
Autogas Tanks Council, its successes and challenges
& Parts! and the group’s plans for the future.
Call Us Today! After the presentation, Brown will
1-800-40AUTOGAS or 828-232-0910 moderate a panel discussion about the
blossmanservices@blossmangas.com WLPGA forming a group like WiP. It will
12 | LPGas October
Month 2014
2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com
EVERYONE LOVES NEW TOOLS
GET THE LATEST SAFETY, TRAINING, AND
MARKETING RESOURCES — ALL IN ONE PLACE.
The Propane Marketer Resource Catalog (Propane MaRC) offers tools to expand your knowledge,
make inroads with customers, and grow more gallons. Materials are regularly updated to give you
fresh ideas for building your business. Get your tools at propanemarc.com.
SEE WHAT’S NEW: RESIDENTIAL HEATING OIL CAMPAIGN
PERC has a new initiative aimed at helping marketers convert heating oil customers
to clean, American-made propane. The campaign includes an informative brochure
for you to distribute to prospective customers in your area, as well as a print ad
template you can place in local newspapers.
Brochure: 5099-BR-14 Ad: 5100-AD-14

[NEWS B R I E F S]
Continued from page 12
cover the group’s mission and goals as Kinder Morgan begins open season on
well as recommendations for moving project that would transport propane
forward. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP
The panel will feature international launched a binding open season to
industry leaders, including Reema determine commitments for the Utica
Nanavaty, secretary general of the Self to Ontario Pipeline Access (UTOPIA)
Employed Women Association, India; project, which will provide opportuni-
Sheila Oparaocha, executive direc- the Mid-America Trucking Show earlier ties to transport ethane and ethane-
tor, Energia, Netherlands; Christina this year in Louisville, Ky., kicking off a propane mixtures from the Utica shale.
Espinosa, CEO, GenteGas, Guatemala; yearlong initiative in which Grammer According to a press release, Kinder
and Kalinda Magloire, CEO, SWITCH, hopes to raise $250,000 to benefit Morgan’s UTOPIA project entails the
Haiti. the Wounded Warrior Project and the development, construction, ownership
Share Military Initiative at the Shepherd and operation of a 240-mile, 12-inch-
Unique transport trailer supporting Center in Atlanta. Both programs pro- diameter pipeline from Harrison
Wounded Warrior Project vide support and education to critically County, Ohio, to Kinder Morgan’s
Grammer Industries, an Indiana-based injured U.S. service members. Cochin Pipeline near Riga, Mich. In
carrier of propane and other materials, “We set out on this endeavor Michigan, Kinder Morgan would move
unveiled a Wounded Warrior Project- because we were inspired by the life- product eastward to Windsor, Ontario,
themed transport trailer. Grammer’s changing impact and rehabilitation Canada. UTOPIA would transport previ-
goal is to raise funds for U.S. service support that has been provided to ously refined or fractionated natural
personnel who have been injured in one of Grammer Industries’ own,” said gas liquids, including propane and eth-
Afghanistan and Iraq. Charles Whittington, Grammer’s found- ane, with an initial capacity of 50,000
The company unveiled the truck at er and CEO, in a press release. barrels per day.
Design a dispensing unit that is customized to your needs using our updated Dispenser Design Guide:
for CYLINDER FILLING or HIGH DIFFERENTIAL PUMP FOR AUTOGAS.
We have 9 basic dispensing cabinets ranging from no cabinet to small, large, or walk-in. Based on the model, they are
available in galvanized steel, white enamel painted steel, stainless steel and diamond-plate aluminum. In 4 easy steps you can design
your custom dispenser: 1). Select your cabinet & pump style, 2). Select your required hose assembly, 3). Seletct your tank piping kit, and
4). Select any other option you need such as tank legs, scales, pneumatic or cable activation, cylinder vapor purging or substitute components.
Call for your copy of the Dispenser Design Guide or login to gasequipment.com using your
personal online ordering account for the online version.
SINCE 1937
Atlanta GA Dallas TX Fayetteville NC Houston TX Indianapolis IN
(800) 241-4155 (800) 821-1829 (800) 447-1625 (800) 334-7816 (800) 241-1971
Kansas City MO Little Rock AR Orlando FL Richmond VA St. Louis MO
(800) 821-5062 (800) 643-8222 (800) 821-0631 (800) 368-4013 (800) 423-4685
www.gasequipment.com email: info gasequipment.com

YOU OFFICE DRIVERS CUSTOMERS
connect today
Time is a
Perishable Item.
Deliver 50 more gallons
per truck, per hour,
with Vertrax.
The more time you’re driving, the less time you’re filling tanks.
That’s money out of your pocket. But Vertrax’s cloud-based software
calculates your customers’ usage trends and optimizes delivery routes.
Ensuring more deliveries, in less time. Time’s a wasting. Call Vertrax today.
Mobile Logistics Back Ofce Customer

Cus o e Insights
sg s ©2014 Vertrax, Inc.
Fully mobile, fully loaded. Vertrax is the leading provider of ERP/CRM

back ofce software & mobile logistics solutions to the retail fuel industries.
delivering profits
203-401-6000 (Ext 3) | sales@vertrax.com | www.vertrax.com
[ PEOPLE]
TURNKEY Amthor International

Don Shaw, former owner of Allied Tank
AUTOGAS
in Norristown, Pa., joined Amthor as an
outside regional sales representative of
its propane, refined fuel, portable rest-
room and vacuum tank lines.
DISPENSING Paraco Gas Corp.

Dan Kostecki was appointed vice presi-
Shaw
STATIONS
dent of sales. The company says Kostecki has more than 20
years of management and sales experience. He most recent-
ly was northeast regional sales manager for ADT Security
Services, where he managed commercial and residential
sales teams.
THE SOCIAL SCENE

A sampling of notable tweets and posts from LP Gas’
social media pages.
twitter.com/lpgas_mag
facebook.com/lpgasmagazine
• From permits to staff support after installation ■ A Houston investment firm acquired @BlueBirdBuses
in a deal worth almost $500 million. Blue Bird will go
• Flexibility to customize applications to your needs
public.
• In full compliance with all applicable NFPA standards
• UL and CSA Listed units that can be placed on fuel ■ Another 101 Blue Bird Propane Vision buses are mak-
islands with other fuel dispensers ing their way to Canada.
• Package systems for quick infrastructure installation
■ Nova Gas Solutions says it developed its new Smart
• Wide range of dispensing Stack to flare propane more efficiently and safely.
products to meet fleet-
specific operations ■ EIA: U.S. #propane inventories up 1.7 million barrels
• System is 100% compatible last week to 79.1 million, about 21% higher than year-
with any current fuel ago levels. All regions move up.
management system
■ U.S. #propane price increases will likely moderate or
retrace as inventory building resumes in the coming
weeks, @PIRAEnergyGroup says.
■ ICYMI: Watch LP Gas’ webinar sponsored by Roush

CleanTech about how to convert your fleet to run on
propane autogas: http://www.lpgasmagazine.com/
webinars/
440-236-6009 Visit our website at: superiornrg.com/autogas
■ The World LP Gas Forum comes to Miami in October,

where leaders and attendees will explore ways to pro-
mote #propane.

FOCUS ON
SPONSORED BY
Conversion runs smoothly for transportation company
P
rovide A Ride President Alan “It cost us more, but I think it was Provide A Ride drivers pull up to
Groedel learned about propane one of the best moves we made,” he a pump that looks no different than a
as a fueling option through the says. “As a result of hiring them to do gasoline pump. To improve efficiency,
Taxicab, Limousine & Para- the installs, our implementation ran a dedicated refueler is used so drivers
transit Association trade group. very smoothly.” do not have to leave their vehicles.
Thanks to his knowledge of au- The Icom system requires no driver Information is gathered at the
togas, the Cleveland-based firm that interaction, Groedel says. As a result, pump, making it easy to track mileage
runs government-funded specialized his drivers required “extremely mini- and propane usage that can then be
transportation programs was awarded mal training.” captured in reports.
a contract with the Greater Cleveland “A driver could not tell at any one For someone who had never been
Regional Transit Authority (RTA). time, by vehicle performance, whether involved with alternative fuels, Groedel
Groedel turned to the alternative the vehicle is running on propane at is “extremely” happy his company now
fuel because he wanted his proposal to that moment or gasoline,” he says. uses bi-fuel vehicles.
reflect his company’s concern for the The maintenance staff and techni- – Diane Sofranec
environment and control over fuel cians at Provide A Ride participated
costs. in an intensive, week-long training
“The Cleveland RTA is running session, Groedel says, and it took
vehicles on propane, propane and gas, close to three months for them to get
and electricity,” he says. “So propane fully comfortable in diagnosing and
helped make us look like a smarter troubleshooting any issues.
partner to work with.” Now, they are installing the
Six months later, Provide A Ride is conversion kits on their own as the
using 800 to 900 gallons of propane a company takes delivery of 10 new
day, six days a week for its fleet of about vehicles.
45 bi-fuel vehicles. An on-site fueling station makes
Initially, the company’s paratransit fill-ups convenient. The vehicles
vehicles and cargo passenger vans were are filled with propane early in the Diesel $3.91
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ANDREW JOHNSON
gasoline only, but have since been con- morning. Drivers work eight-hour
verted to run on propane, as well.
“For a quantity buyer such as my-
shifts and come back to the station
mid-day where the vehicles are refu-
Gasoline $3.70
self, with 40 to 50 vehicles running on eled and sent back on the road for
propane, running 225 miles a day and
only getting about 12 miles per gal-
another eight hours with a fresh
driver.
Propane $3.07
lon, we buy a lot of propane,” Groedel It took almost three months to Diesel $3.91
Fuel Pr ice Re
n Cities Alte
Source: Clea port, national
ly 2014
rnative
says. “That being said, propane sells receive city approval for the fueling averages, Ju
for close to $1.50 a gallon less than station on the Provide A Ride prop-
gasoline.” erty, however. AmeriGas handled
Provide A Ride hired Icom North this aspect of the project, hiring ar- The average retail price of propane
America to come to Cleveland and chitects and engineers to oversee the autogas in July, including federal and
complete the conversions. construction and design. state motor fuel taxes and calculated
from about 500 public and private fueling
stations, fell 24 cents per gallon from
April. Diesel dropped 6 cents a gallon,
while the per-gallon price of gasoline
To learn more about the S2G LPG Commercial Chassis, visit increased 5 cents. Propane pricing
freightlinerchassis.com or call Freightliner Custom Chassis
reflects a sampling of primary and
at (800) 545-8831. For ordering details, contact your local
dealer. See it in action on YouTube—search “S2G Truck.” secondary stations, which also sell the
fuel for non-vehicle uses.

Freightliner taps PIthon engine
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. chose Powertrain Inte-
gration’s PIthon 8.0-liter V8 LPI engine to power its S2C Pro-
pane concept bus. The engine was also previously selected
for the Freightliner S2G truck chassis and the Thomas Built
Buses C2 Propane Saf-T-Liner. PIthon was developed with
fuel system partner CleanFuel USA and with support from
the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
In addition, Powertrain recently gave LP Gas a tour of
its facility in Madison Heights, Mich., where engines and
drivetrains are modified and prepared for use with propane
and natural gas across the United States. Powertrain Inte-
gration is a partner with General Motors, customizing its
OEM systems for the alternative fuel market. The company Brad Shantry, bottom left, operations manager at Powertrain
has 35 employees on site at its Michigan facility and an- Integration, shows its 8.0-liter V8 engine. The company also
other eight at a facility in South Carolina. supplies a 6.0-liter V8 engine for Freightliner’s UPS contract.
[NEWS B R I E F S] partnership will allow alternative “Partnering with Solis is a signifi-

■ Winnebago offering pro- fuel work-ready equipment from cant step in Lehr’s evolution,” said
pane, bi-fuel option for bus the factory to the dealers and end Bernardo Herzer, founder and CEO of
line: Winnebago Industries Inc., a users. Metro Worldwide will also Lehr, in a press release. “Solis brings
U.S. manufacturer of recreational offer Icom propane conversions for valuable experience and strategic
vehicles, announced a new propane existing bus fleets as well as full- and financial resources that will help
autogas-based green initiative with line sales, service, installation and realize the global potential for our
its Metro Link bus. Through a part- warranty services. PERC displayed a products and technology.”
nership with Icom North America, bi-fuel Metro Link bus at the BusCon ■ Contractor makes additional
Winnebago is offering bi-fuel and Expo on Sept. 15-17 in Indianapolis. propane school bus investment:
dedicated LP gas products in its ■ Lehr partners with invest- Southland Transportation, a Canadian
Metro Link bus lineup for the public ment firm: Solis Capital Partners, school bus contractor, purchased 101
and private transportation industry. a Newport Beach, Calif., private new Blue Bird Propane Vision buses
The partnership allows Winnebago equity firm, is investing in Lehr LLC. that will be used to transport students
and its official distributor, Metro Financial details of the investment from the Calgary Board of Education
Worldwide, to install and distribute were not disclosed. and Medicine Hat School District No.
the Icom bi-fuel and mono-fuel liq- Lehr makes a line of propane- 76 in Canada. According to a press
uid propane injection system in the powered outboard marine engines release, Southland Transportation first
Metro Link bus products. According in a variety of low horsepower con- started operating Blue Bird Propane
to a company press release, the figurations. Vision buses in 2007.

[ AU T O G A S ]
Students receive hands-on training
ACME Alternate Fuel Systems held its 58th annual ACME
School in Mankato, Minn., this summer, providing propane au-
togas training for eight students.
Rick Nordstrom, an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-
certified master technician, taught the autogas class, and certi-
fied technician Dave Rothfork demonstrated propane operating
systems. Students learned the steps needed to diagnose and fix a
problem quickly and economically.
Students attending ACME School received in-class and
hands-on instruction. They also were given the opportunity to
ask questions related to their work experience and applications. ACME School hosts students in Mankato, Minn.
IC Bus announces propane-fueled school bus offering for 2015-16

IC Bus LLC, a subsidiary of Navistar vide higher torque at lower engine begin in summer 2015 and buses will
Inc., will offer its CE Series school speeds, according to a press release. go into service for the start of the
bus powered by the Power Solutions The school bus also integrates an Al- 2015-16 school year, the company
International 8.8-liter propane engine lison 2500 transmission. added. The CE Series will also be on
for the 2015 school year, the company IC Bus will manufacture the ve- display Nov. 8-11 at the National Asso-
announced. hicles out of its school bus assembly ciation for Pupil Transportation An-
The CE Series is designed to pro- plant in Tulsa, Okla. Deliveries will nual Summit in Kansas City, Mo.
HDP Turbine Pump Packages for

Liquid Fuel Injection Vehicles
Variable frequency drive (VFD) offers many

features and benefits...
• Easily converts single phase source to three phase service.
• Slow start-up feature eliminates flow surges.
• Variable motor speed capability maximizes pump performance.
• Motor overload protection minimizes potential damage.
• Pre-programmed at 60 Hz with 4 second ramp-up speed.
• Magnetic starter not required—minimizes installation costs.
• Standard remote switch available.

YOUR SOURCE FOR AUTOGAS OPTIONS:
• Skid Packages
• Pump Style Dispensers
• Cabinet Style Dispensers
• All Autogas Components
• Complete Technical Expertise Available
THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:

• Lee, MA
Pro 6100 Series • Bensalem, PA
• Flint, MI
RMI Custom Cabinet
Hearth Products
Pro 3000 GilbarcoSeries
Complete Customer Care

www.raymurray.com
1-800-628-5044
Inquiries: info@raymurray.com
Email orders: orders@raymurray.com
RMI Autogas
RMI is a proud distributor of Cleanfuel products Catalog
[ AU T O G A S ]
Pennsylvania awards 33 grants for alternative fuel vehicle projects
The state of Pennsylvania is provid- lightweight fleet vehicles. The awarded AFIG grants will help
ing nearly $4 million in Alternative This year’s AFIG grants focused on pay for the conversion or purchase of
Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) to 33 the conversion or purchase of natural 261 propane vehicles, 274 natural gas
local governments, non-profit orga- gas vehicles weighing less than 26,000 vehicles and 23 plug-in hybrid or elec-
nizations and companies making the pounds, as well as the conversion or tric vehicles. The vehicles will support
switch to propane, compressed natural purchase of electric, propane or other about 24 new fueling stations and 35
gas (CNG) or electric for medium to alternative fuel vehicles of any size. existing stations.
Here are the projects involving
companies, collaborations and coun-
Bergquist is two ties investing in propane:
• Allegheny Yellow Cab, which con-
dispensers in one. verted 14 taxis and shuttles to propane
($39,200)
• The Delaware Tinicum Town-
ship Propane Vehicle Conversion
Initiative/Greater Philadelphia Clean
Cities, with partners Tinicum Town-
ship (converted eight police vehicles
+
to propane), Colonial Airport Parking
and Park & Jet (purchased a total of 26
propane shuttle vans) ($238,700)
• Lancaster Rhoads Energy, which
converted 14 vehicles and purchased
two vehicles to run on propane
($63,952)
• Luzerne United Parcel Service,
which converted 50 delivery trucks to
Cylinder Fleet propane ($250,000)
• Montour Reichard Busing Co.,
Filling Fueling which purchased five propane school

buses ($23,750)
• O-Ring, with partners Paris Co.
Life just got really easy. Our
new hybrid dispensers are and Christoff Mitchell Petroleum,
saddled up and ready to go. which converted 39 vehicles to pro-
We offer maximum versatility pane bi-fuel and converted one to bi-
with minimal set up. Bergquist fuel CNG ($160,145)
experts will assist you with • Somerset Seven Springs Moun-
everything from design to
permits and construction. tain Resort, which purchased five pro-
They will make sure you get pane passenger buses ($33,580)
exactly what you need on-site. • Western Pennsylvania Alternative
Call today at 1 800 537 7518 Fuel School Bus Program/Pittsburgh
to speak with the leaders in Region Clean Cities, which purchased
dispenser training. Or visit our
website at bergquistinc.com. 50 propane school buses ($250,000)
Now one dispenser from • Western Pennsylvania Alternative
Bergquist does it all. Fuel Vehicle Program/Pittsburgh Re-
gion Clean Cities, which purchased 33
propane and CNG vehicles, buses and
shuttles ($216,192)
Professional Propane Technical Services • York Anthem Propane Exchange,
which purchased and converted 20 de-
livery trucks to propane ($220,500)

Wherever you are, we are.
Check us out at www.kosancrisplant.com

PHOTOS BY THE PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL
[IN T H E K N O W: P R O PA N E AU T O G A S ]
A partnership with Propane Resources
Q : Is the propane autogas market the answer

to revive our industry and grow off-season
demand or is there too much skepticism
about the market?
A : Over the past 40 years, the retail propane in-

dustry has had a roller coaster love affair with
motor fuel. Can autogas be the answer to reviv-
ing our industry? It may not be the answer, but it could be a
Summer is peak season for driving, which means peak season
big part of the solution.
for propane autogas gallon sales.
Everyone within the propane industry knows the posi-
tives about autogas from the consumer’s perspective – en- tional 70,000 to 300,000 gallons per year. Yes, the difference
vironment, supply and cost. The problem is the consumer could be that big depending on the type of fleet.
doesn’t understand propane, and retail companies don’t As you can see, it wouldn’t take too many fleets to grow
know how to communicate a propane solution. a propane retailer’s demand 30 percent annually.
Let’s look at it from the propane marketer’s prospective. Why will propane grow as a motor fuel this time?
■ Autogas is not seasonal; it’s year-round. The fact of the ■ The U.S. now exports 120 million barrels of propane
matter: Summer, our off-season, is peak season for driving, instead of importing 30 million barrels. Supply will not be a
which means peak season for autogas. problem for years to come.
■ Traditional heat-source demand is shrinking with ■ Propane is an environmentally friendly fuel, so there
technology. will be government money available to lower the entry cost
■ A fleet of 50 or more vehicles could mean an addi- to the consumer.
■ Propane should be at a lower cost to gasoline and die-
sel fuel until propane exports dry up.
■ Propane motor fuel sales will bring a higher net back
than exports or petrochemicals.
There’s always going to be skeptics in the marketplace.
This skepticism comes from both inside and outside the
propane industry.
A customer fleet of 50 or more vehicles could mean an

additional 70,000 to 300,000 gallons per year in sales.
Be part of the transition from the traditional propane
marketer of the past and find a propane solution to motor
fuel sales in your geography. Every retailer will have his or
her own propane solution. Make sure your solution is well
defined and communicated to the customer. LPG
Jim Miller, Obie Dixon and Marty Lerum are supply and
risk management experts for Propane Resources. Contact the
company’s office at 888-739-6732.

[ E V E N T S]
■ JAN. 20-22 Minnesota Propane ■ FEB. 10-12 World Ag Expo at the In-
■ NOV. 6-7 PERC Meeting in Sarasota, Association Annual Meeting and ternational Agri-Center in Tulare, Calif.
Fla. For more information, contact Convention at the Radisson Blu at Mall Visit www.worldagexpo.com.
Anna Lombardo at anna.lombardo@ of America in Bloomington, Minn.
propane.com or 202-452-8975. For more information, contact Roger ■ MARCH 1-4 NPGA Spring Technol-
Leider at roger@mnpropane.org or ogy, Standards & Safety Committee
■ NOV. 17-18 NPGA Leadership 763-633-4271. Meeting in San Antonio. Contact Katie
Summit at the Hilton Old Town in Hathaway at khathaway@npga.org or
Alexandria, Va. For more information, ■ JAN. 20-22 NAHB International 202-355-1335.
contact Kristen White at kwhite@ Builders’ Show at the Las Vegas Con-
npga.org or 202-355-1334. vention Center in Las Vegas. For more ■ MARCH 5-7 Hearth, Patio & Barbe-
information about the event, visit cue Expo at the Music City Center in
■ JAN. 13-15, 2015 National Trainers www.buildersshow.com. Nashville, Tenn. For more information,
Conference at the North Carolina Pro- visit www.hpbexpo.com.
pane Gas Association Training Center ■ JAN. 26-28 International Air-Condi-
in Raleigh, N.C. For more information, tioning, Heating, Refrigerating (AHR) ■ APRIL 11-13 NPGA Southeastern
contact John Jessup at ncpga@ncpga. Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. Convention & International Propane
org or 919-787-8485. Visit www.ahrexpo.com. Expo in Atlanta. Contact Kristen White
at kwhite@npga.org or 202-466-7200.
■ JAN. 16-17 NPGA Benchmark- ■ FEB. 8-10 NPGA Winter Board of
ing Council at the Embassy Suites in Directors Meeting at the Manchester ■ APRIL 12-15 Gas Processors As-
Raleigh, N.C. For details, contact Baron Grand Hyatt in San Diego. For more sociation Convention at the Marriott
Glassgow at bglassgow@npga.org or information, contact Kristen White at Rivercenter in San Antonio. Visit www.
866-881-6309. kwhite@npga.org or 202-355-1334. gpaconvention.org.
WE M AKE
WINTERS
omple
A Comp te Line of
lete
Infrared Heaters for NEWW
s!
Room Heater Model
riall
Commercial and Industri
ationss
Applicati
Pro 2000 Autogas Additive Ceramic Infrared Heaters

Fuel Efficient Radiant Heat. Milivolt or
Direct Spark Ignition Models.
Sizes Range From 26-155,000 Btu/Hr.
Combustion Improvement – Oil & Deposit Elimination
Ideal for autogas, forklift & industrial vaporizor accounts SunStar SC18
Room Heater Sizes Range from
OEM recommended, emission reduction, sold worldwide 18-30,000 Btu/Hr. SC Infrared Models
Keeps fuel delivery systems in like-new condition Do not require an Accessory Floor Stand
STOP MASS MERCHA NTS COLD and are available with Manual or
WITH SUNSTAR’S Thermostat Controls.
!
Distributed worldwide by World Resources, Ltd. NO-HASSLE WARRANTY SunStar Heating Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 36271 • Charlotte NC 28236
The World’s Oldest and Best LPG Additive Source 704-372-3486 • Fax: 704-332-5843
worldresourcesltd.com – premiumpropane@aol.com
1-888-778-6782
800.270.4435 or 269.721.8809 WWW.SUNSTARHEATERS.COM

PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS
Study: Propane to play significant role in propylene production trend
N
orth American petrochemical to be the most significant source of tion derived from technologies such as
producers’ increasing use of increasing global on-purpose propyl- metathesis and propane dehydration.
cost-advantaged natural gas ene production, and will be the process According to the IHS report, current
liquids as a feedstock over oil most likely employed in the United global propylene demand is about 90
means less propylene is being pro- States, the Middle East and Asia for MMT, and is expected to increase to
duced as a coproduct by the region’s this production,” Carr says. “Currently 130 MMT by 2023.
steam crackers. there is one propane dehydrogenation Propylene is produced from naph-
This trend is driving greater global unit operating in the region (Flint Hills, tha, natural gas liquids in refinery
need for on-purpose production of near Houston), but plans are under way units and, to a much smaller extent,
propylene, which is a key chemical
building block second in demand only
to ethylene, according to new research Global Propylene Production, by Technology
from Englewood, Colo.-based IHS. [ 20 03 -23 P E R C E N T ]
“The increasing need for on-purpose
production of propylene is primarily 100%
being driven by two factors: first, the 90%
changing feedslates in North American 80%
70%
petrochemical production, which are
60%
getting lighter due to more ethane
50%
being used versus naphtha; and sec- 40%
ond, the decline in North American 30%
gasoline demand as automobile CAFÉ 20%
standards are implemented,” says 10%
Chuck Carr, senior director of global 0%
olefins at IHS Chemical and author of 2003 2008 2013 2018 2023
the IHS study, in a press release. IHS Chemical
Refineries Steam Crackers On-Purpose Production
“Ethane is a cheaper feedstock than
naphtha, but it produces minimal
amounts of propylene as a coproduct,” for six more to be built by late 2018. In coal, and it is essential for the produc-
Carr says. “Since global demand for response to this new dehydrogenation of polypropylene plastics such as
propylene is increasing, on-purpose tion capacity, pipeline service changes films and packaging. Polypropylene
production of propylene has become and expansions are expected in North accounts for 67 percent of total
increasingly significant in the last 10 America. We are going to see signifi- demand.
years, and this trend will continue cant investments being made in terms Propylene is mainly produced as
through 2023.” of pipeline capacity and storage.” a coproduct in steam crackers and a
In 2003, less than 3 percent of global In 2013, North America produced byproduct in refineries. The second
propylene production – 2 million slightly more than 20 MMT of pro- largest source of propylene supply
metric tons (MMT) – was considered pylene (including fuels). By 2023, IHS has been production of refinery grade
on-purpose production. But, according expects North American demand for material in fluid catalytic cracking units
to the “IHS Chemical North American propylene into chemicals to exceed and other refinery units.
Propylene Supply Study,” that number 20 MMT, and the region is expected In terms of North American propyl-
had increased to nearly 12 MMT, or 12 to produce about 15 percent of ene production, 5 MMT is consumed
percent, of global production in 2013. global supply. Of that production, Carr for fuels, while the remaining nearly 16
By 2023, IHS says, nearly 30 percent, expects 5 MMT will be on-purpose MMT are consumed to produce chemi-
or about 38 MMT of global propylene production from North America. Just 4 cal derivatives. More than 60 percent
supply, will be on-purpose production. percent of the region’s current propyl- of the region’s production is produced
“Propane dehydration is expected ene production is on-purpose produc- and consumed in the Gulf Coast. LPG

W I N T E R S U P P LY
Rail terminals in Minnesota

help offset lost Cochin supply
T
wo more rail terminals in Minnesota
are now capable of handling more pro-
pane, just in time to meet demand for
the upcoming heating and crop drying
season.
CHS announced the completion of an ex-
panded propane rail terminal in Glenwood,
Minn.
Local officials, political dignitaries and CHS
representatives took part in a ribbon-cutting
ceremony. Tours of the new facility were also
conducted.
“CHS invested in this terminal expansion
as part of a broader $24 million investment to
develop a robust supply network for propane
marketers in the northern-tier region affected by
the Cochin pipeline reversal,” said Drew Combs,
CHS vice president of propane, in a press release.
“Propane is an essential commodity for our
grain farmers and livestock producers,” said CHS’ terminal in Glenwood, Minn., can store 1.35 million gallons of propane.
Dave Frederickson, commissioner for the Min-
nesota Department of Agriculture. “This facil- Served by the CP railroad, the new terminal can hold 1.35
ity responds to Minnesota’s need for a nearby supply while million gallons of propane storage. It has the ability to un-
reducing the risk of shortages, which threatened too many load eight railcars every 4.5 hours, and its two truck-loading
farmers last winter.” bays are capable of loading six trucks per hour. The secure
terminal, which uses modern automation
and safety technologies, is now serving cus-
tomers, according to the press release.
CHS owns the expanded terminal, and
CHS Prairie Lakes, a CHS service center
based in Starbuck, Minn., operates it.
The expansion of a propane rail termi-
nal in Rockville, Minn., which Wenner Gas
Co. of Cold Spring, Minn., operates in co-
operation with CHS, is also complete.
According to the Minnesota Propane
Association (MPA), the Rockville termi-
nal has 640,000 gallons of propane storage
and is capable of unloading up to 30 rail-
cars per day. The terminal is built to load
six transports per hour and the facility will
soon be fully automated with 24-hour ac-
Local officials, political dignitaries and CHS representatives celebrate the cess, MPA adds.
completion of the company’s expanded propane rail terminal in Glenwood, The terminal is expected to help provide
Minn., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photos courtesy of CHS Continued on page 28

W I N T E R S U P P LY

reliable supply for customers affected by the Cochin Pipe- Proposed legislation addresses
line reversal.
CHS signed an agreement late last year to create a limited
pitfalls that led to shortage
liability company with Wenner Gas to enhance storage and Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, introduced the Propane Supply
service capabilities at the terminal. and Security Act, proposed legislation that he says will
In addition to these two projects, Alliance Energy Servic- address the root causes of the propane shortage experi-
es recently announced a new rail terminal in Benson, Minn., enced last winter in a number of states.
sized to deliver between 30 and 40 percent of the volumes the According to a press release, Latta’s legislation bears
Cochin Pipeline previously supplied on the same site. The the same name as legislation Sens. Al Franken, D-Minn.;
Benson terminal is capable of unloading up to 32 railcars per Rob Portman, R-Ohio; and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.,
day and storing about 1.53 million gallons of propane. introduced last summer. Latta’s legislation is designed
to complement the solutions the senators devised.
According to Latta, his bill provides means to better
Task force offers advice to better track propane supplies so potential shortages are better
forecasted. The bill establishes the secretary of energy as
secure, deliver winter supply the coordinator of federal and state emergency response
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) issued an efforts to ensure a coordinated response in the event of
Aug. 31 letter to members ahead of the winter heating sea- future shortages. The legislation also clarifies that pro-
son, reminding them about the new energy environment in pane shipments can be prioritized in emergencies.
which the propane industry is operating and how it is com- In addition, the Propane Supply and Security Act
peting with international buyers for the commodity. addresses propane costs by directing the Department
“As an industry we must adapt, and do so quickly,” the of Commerce to more accurately calculate consumer
letter states. propane prices. The bill directs the secretary of energy
NPGA’s Supply and Infrastructure Task Force, which to study the effectiveness and feasibility of increasing
was created following last winter’s regional supply chal- regional propane reserves to mitigate future supply
lenges, issued a set of recommendations earlier this year in shocks. And it expands the list of equipment covered
a document titled the “Marketer Supply Planning Guide.” under the U.S. Department of Agriculture storage facil-
According to NPGA, the guide is designed to help propane ity loan program to include propane tanks.
marketers secure and deliver propane for the upcoming
winter heating season.
A number of areas is addressed in the planning guide, Support in D.C. for Finger Lakes
including supply contracting, primary storage and mar- Twenty-four members of Congress signed a letter to New
keter plant storage. York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, expressing their support for the
The task force recommends marketers evaluate the proposed Finger Lakes propane storage project and offering
strength and reliability of the midstream companies with their assistance in moving it forward.
whom they contract propane. The task force also suggests Crestwood’s proposed storage facility in upstate New
marketers contract for a significant portion of their antici- York would have the capability to store 88 million gallons
pated needs and prepare a contingency plan if their needs of propane in underground salt caverns.
exceed their forecast. Also, marketers should track their “While we have certainly worked through the height
progress throughout the season and modify their supply of the propane shortage and resulting crisis, both the U.S.
plan as needed, according to the task force. House and U.S. Senate have continued to assess the causes
Storage is addressed in the planning guide, as well. for the shortage and considered proactive steps we can take
The task force recommends exploring opportunities to today to prevent future shortages,” the letter states. “One
maintain propane storage in primary caverns – even if this such step would include building up regional storage, such
is something marketers have not done previously. Market- as the Finger Lakes propane storage project.”
ers should also evaluate their own plant storage, particu-
larly if they have turned their storage more than 20 times
per year. The task force recommends marketers keep 10 to Propane Suppliers Guide
14 days of supply on hand during peak season in owned or The November issue of LP Gas will feature comprehensive
directly controlled storage, as well. listings of propane producers and wholesalers that
The full document is accessible at www.npga.org/ supply product to the nation’s LP gas retailers.
npgasupplyrecommendations.

ADVERTORIAL
AUTOGAS AND THE SCHOOL BUS MARKET:

A GROWING OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL PROPANE DISTRIBUTORS
How would you describe your propane autogas operation? Do the words clean, effcient, and safe come to mind?
If so, then one school bus manufacturer is right there with you.
Blue Bird Corporation, the pioneer manufacturer of propane-powered school buses, has been delivering this
alternative-fuel bus for over eight years. With hundreds of customers throughout the United States and Canada,
this segment of the school bus industry is growing; and so are fresh, new opportunities for local propane
distributors.
“Partnering with Blue Bird has been a great opportunity for
Pinnacle Propane to expand our network and broaden our
understanding of the pupil transportation industry,” says Robert
Little, Director of Autogas Sales & Marketing at Pinnacle Propane.
“On the local level, regional Blue Bird dealers are experts in
transportation and have years of experience partnering with
key decision makers. On a national level, they have experience
in product development, advancements in propane autogas
technology, and the vast support network through their dealers
to keep these feets operational.”
“Education is critical when school district transportation

professionals are considering the selection and implementation
of propane infrastructure for their new buses,” says Phil Horlock,
President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Together with our
dealers, Blue Bird has great relationships with autogas partners
to educate and train our customers on the most effective way to
install the propane infrastructure at the best possible cost. This
results in quick return on investment for our school districts and
effcient distribution of t
“Partnering with Blue Bird has been
a great opportunity for Pinnacle
Propane to expand our network and
broaden our understanding of the
pupil transportation industry.”
Bird’s Ford/ROUSH CleanTech powered

ane buses have logged over 50 million
since 2012, leading to the distribution
ale of over 8.3 million gallons of propane
as in just 3 years. At an average price of
per gallon, that’s nearly $12.5 million in
as fuel sold and distributed with these
ol buses alone!
propane autogas providers are

uraged to contact the Blue Bird
r in your area to take advantage
the rapidly growing propane
business. To learn more, visit
blue-bird.com/fnd-a-dealer.
A special feature brought to you by

C A N C E R AWA R E N E S S
Support System
AmeriGas executive uses her diagnosis to improve lives of others
J
BY JENNIFER WEBB ane Stroupe has had the kind of career last year when she helped organize a support
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR that hardly seems possible anymore: Ris- group for women who, like her, are coping with
ing from a part-time clerk job at Piedmont a cancer diagnosis. The group helps women who
Natural Gas with almost no knowledge of are struggling to make sense of their new reality.
propane, almost 40 years later she now is “Someone is always there that has just been
an area director for the country’s largest pro- diagnosed, and they are scared to death,”
pane company. Stroupe says. “We help them cope by answer-
ing their questions and listening to their con-
cerns. They are encouraged they will be healthy,
‘fairly normal’ women like we are very soon. It is
a great feeling to provide support to each other
and give a new friend a hug to let them know
they can make it through the process.”
Health scare
Stroupe, an only child, was grieving the sudden
death of her mother in March 2013 when a rou-
tine annual mammogram that June showed an
abnormality.
She distinctly recalls the feeling of fear that
swept through her when she and her husband,
Mark, heard she “definitely” had breast cancer.
“It was as if our world stood still,” she says.
“All the information we were being given was
overwhelming, and we learned medical termi-
nology we never wanted to hear.”
She underwent a bilateral mastectomy in
With her cancer treatments complete, Jane mid-July, and the aggravations that accompany
North Coast Media, Stroupe, left, says she feels like “a free woman.” serious health concerns began: She started che-
the parent company Photos courtesy of Jane Stroupe and Nancy Coop motherapy on her ninth wedding anniversary.
of LP Gas Magazine, A port-a-catheter inserted the previous day
is donating a portion Three things about that career path are par- apparently punctured a lung, causing it to col-
of October issue ticularly extraordinary: First, thanks to a payroll lapse and sending her back to the hospital for
revenues to the error, she was promoted from part-time clerk to four days. Her hair fell out 16 days after her first
American Cancer full time two weeks into the job; second, in 1997 treatment, triggering denial and eventually ac-
Society. The national she made history as the first woman president of ceptance to the point that she embraced the va-
organization is her company; and third, she has never left that riety of wigs and hats available.
dedicated to saving company in four decades, although its owner- “I bought beautiful wigs and hats and
lives from cancer, ship and name have changed over the years changed my look every day to suit my mood,”
focusing on research, through a series of acquisitions. Stroupe says. “Some days I was a blonde, some
education, advocacy Today, Stroupe, 60, serves as area director days I was a redhead. Some days I wore a hat
and service. Learn for AmeriGas district offices in parts of South with hair sewn in.”
more at cancer.org. Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Geor- Having learned about resources available
gia. That leadership experience proved valuable Continued on page 32

IT’S LIGHT!
EASY TO LIFT, CARRY AND GO. FOR YOUR BUSINESS

AND YOUR CUSTOMERS
Viking Cylinders® is a line of lightweight composite LPG cylinders from Hexagon Ragasco. With over 9 million
units in circulation worldwide, our cylinders have the best safety record in the industry and will not BLEVE.
The lightweight, corrosion-free and translucent construction makes them an user-friendly alternative to traditional
heavy steel cylinders. Distributing Viking Cylinders represents a great opportunity for you to build customer
satisfaction and increase market share.
To learn more, visit us at the WLPGA Forum & AIGLP Congress in Miami, stand 102-103 and find out how we can help you
grow your business. www.vikingcylinders.com
Viking Cylinders is a registered trademark of Hexagon Ragasco AS.

Continued from page 30 source of support and encouragement

to women through the American Can- for each other.”
cer Society and other organizations, Stroupe secured donations from local
Stroupe decided to take action on what merchants, got financial donations from
previously only had been in the “good sponsors to pay for refreshments, and
idea” stage: forming a support group for advertised in the newspaper. The first
women in her county with cancer. big kickoff meeting, in December 2013,
“I want to help other women to deal was held in the hospital’s hallway for
with it,” she says. “We can be such a huge lack of another meeting space.
Stroupe’s experiences with breast cancer

motivated her to form a support group
for women in her county with the disease.
But soon, support for the group grew.

Just nine months later, the group has re-
ceived numerous donations of space and
door prizes. For example, a local hair
and skin care center hosted the most re-
cent meeting, donating makeovers to all
of the women. A local department store
is planning a big fashion show, where
proceeds will benefit the support group,
which numbers about 50.
“Everyone in the community has just
jumped on board,” she says. “The com-
munity has really put their arms around
this group.”
Not everyone is ready to start dis-
cussing their diagnoses, Stroupe ac-
knowledges. Many times they will sit
and listen.
“Some people like to talk about it and

IT’S SAFER!
TRUSTED BY BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES WORLDWIDE.

Viking Cylinders® is a line of lightweight composite LPG cylinders from Hexagon Ragasco. With over 9 million
units in use worldwide, our cylinders have the best safety record in the industry. Proven to withstand harsh
environmental conditions, Viking Cylinders® have a higher burst pressure than steel cylinders and they will
not BLEVE. Your customers will also appreciate the lightweight, corrosion-free and translucent construction
– making them a user-friendly alternative. Distributing propane via Viking Cylinders® is a unique opportunity
for you to build customer satisfaction and increase market share.


it helps them; others are more private
and don’t want to share their details with
the ladies,” she says.
She has learned to celebrate the little
victories, like getting the drainage tubes
removed, getting stitches out, not being
nauseated for a day, being able to sit up
all day, and keeping her clothes on all
day because her incisions healed.
“Then, you go on with your life as Members of the North Carolina Propane Gas Association show off bracelets dedicated
quickly as possible and face each day to the fight against cancer.
head-on,” Stroupe says. “You try to look
your best, so you will feel your best.” propane industry proved to be tremen- cancer bracelets that say ‘No One Fights
dously supportive. Alone.’ A vendor bought employees
Industry support Cards, gifts, meals, flowers, soft pa- Susan G. Komen bracelets that say ‘Be
Through it all, Stroupe says, her cowork- jamas, refrigerator magnets and more the Cure.’ Employees, friends and family
ers at AmeriGas and throughout the were all appreciated and touching. wore these bracelets until I finished my
“One of my favorite gifts is miniature treatment in July.”
pink boxing gloves,” she says. “They In fact, the North Carolina Propane
“Cancer has changed my hang on my refrigerator to remind me Gas Association magazine used a picture
life in a positive way.” I can win the battle. My boss sent me a on its front cover of a group of members
pink bracelet that says ‘Be Brave.’ One showing off their bracelets.
– Jane Stroupe
of my employees bought everyone pink Continued on page 36
LPG NH3 Supply, Inc.

1-800-328-0314
www.lpgandnh3.com
Buffalo, MN
Serving The Propane Industry Since 1976
Autogas Dispensers
Features:
• Gas Pump Style Cabinet
• LC Temperature Compensated Meter
• Blackmer High Differential Pump
• Blackmer High Differential Bypass Valve
• Gasguard GG20 Filler Nozzle
• Skid Mounted
• 3/4” x 10’ Hose w/ Break-Away
• 1000 or 2000 Gallon Tank
• Custom Graphics Available
• Fleet Management Electronics Available
-50,000 Users Per Station!
Please contact Chad Pendill or Charlie Koch with any questions on our Autogas Dispenser Systems.

IT DOESN’T RUST!
NO CORROSION. NO REPAINTING NEEDED.

Viking Cylinders® is a line of lightweight composite LPG cylinders from Hexagon Ragasco. They don’t rust
or corrode like steel cylinders, so they’ll never need repainting. This effectively eliminates refurbishment costs.
Your customers get a lighter, more attractive tank and no more unsightly rust rings. They’ll also appreciate the
translucent, ergonomic construction and the improved safety compared to traditional steel cylinders. Distributing
propane via Viking Cylinders® is a unique opportunity for you to build customer satisfaction and increase
market share.

Continued from page 34 should feel,” she says.

With her treatments complete, “Cry, scream, throw
Stroupe says she feels like “a free woman” things, have a pity
and only revisits the oncologist every six party, be mad, be
months for blood tests and follow-up. sad – then realize it
She tells others facing a cancer diag- is not a life sentence.
nosis that they must accept the news in You can survive. You
their own way. can lead a full life,
“Don’t let anyone tell you how you although you may
NPGA Women in Propane Council leaders
during a 2012 meeting: from left, Nancy
WE’rE GOING THE Coop, Jill Hopkins and Stroupe.
EXTrA MILE! have a new ‘normal.’ Nothing stays the

same, so try to embrace the hand you
are dealt. You can’t change it, but God
will help you through the tough times.
“Strength comes in ways and through
people you never thought about,” she
continues. “Be brave, even if at times you
don’t feel so brave. Hold your head high
and jump back into your life with more
determination than ever.”
Stroupe urges women to get annual
mammograms.
Dedicated. “It takes very little time to do, is not
painful and most insurance companies
tank production line to meet the growing custom design and standard pay 100 percent for this exam,” she says.
stock tank needs of our customers. “Early detection could save your life.”
Dedicated. Manchester Tank’s engineering professionals are highly Along the way, she’s learned that
trained in AutoCAD and SolidWorks 3D CAD to support quick-turn custom some things that once bothered her
design requirements. Our team is complemented with an experienced and aren’t so important anymore.
knowledgeable R&D staf availabl “Cancer has changed my life in a
production and feld support. positive way,” Stroupe says.
Dedicated. Manchester Tank’s She doesn’t care if the house isn’t spot-
cross-functional team has over less or if the laundry is done only once
70 years combined of Tier One and a week, or if dinner consists of tomato
OEM automotive level expertise in
sandwiches. Time with her husband, a
quality manufacturing.
manager with Duke Energy-Oconee
Dedicated. Recognized industry-wide for excellent “door-to-door” Nuclear Station, is precious. She’s always
customer service, the Manchester Tank team is dedicated to our customer’s
believed in treating people the way she
satisfaction and overall success.
would want to be treated, but the cancer
Manchester is going the extra mile by working harder than ever to support diagnosis brought that sentiment into
your innovative tank design requirements by providing resources, service laser focus. She and her husband support
and technical support necessary to react to market trends and ensure
a local homeless shelter and food bank
proftability in an increasingly competitive global market.
to help others get back on their feet after
hard times.
“God has blessed me in so many ways
through my illness,” Stroupe says. “I try
to ‘pay it forward’ every opportunity I
1000 Corporate Centre Drive t Franklin, TN 37067 t 800.926.2791 get. I want to make someone else’s life
www.mantank.com easier without them even knowing who
the gift came from.” LPG

Propane AutoGas Dispensing Systems
Featuring Atlas® / Gasboy® Fleet & Retail Dispensers
Many options
available including:
Foundation options
Dispenser options
Tank options
Components packages
Call us today
for the package
to meet your
specifcations!
(800) 621-4137 • FAX (810) 266-5554

Our own feet of sales vehicles are now
PROPANE POWERED!
www.industrialpropaneservice.com
P R O PA N E AU T O G A S
A new way of Propane industry leaders
fueling
contemplate widespread
shift toward European-style
refueling technology
BY BRIAN RICHESSON nents, says Jessie Johnson, the company’s vice presi-
EDITOR IN CHIEF
dent of sales and marketing.
brichesson@northcoastmedia.net
The issue merited a meeting of industry stakehold-
E
uropean-style dispenser nozzle and connector ers earlier this year at the Southeastern Convention &
technology being installed and tested at pro- International Propane Expo in Atlanta. The consen-
pane fueling and fleet locations in the United sus there was for the industry to move forward with
States carries safety, environmental and ease- the European-style technology. The group felt this
of-use benefits that will improve the overall technology helps create the most positive fueling ex-
experience and perception of autogas nationally. perience and sets a high standard that’s useful across
That’s the case being made by some U.S. propane North America.
industry leaders who envision widespread adoption “At the end of the day, everybody is for it. The noz-
of this technology to replace 1¾-inch Acme filler zle is lighter and easier to connect, and it puts propane
equipment currently in use for autogas applications. in a more positive light,” says Curtis Donaldson, man-
The movement began at Mississippi-based Bloss- aging director and founder of autogas dispenser man-
man Gas, which was familiar with the European ufacturer CleanFuel USA. “But how do we go about
nozzle technology when it heard of incidents and doing it in an organized manner that transitions us
complaints from the field regarding current compo- and, most importantly, takes care of our customers?”
European technology
Industry partners are moving forward with a nozzle
manufactured by Swiss company Staubli, which has
North American headquarters in Duncan, S.C. The
nozzle, which is used primarily in Spain and Portugal,
is on course to receive Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
approval, Johnson says.
Another international manufacturer – Elaflex – is
also looking to develop this style nozzle and is moving
forward with UL approval, says Tucker Perkins, chief
business development officer for the Propane Educa-
tion & Research Council. The U.S. autogas industry
currently uses Elaflex’s GasGuard Acme-style nozzle.
“We want to move forward promoting this [Euro-
pean] connection to industry customers,” says Per-
kins, and that means getting manufacturers of con-
nectors and adapters involved, as well as the propane
industry’s equipment distributors in the United States
and Canada.
Vehicles must be retrofitted with a European-style
connector (or fill valve) to fit the Euro-style nozzle.
Mike Walters of Superior Energy Systems demonstrates If this nozzle or connector is not in place, an adapter
the European-style nozzle on a company vehicle. Continued on page 40

Make time for business-building activities.
Eliminate wasted trips with Xact.

Xact® ultrasonic remote tank monitoring delivers the accuracy and reliability to
double distribution efficiency, giving you time for activities that build your business.
Xact puts accurate info in your hands, anytime, anywhere, to make all deliveries profitable.
www.xact-data.com Get the highest cumulative tank-level accuracy and the reliability to have 100%
confidence in precisely when and how much you need to deliver on every route.
Xact Tank Monitoring Systems use ultrasonic technology to pinpoint tank levels
on any size tank, located anywhere, with secure Internet access. Cut your costs
and catch more fish. Call +1 503.227.7908 or
email us at xactsales@schmitt-ind.com
A PRODUCT LINE OF
www.schmitt-ind.com
© 2014 Schmitt Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. XACT TANK MONITORING SYSTEMS and
SCHMITT INDUSTRIES are trademarks of Schmitt Industries, Inc.

can help link the two components so fueling can commence.
“We’re trying to bring all the pieces together at once,”
Johnson says. “Connectors for the cars are already made.
Adapters let the transition happen between the current noz-
zle and new connector or the [European] nozzle and the old
Acme connector that might be on the vehicle. Adapters that
make this work are being produced at this very moment.”
The nozzle sells for about $1,200, while the connectors
and adapters are about $50 or $60, Johnson says.
Blossman Gas plans to distribute the nozzle and expects
to receive several hundred that it has on order in October.
The company’s Alliance AutoGas network will begin install-
ing the new connection on all autogas vehicle conversions,
Johnson says.
Asked how many total nozzles could be placed into the field
today, Johnson references the U.S. Department of Energy’s Al-
ternative Fuels Data Center, which lists 2,700 fueling stations.
But that does not include private fleet locations.
Safety, environmental issues

Current fueling technology in the United States leaves room
Rodney Johnson of Alliance AutoGas talks about the benefits of for those filling their vehicles to cross-thread the connection,
refueling vehicles with a European-style nozzle. Continued on page 42
MTankCo Supply, LLC

7074 302 Industrial Dr. | Southaven, MS 38671
ph 800.235.3528 | fax 662.349.1346
MTankCo.com | sales@mtankco.com
s ZERO failures with over

500,000 cycles or 30 years of
use throughout all seasons
MEGR-1232
s Field tested across all regions
of the USA
s Extensive UL testing to
UL144/UL144C
MEGR-1222
s KEY FEATURES: Stainless steel
internal components, molded
lip fabric reinforced diaphragms,
powder coat finish, GLT Viton
seats, Peel-N-Stick leak check
MEGR-1622H label, exclusiveTri-Tap two-stage
pressure port system, plus
Your FULL LINE equipment distributor is now offering much more!
MEC Regulators.
Continued from page 40 ference in what it looks

allowing propane to escape once the nozzle is opened and like, sounds like and feels
potentially burning the individual, Johnson says. like to the user,” Perkins
“It’s a common occurrence,” he says. “People get in says of the European nozzle.
a hurry and they’re not thinking about it. They think “No longer are gloves required; no
they have it screwed on right, and a lot of times longer are goggles required. It’s a very
they’ve cross-threaded it.” positive experience.”
The European-style nozzle does not fit into Says Mike Walters of Superior Energy
the vehicle through a thread. Instead, it fas- Systems, which supplies Alliance AutoGas
tens through a snap or a quick connect. customers with dispensers and is currently
“Once the handle is engaged, there’s testing the Staubli nozzle: “I have absolutely no
a positive locking mechanism problem saying that [personal protective equip-
around the connector,” Johnson ment] and training are not necessary with the
The Staubli, above, and
says. “No gas comes from the Staubli nozzle because the [product] release is not
Elaflex are proceeding
nozzle unless it’s connected, significant enough to present a risk to the user.”
with UL approvals.
and when you release the han- According to Donaldson, Elaflex has added a
dle you pull it right back off.” guide to its Acme nozzle that is designed to pre-
When the nozzle releases, another feature becomes evident: vent cross-threading.
less fugitive emissions. With the Staubli nozzle and European “That doesn’t mean this other technology is not good or
connector, 0.4 cubic centimeters of emissions are released, better,” he says. “But the Acme has also made improvements,
compared to 2.0 on the current Acme nozzle and filler, John- and it’s not an unsafe nozzle by any stretch.”
son says. On the latter release, it’s not unusual for the individu-
al filling the vehicle to see and smell a plume of propane vapor. Additional testing
“Not only is that a big difference in quantity, it’s a huge dif- U.S. testing has been ongoing with about 20 European-style
Deciding to sell your heating oil

or propane business is an important decision.
Trust Star Gas to help you make sure it’s the right one.
As the parent company of Petro, Meenan and Champion Energy, with local operations
throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, Star Gas, L.P. has made multiple successful
acquisitions in recent years and is actively searching for professional, full-service heating
oil and propane companies to add to our local family. Here are just a few reasons
to join the Star Gas family:
Over 100 years of industry leadership.
We are the country’s leading provider of home heating oil so we understand the complexity
of acquisitions and how critical it is for you to be able to work through the process
while running your business.
Grow with our family and grow your business.
Our experience, large network and resources uniquely position us to make a seamless
transition for you, your employees and customers. Your company’s identity, reputation
and place in the community will be preserved and protected.
If you are considering selling your business, please call us today for a discreet and
confidential consultation.
Steven J. Goldman, President/CEO Jeff Woosnam, VP, Operations – Neil Bianco, VP, Operations –
Star Gas Partners, L.P. 516.686.1615 Mid-Atlantic Acquisitions New York & Northeast Acquisitions
Star Gas Partners, L.P. 215.942.5008 Star Gas Partners, L.P. 516.307.4802
©2013 Star Gas, L.P.

porating the new technology through-

out the industry will take two to five
years, depending on the industry’s com-
mitment. Two drivers of the transition
are OEMs adopting the new technology
and individual fleets requesting the new
nozzle technology, he says.
Roush CleanTech, for example,
The Euro-style nozzle grabs the filler
valve through a quick connect.
www.cavagnagroup.com
nozzles, mostly in smaller fleets in the
Midwest and Southeast, Johnson says.
One concern is how the nozzle will hold
up in various conditions, and to this
point it’s working without issue, indus-
try officials report.
Yellow Cab of Columbus, Ohio,
which operates 36 of its 150-plus-vehicle
fleet on propane, is one of the larger test
sites. Its Cleveland-area propane suppli-
er, Superior Energy Systems, convinced
the cab company to test the nozzle at its
onsite fueling location, where it has two
1,000-gallon propane tanks.
“The difference is one screws on
and one clamps on,” says Jeff Kates, the
company’s president, in comparing the
nozzles. “The screw-on was adequate
but not ideal. The screw-on could cross-
thread and you could have some prob-
lems that way, but the biggest concern
was back flush, where at the end of the
fill a small amount of propane could
squirt back and the stuff is very cold.
You wear safety goggles and gloves when
filling, but you still could get burned.”
Kates says the process to replace
connectors took about 10 minutes per Your Full Range Supplier
vehicle, and the nozzle replacement on
the dispenser involved a quick change-
of Autogas Components
out. Yellow Cab did the work in-house, Euro Connector and
though Superior offered support.
Nozzle testing is being performed
Euro to ACME Adaptor
with hopes that safety attributes will Available in Stock
lead to “a relaxing in the code” for train- Cavagna North America Inc.
ing requirements, which would help ad- 50 Napoleon Court, Somerset NJ 08873
Phone 732-469-2100 Fax 732 469 3344
vance the widespread adoption of auto- Info@cavagna.com
gas throughout the country, Perkins says.
Cavagna West
1393 Dodson Way-A Riverside, CA 92507
Industry transition Phone 732-469-2100 Fax 732 469 3344
Info@cavagna.com
Johnson estimates the process of incor-


which retrofits Ford vehicles with propane autogas systems,
says it will offer the European adapter as an option in 2015.
Whether a Roush CleanTech customer has an Acme valve
on the vehicle or a European nozzle, an adapter will be offered
so the vehicle can be filled regardless of the fill nozzle on the
fuel dispenser, the company says. It will adjust its standard
nozzle offering as needed, based on customer demand.
“Roush CleanTech applauds the industry for moving to this
technology,” says Todd Mouw, the company’s vice president
of sales and marketing, in a prepared statement. “The Euro
nozzle offers a positive fill experience for the end user, reduces
fugitive emissions and puts us on par with how autogas is dis-
pensed around the world.”
Donaldson at CleanFuel USA maintains the propane in-
dustry must tread carefully in the transition. He says some
customers are skeptical about having to carry an adapter and
they wonder if the equipment changeover will create incon-
sistencies and fleet downtime and affect their ability to refuel.
“The good news is this conversation is happening,” he says.
CleanFuel USA is planning to test the new technology
before making any decisions to switch, Donaldson says. He
is also monitoring UPS’ plans to test the nozzle as part of its The European-style nozzle, right, adds safety, environmental
1,000-vehicle purchase earlier this year (see story, page 45). LPG and ease-of-use gains for the autogas industry, proponents say.
Coming in October, your weekly

Propane Price Insider from
our partner Cost Management
Solutions is getting…
A NEW NAME
A FRESH LOOK
On Oct. 6, the newly named Trader’s Corner
e-newsletter will continue to provide propane market
analysis and help propane marketers with their
supply-planning decisions. Please be on the lookout
for this name change in your inbox. If you don’t
already receive this valuable weekly report, visit
lpgasmagazine.com and select “Subscribe” under
the “Newsletters” tab and sign up for free today!

STEPPING UP
(and down)
Industry partners in place for propane to penetrate step van market

BY BRIAN RICHESSON entire industries and sell them on the ery service, such as UPS, but also sec-
EDITOR IN CHIEF fuel’s clean-burning, low-cost benefits. ondary industries equally large, such as
brichesson@northcoastmedia.net
“There are two markets now where bakery, textile, linen, medical services,
W
hen the propane industry we can almost say we have 100 percent and food and beverage companies.
gathered in Atlanta earli- penetration in terms of chassis and en- Like other propane-fueled fleets,
er this year for its largest gines,” says Tucker Perkins, chief busi- companies in these step van industries
trade show, talk centered ness development officer for the Pro- have one central location where vehicles
on a growing opportunity in the step pane Education & Research Council are garaged, maintained and refueled.
van market. (PERC). “That’s school buses and step They often have a propane tank and re-
UPS had just energized the indus- van chassis.” fueling dispenser onsite.
try with a March announcement that it According to PERC estimates, “A key attribute we’re looking for is
would invest $70 million in 1,000 pro- 300,000 step vans are in operation today do these vehicles return to a central base
pane-fueled package delivery vehicles in the United States, and 10,000 to 15,000 every night?” Perkins says.
and refueling infrastructure. And if a new vehicles are sold each year. The in- In addition, propane offers fleets the
brand like UPS can choose propane, dustry would like to capture about 25 range needed to reach their destinations
why not others? percent of that new-vehicle market share while costing companies about half of
Industry ties to engine and chassis annually, Perkins says. gasoline’s per-gallon price.
manufacturers have allowed propane to Industries putting step vans on the “Most of these guys are seeing a cut in
make a significant push into the school road include multi-stop package deliv- their fuel expenses of 30 to 40 percent,”
bus market, but those same ties are al- Perkins says. “That’s just huge to these
lowing it to make inroads with compa- Alpha Baking Co. is leading the charge guys, not to mention the environmental
nies utilizing step vans. And that means in its industry to incorporate domestic benefits and how they can talk about
propane industry partners can pursue alternative fuels like propane autogas. Continued on page 46

Continued from page 45 Tim Parrish of Powertrain

their commitment to the com- Integration readies 6-liter autogas
munities they’re serving.” engines for the UPS vehicles.
PERC President and CEO Roy
Willis called the opportunity liner Custom Chassis Corp. and
with UPS “a major milestone for plans to replace gasoline and die-
the propane industry.” sel units in Louisiana, Oklahoma
The Atlanta-based logistics and California. It also planned to
giant placed its order with Freight- install an initial 50 fueling sta-
tions at company locations, with
financial support from PERC funding
WIP… low-emissions nozzle testing on the dis-
pensers (see story, page 38).
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! UPS says the vehicles running these
rural routes can travel up to 200 miles
WOMEN IN PROPANE COUNCIL on a tank of propane. The new propane
fleet is expected to travel more than 25
Some of the strongest industry leaders created WIP and connected million miles and displace about 3.5
us across the nation. Our mission is to provide positive opportuni- million gallons of conventional gaso-
ties for all members of our industry to support the advancement line and diesel per year, according to
and success of women. the company.
“A lot of people will follow UPS be-
cause UPS has done their homework,”
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Perkins says. “We anticipate more suc-
Hands-on training sessions • Education seminars cess with them and more success with
Networking opportunities • Mentoring programs their competitors.”
Professional Development
Opportunities for leadership roles within WIP Vehicle options
Ford and Freightliner own much of the
Corporate Members are allowed unlimited number of employees to enroll
which will support the professional development of each employee OEM market share for step van chas-
sis, with Roush CleanTech and Clean-
Fuel USA supplying their propane fuel
IT’S EASY TO JOIN systems, respectively. The Freightliner
Visit www.npga.org/wip chassis built for UPS uses a General Mo-
Simply click on either the Individual Membership link or the tors (GM) engine.
Corporate Membership link and fll out the application form. These companies offer vehicle op-
tions in what Ford calls the stripped
$25 Individual Member • $25 Friend of WIP • $500 Corporate Member chassis segment and Freightliner refers
to as the walk-in van chassis family.
Ford has developed the F-53, F-59
and the E-450 stripped chassis, on
which Roush CleanTech can equip a
propane autogas fuel system. The units
are built on a 2013 model year or newer
chassis with a 6.8-liter, V10 engine. The
F-53 and F-59 feature a 65-usable-gal-
lon autogas fuel tank, while the E-450
comes equipped with a 41-usable-gallon
fuel tank.
Freightliner offers the MT-45 and
MT-55. In October 2013, PERC ap-
wip@npga.org • www.npga.org/wip proved $385,000 for the development
of these two chassis, with a 6.0-liter,

selling customers on dustry and PERC have a responsibility

the benefits of propane to educate marketers on how to call on
over other fuels, Per- these new types of customers.
kins says. That involves “In the step van case, we really want
appearing and speak- to make sure propane marketers un-
ing at other industry derstand what we’re doing and why it
shows and conferences. works, and we want to make sure the
But Perkins adds step van industry is understanding it,”
that the propane in- he says. LPG
UPS announced in March that it would
purchase 1,000 propane-fueled package
delivery vehicles from Freightliner.
V8 GM engine provided by Powertrain

Integration, directed toward delivery
fleets. The UPS project, in fact, is built
on the MT-45, with a 48-usable-gallon
propane tank. Freightliner says the
chassis integrates seamlessly into the
existing UPS chassis platform and truck
structure.
“We’re in a situation now where it
doesn’t matter if you want to buy new or
used, there’s a propane option for you,
and we like that because we can now
begin to target industries,” says Perkins,
noting how engines for this application
are also readied in the aftermarket.
Online grocer Peapod launched a
pilot program with engine supplier
Power Solutions International (PSI) in
2012. In the first phase, four delivery
trucks with 4.8-liter engines were con-
verted to run on propane and natural Forklift • Outdoor Equipment • Alternative Fuels • RV
gas. PSI delivered fully integrated, drop-
in powertrain solutions customized to
• Forklift cylinders are available in 20#, 33#
Peapod’s trucks, with transmission, and 43# sizes, in both steel and aluminum
fuel tanks and recommended fueling • Aluminum forklift cylinders combine lightweight
strategy. The companies then unveiled strength and durability with a bright, shiny, For quality LPG fuel products,
rust-free exterior industry-leading service and
a 6.0-liter delivery truck last year at the bottom-line value, contact us today.
Alternative Clean Transportation Expo. • Steel forklift cylinders are rugged and
damage-resistant with a rust-inhibiting, 866-928-2657
Perkins says Peapod is now running powder coat exterior Cylinders@WorthingtonIndustries.com
about 25 vehicles on propane. • ASME motor fuel tanks are available WorthingtonCylinders.com
“With more than 23 million grocery in a variety of sizes ranging from 10 - 20"
orders delivered across 24 U.S. markets, diameter and 21 - 48" length
we are committed to making our fleet
as ecofriendly as possible,” said Andrew
Parkinson, Peapod president and gener-
al manager, in a press release soon after Made in USA
with global components
the project launched.
Columbus, Jefferson and Westerville, Ohio
With OEM and aftermarket options
in place for the step van market, the © 2013 Worthington Cylinder Corporation
propane industry can turn its focus to

COLUMNIST | RANDY DOYLE
Superior performance
Five vital signs to get your propane business running at optimal levels
B
usiness owners and executives
have long sought answers to
the question of “What creates
superior performance in my
company?”
PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL

The desire to answer this question
makes perfect sense. Superior perfor-
mance is a natural ambition of business
leaders and an imperative to survival.
It’s fair to say that every responsibly
minded propane business owner, ex-
ecutive or middle manager, in any size
company, has made high performance
a priority. But one challenge is deciding
which of the company’s vital signs are
most important. Customers rely on marketer expertise in a timely manner. Customers of top-
to help them with their gas appliance
Presented below are five of the most performing companies feel confident
purchase, installation and service.
important vital signs that produce su- that they are never forgotten in a cold
perior financial results: growing propane company exude opti- winter. Excellent gas delivery service
■ Ensure effective leadership at all levels mism and confidence, which will make also means the company relieves the
of management – Business performance a favorable impression on the customer. customer of the fear of price spikes and
starts with leadership. Good companies ■ Optimize propane margin – Pro- the high invoice due in 30 days.
can be ruined by ineffective leader- pane margin is the most significant ■ Provide reliable gas appliance expertise
ship, while an effective propane branch controllable number on the income and service – Top-performing propane
manager can turn around a store on statement. Top-performing companies marketers understand that each cus-
the brink of closing. Leadership sets the understand that propane margin be- tomer relies on marketer expertise to
vision and goals that focus employees. gins with supply arrangements that are help them with their gas appliance
Leaders understand they create the dependable, sufficient and at the least purchase, installation and service. Being
work environment in which employees cost. These companies are savvy about the propane expert means the best gas-
want to do their best. The best compa- hedging propane’s market risk. The burning products are offered and that a
nies recognize and develop leadership retail pricing practices strike the sweet qualified service tech or subcontractor is
talent. Effective leaders understand that spot of being competitive while maxi- ready to install and service the customer
financial performance starts with the mizing the company’s financial return. in a timely and professional manner.
employees they lead. ■ Provide excellent gas delivery service Becoming a top-performing propane
■ Grow customers, burner tips and spark – Top-performing propane companies company requires charting a course
plugs – Growth is a company’s lifeblood. deliver the worry-free experience to the that will focus on the critical vital signs
Growth results from effective marketing customer. They have reliable delivery required, monitoring progress, making
and the development of new markets systems enabled by computer tech- adjustments along the way and staying
from propane’s versatile uses. Leaders nology to anticipate each customer’s determined to reach the goal. LPG
invest resources to develop growth op- demand. If the customer must be a
portunities. Growing propane compa- will-call, they are managed. As a result, Randy Doyle is CFO for Blossman
nies think and act like a retailer, not an out-of-gas incidents are minimal, and Gas in Ocean Springs, Miss. He can be
industrial gas hauler. The employees of a when they happen they are resolved reached at rdoyle@blossmangas.com.

COLUMNIST | TOM JAENICKE
Reaping what you sow

The value of your business is the result of your own actions
T
he phrase “You reap what you investment and keep an adequate size sales packet only told part of the story.
sow” has roots in early Christi- tank in place for a time when usage This business was a best-in-class ex-
anity and can also be applied in may increase. Low or sporadic user ample of owners wanting to build and
nonreligious situations, such as prospects were offered a tank purchase maintain a first-class business.
valuing your propane business. plan so the propane retailer could im- ■ What are the age and condition of
I recently advised partners through mediately recoup the tank investment your delivery and service trucks?
the process of selling their propane and still gain a gas customer. The business partners had a reason-
business, and it was a classic example of This tiered sales plan enabled the able number of newer model trucks in
reaping what you sow. Placing a value propane retailer to have a plan for all their fleet that fit the business size. The
on your propane business for change- propane users and to sell propane in a trucks were well maintained, with ser-
of-ownership purposes, whether it be narrower range of pricing that was more vice records from a reputable commer-
for corporate reasons, next-generation related to size of delivery than annual cial truck maintenance garage to prove
estate planning or sale to an outside usage. The propane retailer reaped large it. There were no old out-of-service or
party, depends on the owner’s actions numbers of loyal new customers every seldom-used trucks sitting around the
of the past. year based on the way prospects were yard gathering rust and leaking fluids.
In this sale, interested business buy- treated, and the business buyer felt com- ■ Do you have a loyal workforce that fits
ers had similar questions about the fortable with the risk of customer loss. the workload?
business that went well beyond the nor- ■ Do your new customers receive a Gas The owners worked in the business,
mal number of gallons and customers. Check or some equivalent inspection of their had some full-time employees and were
Questions were posed, such as: propane system? able to develop loyal seasonal employ-
■ What percentage of the propane tanks Business buyers and insurance ees who worked in the busy season.
at your customer locations are customer companies want assurance that your Employee compensation plans were
owned versus company owned? customers have safe-operating propane competitive but not overly generous. It
Although survey results vary systems. In this case, the owners per- was a well-balanced workforce with no
widely, the average propane retailer formed an equivalent Gas Check on all useless relatives of the owners taking
operates with about 15 percent of the new customers, performed a leak test on up space, so the business buyer was able
tanks under customer ownership. In all propane run-outs and had documen- to take all of the employees on board
this case, higher-than-normal levels of tation in customer files to prove it. The and continue to build the business.
tanks were customer owned. This will business buyers liked what they found. When the business sale was final-
usually make business buyers uncom- ■ What is the condition of your tanks? ized, the business partners received a
fortable because they are concerned The business owners had always premium price for their company based
about the stability of the customer base purchased new or highly reconditioned on the actions they had taken over the
under new ownership. tanks and had been in business for years to take good care of their employ-
However, the owner’s actions in sell- less than 10 years, so the condition of ees, customers, facilities, trucks and
ing tanks were justified by their over- the tanks in the field was very good. field equipment. Remember, the value
all new customer sales plan. In their The eventual business buyer did spot of your business is the result of your
market, the average to above-average inspections of customer installations own actions. LPG
user was leased a tank at no charge. If a as part of the due diligence process and
prospect came in who was projected to liked what was found. Tom Jaenicke is the founder and prin-
be a lower-than-average user, perhaps ■ What is the curb appeal and the cipal adviser at ATomiK Creative Solu-
a seasonal user or smaller home with under-the-surface condition of the office tions LLC. He can be reached at 810-
fewer gas applications, a tank lease plan and storage location? 252-7855 or tom@atomikenergy
was offered to help recoup the tank The photos inserted in the business solutions.com.

GUEST COLUMNIST | LYNETTE VON MINDEN
Growing residential gallons

Benefits of propane water heaters aplenty, but are your customers aware?
P
aving abundant hot water in homeowners, plumbers, builders and
PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL

our homes is something we all contractors can significantly increase
take for granted. From wash- their residential propane sales.
ing dishes to enjoying a long,
hot, luxurious shower, water heaters Energy Factor (EF)
make our lives much easier and far According to the study, an optimal
more pleasant. water heater choice depends on several
However, we do pay a significant primary factors: energy use, economics,
price for having hot water on demand. and emissions, as well as installation
According to the U.S. Department of feasibility.
Energy, water heaters account for 14 to Researchers examined 10 residential
25 percent of a home’s total annual en- Water heaters account for 14 water heating systems in 10 regions
ergy consumption, making these ap- of the country spanning a variety of
pliances the third-largest energy users to 25 percent of a home’s total climate types. Among the study’s key
in a typical household. annual energy consumption. findings was a fact that’s well known to
Eight to 10 million residential- some housing industry professionals
grade water heaters are sold in the units, condensing and non-condens- but unknown to most homeowners – a
United States each year. Because water ing tankless systems, solar-powered system’s Energy Factor (EF) rating alone
heaters are typically only replaced systems, heat pump water heaters and cannot accurately predict the energy
every 12 to 25 years, a water heater even micro-combined heat and power costs of two water heaters running on
purchase can have a tremendous im- units (m-CHPs) that provide both two different energy types. In other
pact on a home’s energy use, costs and space and water heating. These sys- words, although one water heater has a
carbon emissions over time. tems vary greatly in first cost, annual higher EF rating than another, it may
“Unfortunately, few homeowners energy costs, carbon footprint and cost more to run.
are aware of these implications when performance. “The EF rating only takes into
selecting a new water heater for new When it comes to residential pro- consideration how much energy a
construction or an existing home,” pane customers, the vast majority own particular water heater will use,” Kidd
says Bridget Kidd, director of resi- a traditional storage tank unit or a says. “It does not consider the cost of
dential and commercial programs for tankless water heater, both of which that energy. So, for example, an electric
the Propane Education & Research are typically powered by LP gas or storage water heater with an EF rating
Council (PERC). “Furthermore, many electricity. of 0.90 could easily have a higher en-
purchases are emergencies that take That said, which is a better deal ergy cost than a propane storage water
place when an old water heater fails for these customers over the long heater with an EF rating of 0.67. While
unexpectedly. That makes it even run – a propane water heater or an the electric water heater may be more
more likely that homeowners will electric one? A 2010 study by Newport energy efficient, it will still cost more to
quickly install whatever their plumber Partners and commissioned by PERC run as long as electricity is more expen-
has in stock – a snap decision that can found that propane-powered water sive than propane.”
inadvertently increase their utility heaters are overwhelmingly the best In fact, the study actually compared
bills for many years to come.” choice as compared with electric units two water heaters in this exact scenario,
There are more innovative technol- for a variety of reasons. The study’s and the propane water heater cost $72
ogies now available for water heating results also indicate that propane mar- less to operate each year. In the North-
than ever before: traditional condens- keters who effectively promote pro- east, higher regional electric rates drove
ing and non-condensing storage tank pane-powered water heaters to local the cost of running an electric storage

L E T ’ S TA L K
water heater above $600 per year. In that same region, the local areas, Kidd says. These tools include consumer bro-
cost of operating a propane-powered tankless water heater chures and consumer ad templates that are available at
was just $363, and the cost of operating a propane-powered propanemarc.com.
high-efficiency storage unit was $438. The full Newport Partners study can be viewed at
buildwithpropane.com/waterheating, and a free online
Annual cost of ownership course, “Water Heaters: Retrofitting from Electric Standard
Another key finding of the study was the fact that determin- to Propane Tankless,” is available at propanetraining
ing a water heater’s annual cost of ownership entails more academy.com.
than just its annual energy costs. The system’s cost and ex- Also, the free Energy Cost and Carbon Calculator mobile
pected service life also factor into that figure. app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play can calculate es-
Researchers examined each water heater’s purchase cost timated annual energy costs and carbon emissions for water
and its energy bills spread out across its estimated life. In all heating systems while on the go.
but one climate region represented in the study (hot/humid), “Over the past few months, PERC has engaged with
the lowest annual cost of ownership was for a propane tank- plumbers at a national level to make sure they’re aware of the
less water heater system. benefits propane water heaters can offer their customers,”
“This is likely due to the system’s longer-than-normal Kidd adds. “We encourage propane marketers to talk with
service life of 20 years, as well as its low annual energy costs,” local plumbers and follow up with their homeowner custom-
Kidd explains. “Propane tankless systems may cost more to ers. By working together, we can ‘pull the plug’ on electric
initially install, but they pay off in the long run.” water heaters and help homeowners save money and energy
while growing residential gallons.” LPG
Carbon emissions
Most homeowners are likely unaware of the effect their water Lynette Von Minden is senior public relations counsel for
heaters can have on their homes’ overall carbon footprints. marketing communications agency Swanson Russell. She can
While that may be true, it’s also true that today’s consumers be reached at lynettep@swansonrussell.com.
are more concerned about the environment than previous
generations, making carbon emissions a valid propane water
heater selling point in many situations.
The carbon dioxide emissions analysis in the 2010
Newport Partners study was based upon emissions factors
supplied by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Emis-
sion & Generation Resources Integrated Database (eGRID).
Researchers used this database to derive the emissions that
result from producing a unit of electricity. eGRID’s emissions
factors are provided on a state level, and they include electric- QUALITY • RELIABLE • EXPERIENCED
ity produced by a variety of sources – coal, nuclear and hydro
plants, for example. Conversions for more than 55 Years!
Two factors greatly contributed to the amount of emis-
sions that a water heating system generates: energy source Call the AUTOGAS PIONEERS today
and efficiency level. The study found that a standard-effi- 507-345-4000
ciency electric storage unit typically produces twice the car-
bon emissions as a high-efficiency, non-condensing propane acmecarb.com facebook.com/acmecarb
storage unit. Interestingly, because of their high electricity
consumption, even heat pump water heaters produced car-
bon emissions that were an average 33 percent greater than
propane condensing tankless systems across all of the cli-
mate regions in the study.
Convincing your customers

Obviously, there are many valid reasons to choose a propane-
powered water heater over an electric model. However, it can
be challenging to communicate the benefits of propane stor-
age and tankless units to builders, contractors and consumers.
Helpful tools exist for propane marketers to use in their Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson, WI

The National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship Fund
recognizes its Corporate Partners for their annual contributions to
this year’s campaign.
CHAMPION
BPN Denise & Randy

Doyle
BENEFACTOR
,
GAS EQUIPMENT
"For Propane There Is No Better Name" ® HEATING & HEARTH
DISTRIBUTORS
DONOR
Family Propane
Thank you to all the friends of Scholarship. For more opportunities to support
the NPGF Scholarship Foundation, contact Joanne Casey (JCasey@npga.org).
Walk-behind mower
The 2015 Turf Tracer S-Series walk-behind mower incor- mower’s durability. The system eliminates nearly
porates a number of improvements designed to deliv- 250 component parts, the company says. Exmark
er increased overall durability, serviceability and rerouted hydraulic hoses to maximize cooling and
ease-of-use, Exmark says. A number of engine keep the mower cleaner. A choice of 36-, 48- or
options are available for the 2015 52-inch UltraCut Series 3 cutting decks are
model, including a Kohler PCV680 EFI available with the new Turf Tracer S-Series.
propane engine. In addition, the Turf One feature Exmark did not change with
Tracer S-Series is available with a vari- the new model is its enhanced control
ety of Kawasaki engine options, two of system, which lessens operator fatigue
which are California Air Resources Board through improved ergonomics and precise
compliant. In addition, Exmark incorporated an electric fingertip control, according to the company.
clutch to simplify the deck drive system and increase the For more information, visit www.exmark.com.
Truck platform
Alkane Truck Co.’s Class 7 cab-over truck platform is engineered to
run on propane autogas. The truck is available in two models – the
33,000-pound P-33 and the 26,000-pound P-26 – and features a 6.8-
liter Ford Triton V-10 engine that was modified to run on gaseous fuel.
The fuel system is direct-injection, liquid-propane technology from
Bi-Phase Technologies LLC. According to Alkane, the P-33 and P-26 are
both Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources
Board certified for use on highways.
For more information, visit www.alkanetruckcompany.com.
Propane vapor injection system Irrigation engine

LP Energy Systems says its dual-fuel system can be installed on any mobile
SRC Power Systems’ 8.8-liter
or stationary diesel engine. According to the company, its system does not
propane irrigation engine offers
tap into a fuel injection system. Instead, the system injects propane in vapor
farmers an alternative to Tier 4 die-
form into the air intake valve. Diesel is injected into the air intake before the
sel engines. SRC says the 8.8-liter
turbocharger. Propane is then
engine is its highest horsepower
mixed with the combustion air,
propane engine. According to
causing an instantaneous sec-
the company, farmers running an
ondary burn of the diesel in each
engine an average of 1,000 hours
compression stroke, LP Energy
per year can save up to $3,000 in
Systems says. The company
annual fuel costs compared with
adds that this method increases
similar diesel engines. When used
the efficiency of the diesel burn
for agricultural applications, SRC
from about 75 percent to about
says the 8.8-liter engine offers
95 percent. The method also
about 30 to 40 more horsepower
increases the combustion effi-
than similar diesel engines, making
ciency of the engine and burns
it ideal for pumping deep irrigation
diesel fuel that would otherwise
wells.
be exhausted. If an operator runs out of propane, the engine simply reverts to
For more information, visit www.
running completely on diesel until the propane tank is refilled.
srcpowersystems.com.
For more information, visit www.lpenergysystems.com.

NEW PRODUC TS
Remote filling valve

The Euro Filler, a remote filling valve According to Cavagna, the
from The Cavagna Group, allows fill- Euro Filler-to-Acme adapter
ing through the use of a low-emission includes a safety feature that
quick connector. Cavagna also offers prevents accidental disconnec-
a range of Euro Filler-to-Acme and tion of the filling gun from the
Acme-to-Euro Filler adaptors, regard- adapter once it’s fully connected
less of the filling station connection. to the adapter during refueling. Cavagna says the system allows opera-
tors to keep the filling gun securely
connected during the filling process.
For more information, visit www.
cavagna.com.
revent Accidents And Save Money With
LPG dispenser
Jay Parafour Innovations LLC’s P4-Series

LPG dispenser features a retail backlit
display with an optional RFID reader to
Johnston
manage fleet fuel use. A stainless steel
weather hood with insulation prevents
condensation from reaching the elec-
tronics department, Parafour says. The
More Than A Safety Advocate
Insurance - Dyste Williams Agency

Consultant - Author - Speaker
Safety resentations
Why Settle for Less?

Visit The Safety Leader today!
www.TheSafetyLeader.com dispenser is available with an optional
2-inch receipt printer. Other features
952-935-5350 are a high-resolution pulser, isolation
valves for liquid inlet and a durable,
The Safety Leader powder-coated frame. Parafour says
the dispenser is fully National Type
JAYJOHNSTON Evaluation Program certified for
weights and measures in retail and
fleet applications.
COMING SOON Jay’s new book ” The Safety Way ” For more information, visit www.
parafour.com.

NEW PRODUC TS
Autogas fuel tank Sliding vane autogas pumps

Worthington Industries developed Blackmer upgraded its LGL150 Series sliding vane pump models to a
a doughnut-shaped autogas fuel tank “C” version. In addition to an American National Standards Institute-style
that fits in the spare tire space of a car or flange, Blackmer now offers a square four-bolt flange similar to the flang-
pickup truck. According to Worthington, es used on many other Blackmer pumps. According to the company, the
the tank is American Society of Mechanical four-bolt flange design allows for the use of multiple sizes and types of
Engineers flanges – 1.25 inch, 1.5 inch and 2 inch – in both National Pipe Thread
(ASME) and weld flanges. The pump’s relief valve was also repositioned to create
approved. adequate space for inlet and discharge
In fact, the pressure gauges to be installed with-
company out using extensions. Additionally,
says eight the mounting foot on the pump
models of the casing was removed to lighten the
tank are ASME pump and avoid the confusion of
certified. Worthington anticipates the trying to use the pump mount-
tanks’ diversity will provide an opportunity ing foot for installation. Blackmer
for more vehicles to convert to autogas. designed a new “C”-face motor
Specifically, the company says the tanks are adapter/bracket, as well, that’s
ideal for vehicles with large-capacity cargo designed to make it easier to bolt an
needs, such as taxi fleets. LGL150 Series pump into the existing
For more information, visit www. footprint of competitive models when
worthingtonindustries.com. using the optional mounting adaptor/riser.
For more information, visit www.blackmer.com.
7th annual
Pros4Care golf Event
Monday, November 17th, 2014 • Prostate Survivors play FREE
• $150 golf registration
Start
• Includes breakfast & awards lun h
nebridge Ranch Country Club
• Commemor ti
Join us for our

Pros4Care
Kick0Oﬀ Event

NEW PRODUC TS
Autogas dispenser
The PAFD-1 CR dispensing unit from Superior Energy
Systems Ltd. uses a Windows-based PC with a high-reso-
lution display built into the cabinet, which includes a web-
based fuel management system that uses a key fob with a
data entry keypad. The dispenser features a zero-emission
fuel nozzle, the company adds, and
it can track custom-
ized customer-
required data
such as driver
Conformable autogas tanks
ID, vehicle ID, Propane Performance Industries (PPI) secured
vehicle mileage American Society of Mechanical Engineers approval
and more. The for its family of conformable aluminum propane auto-
unit has the gas fuel tanks. According to PPI, the conformable tank
capability to design means that, unlike a cylinder, the width mea-
show a train- surement is not the same as the height. This allows the
ing video for PPI tanks to fill spaces in a vehicle more efficiently and
first-time users, provide more capacity than regular cylinders, the com-
Superior says. Public refueling is possible, too, with the pany says. In addition, PPI says a tank can be positioned
addition of a credit card reader. horizontally, vertically or on its edge.
For more information, visit www.superiornrg.com. For more information, visit www.ppinorthamerica.com.
United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation and exchange copies.):
(Requester Publications Only) (3) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors,
Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution
1. Publication Title: LP Gas 2. Publication Number: 0024-7103 3. Filing Date: 9/12/14 Outside USPS® : 72 71
4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 (4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes
6. Annual Subscription Price (if any): Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®):
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Ofce of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®):
North Coast Media LLC, 1360 East 9th St., Suite 1070, Cleveland, OH 44114 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 9,121 9,020
Contact Person: Antoinette Sanchez-Perkins Telephone (Include area code): 216-706-3750 d. Non- requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail)
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Ofce of Publisher (Not printer): (1) Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on
North Coast Media LLC, 1360 East 9th St., Suite 1070, Cleveland, OH 44114 PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and
Publisher (Name and complete mailing address): requests including association requests, names obtained
Brian Kanaba, North Coast Media LLC, 1360 East 9th St., Suite 1070, Cleveland, OH 44114 from business directories, lists, and other sources): 3,138 3,100
Editor (Name and complete mailing address): (2) In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541
Brian Richesson, North Coast Media LLC, 1360 East 9th St., Suite 1070, Cleveland, OH 44114 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests
Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address): induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including
Kevin Yanik, North Coast Media LLC, 1360 East 9th St., Suite 1070, Cleveland, OH 44114 association requests, names obtained from business
10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation directories, lists, and other sources):
immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount (3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by
of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or Other Classes of Mail (e.g., First-Class Mail, nonrequestor
other unincorporated frm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by copies mailed in excess of 10% limit mailed at Standard
a nonproft organization, give its name and address.) Mail® or Package Services rates) :
Full Name: North Coast Media LLC Complete Mailing Address: 1360 East 9th St., Suite 1070, (4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Include pickup stands, trade shows, showrooms, and
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of other sources): 157 111
Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box. J None
Full Name: Complete Mailing Address: e. Total Nonrequested Distribution [Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)]: 3,295 3,211
12. Tax Status (For completion by nonproft organizations authorized to mail at nonproft rates) (Check one) f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e): 12,416 12,231
The purpose, function, and nonproft status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3)): 5 5
purposes: h. Total (Sum of 15f and g): 12,421 12,236
F Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100): 73.5% 73.7%
F Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.) * If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3.
13. Publication Title: Pit & Quarry 16. Electronic Copy Circulation
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: August 2014 Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Free to Qualifed Each Issue During Issue Published
Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date
Each Issue During Issue Published a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies
Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) +
a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run): 12,421 12,236 Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)
b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) +
(By mail and outside the mail) Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)
(1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation
stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c Í 100)
from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet requests from J I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or
recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate paid copies.
subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the
and exchange copies.): 9,049 8,949 October issue of this publication.
(2) In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner:
stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request Antoinette Sanchez-Perkins, Senior Audience Development Manager Date: 9/12/14
from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet requests from I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false
recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to
subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, criminal sanctions (including fnes and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
All ads must be prepaid by the classified closing date. Visa, Mastercard, & American Mail: LPG MAGAZINE / BLIND BOX #
Express orders are accepted over the phone. Please send you ad copy with prepay-
ment to the following address: LP/Gas, Attn: Kelli Velasquez, 1360 E. 9th St., Ste. 1070, CLEVELAND, OH 44114
Cleveland, OH 44114. Email: CANDERSON@NORTHCOASTMEDIA.NET
CONTACT SALES EXECUTIVE KELLI VELASQUEZ FOR RATES TODAY!
Direct Dial: 216-706-3767 Email: kvelasquez@northcoastmedia.net Please specify magazine name and blind
Fax: 253-484-3080 box number in your correspondence.
CLASSIFIED SHOWCASE
FOR SALE
Visit us at www.LPGasmagazine.com

FOR SALE (cont’d)
CLASSIFIED SHOWCASE
IMPACT — Command immediate attention and get fast action with the dynamics of classified advertising

FOR SALE (cont’d)
CLASSIFIED SHOWCASE

FOR SALE (cont’d)
2-1997 FORD F SERIES LP POWERED

DELIVERY TRUCKS WITH 2600 GALLON
TANK 1-RUNS 2ND HAS NO ENGINE BUT
UNDER CARRIAGE IS ALL NEW. TAKE ONE
OR PACKAGE DEAL MAKE OFFER. ALSO
2-NON RUNNING DELIVERY TRUCKS WITH
TANKS. ONE IS LP AND THE OTHER IS
GASOLINE. WE ALSO HAVE NUMEROUS
TANKS FROM 3000LB AND LESS. LOCATED
IN SPRAKERS, NEW YORK. CALL FOR
MORE INFO 518-673-1011 10/14
New 18,000 gallon skids. 2 available for

CLASSIFIED SHOWCASE
Oct 2014 delivery. Bulk Head, 3” Pump/10

HP 3 Phase Motor. alliancetruckandtank.
com Pat 406-396-7794; Kathy 406-396-
8758; Mike 406-370-8175 10/14
BUSINESS SERVICES
Place your ad
in an upcoming issue
November 2014 . . . . . 10/6/2014
December 2014 . . . . . 11/5/2014
Contact Kelli Velasquez today!

kvelasquez@northcoastmedia.net
216.706.3767
When responding to a classified advertisement, say you saw it in LPGas magazine
BUSINESS SERVICES (cont’d) EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
CLASSIFIED SHOWCASE
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
FUEL DELIVERY FORMS
SOFTWARE
DID YOU
Find the person for the job.
KNOW?
All LP Gas classifieds are
posted online.
Place your recruitment ad today. lpgasmagazine.com ~ www.LPGasmagazine.com ~

SOFTWARE (cont’d)
CLASSIFIED SHOWCASE
WANTED
WANTED TO BUY, LP OR NH3 TRAILERS,

9,000-15,000 GALLON, 125-265 PSI,
READY TO WORK, OR READY TO
REBUILD, CALL BRAD, 219-880-
5635, DO YOU KNOW WHERE ONE IS?
FINDERS FEE $$$$$$$$ 10/14
www.LPGasmagazine.com To place your classified ad, call

Kelli Velasquez
(216) 706-3767
PROPANE BUSINESS
ESSENTIAL FINANCIA
L OPERATIO
NAL MA
NAGEM ENT SAFETY
REGULA
TIONS
PROPANE MARKETER
MARKETI
Propane Ma
NG ACQUISIT
IONS
rketer
BUSINESS PLANNER P iness B u s
The Propane Marketer Business Planner is a one-of-a-kind
lanner
tool to help today’s propane retailer. It presents detailed
An in-depth
information on industry resources and the best business managem
business
ent guide
the U.S. pr for
management practices to aid readers in their budgeting, opane indu
stry
planning, revenue and cost management. To be successful

in these changing times, you need a full range of business
management information to use in a practical way.
($50) This Planner Is IT.
Call Antoinette Sanchez-Perkins

at 216-706-3750
for more info or to purchase!
62 | LPGas
Gas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com
Gas
COMPANIES TO WATCH
Porco Energy
Pink mower marks New York retailer’s entry into propane autogas
BY KEVIN YANIK | MANAGING EDITOR 50 hours,” says Santini, who
kyanik@northcoastmedia.net estimates his conversion cost
P
orco Energy runs its cylinder between $1,800 and $2,000.
exchange program through the “Now, we’re going every 100
summer, and it delivers a num- to 150 hours and still seeing
ber of summer gallons each the same amount of oil use.
year to heat pools. But leaders at Porco There’s really no breaking
sought new opportunities a year ago to down the oil at 150 hours.”
grow their business during propane’s Fuel consumption be-
offseason. tween Santini’s propane
Lawn mowers presented a unique mower and gasoline mowers
opportunity, they found. The oppor- is about the same, he adds,
tunity was also one that could thrust but he’s saving $1.50 to $1.75
Porco into the propane autogas market. per gallon on fuel for his pro-
“If we get good landscapers, we’re pane mower. Porco Energy partnered with
going to add 1,000 or 1,200 gallons per “All of our gas comes from Porco,” AltFuel to convert the Santini’s
year [per mower],” says Joe Porco, vice says Santini, who burned nearly 2,200 Lawn Care mower. For a slideshow
president, whose business is located in gallons of propane with his mower this of the conversion and more, visit
Marlboro, N.Y. “Those will be mostly year through August. “We have 15 or lpgasmagazine.com.
summer gallons, and that’s an ideal 16 [33-pound vapor] cylinders we swap
situation.” out as needed. They’ll take inventory LOCATION: Marlboro, N.Y.
The company originally approached based on what our consumption is.” FOUNDED: 1954
lawn mower dealers to encourage them In addition, Santini says his propane
EMPLOYEES: 49
to sell propane mowers, but Porco mower delivers a slightly better cut
found dealers currently have little inter- than his gasoline mowers. CUSTOMERS: About 12,000,
est in this area. “With propane you’re going to raise including 9,000 propane
“It’s a tough nut to crack,” he says. your rpm,” he says. “I’m getting about PROPANE SALES: 5 million
“Dealers were a little apprehensive to 200 rpms more, so that changes your annual gallons
get landscapers to go out and purchase blade-tip speeds.”
them. So we looked at converting exist- Besides the fact that propane powers ONLINE: www.porcoenergy.com
ing ones.” one of Santini’s mowers, Santini teamed
The conversion approach is how with Porco Energy to paint its Bobcat says. “Not only is it pink, but when
Porco Energy landed its first mower pink to promote breast cancer aware- people see the tank they’re like, ‘What
customer: Santini’s Lawn Care, another ness. The companies showcased the is that thing?’ I probably get one or two
Marlboro-based business. pink mower last year at a local festival. calls a week with people just asking
Santini’s owner, Steve Santini, ad- “The festival here raises money for about it.”
mits he didn’t know a thing about pro- various charities and donations,” Porco As for Porco, it plans to pursue ad-
pane mowers before Porco approached says. “It’s not for one specific thing. But ditional opportunities to grow gallons
him. But Santini decided to convert one the organization that puts it on does with mowers.
of his four mowers – a Bobcat Predator raise money.” “We’ve met with school districts on
Pro – to propane once he learned about The mower has drawn attention converting their mowers,” Porco says.
the fuel’s advantages. around town, too. “Municipalities and golf courses are on
“We service the mower every 40 to “It’s been an eye-catcher,” Santini our list.” LPG

Thinking
of selling?
Talk to us. With our long history
of customer satisfaction,
you’ll rest easy about the transition.
If you feel the time is right to sell your business, consider calling
Suburban Propane. With over 85 years of experience in the
propane industry, you can trust us to see the process through
with the highest level of efficiency and integrity:
• You’ll receive a purchase plan that’s clear, fexible,
and promptly executed
• Your employees will be respected for their years of service,
their knowledge of your customers and the foundation you
and your employees have put in place to service those
customers over the years.
• Your valued customers will receive exceptional service
during and after the transition
For a confidential consultation call Mark Wienberg,
Chief Operating Officer at 973-503-9628.
Where do propane marketers
worldwide fnd the best quality
valves and regulators?
Right here in our back yard.
Ever since the beginnings of the propane
industry, marketers have
always been able to depend on
original RegO valves and regulators
for dependable performance
and reliability.
Products that are still

Made in America
and supported by the fnest
distributor network
in the world.
Don’t be fooled by cheap imitations.
Buy original RegO products
from RegO Authorized Distributors.
We Speak Your
Language...
®
100 RegO Drive, Elon NC 27244 USA
Phone: (336) 449-7707 Fax: (336) 449-6594
www.regoproducts.com

LP Gas 2014 10 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

LP Gas 2014 10 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

THE PROPANE INDUSTRY’S PREMIER INFORMATION SOURCE | www.LPGASmagazine.

com OCTOBER 2014

Step van market: Engine,

Snapshot: Pink propane

>> Mobile and tablet reading >> Share with friends

For publishers: learn more about digital publishing with Mozaic

If you’re pricing tankless units

Consider the Navien NPE-S (NPE-240S, NPE-210S, NPE-180S) condensing advantages:

The propane industry’s premier information source

8 | VITAL SIGNS | Propane export

26 | DATAPOINTS | Study fnds

www.LPGasmagazine.com October 2014 LPGas | 3

49 | MARKETING MIX | Te value of your business is

53 | PRODUCT SHOWCASE | New products for propane

64 | SNAPSHOT | Pink mower marks New York retailer’s

Equipment? numbers and events listings as well as features and columns

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Subscriptions to LP Gas are available by calling 847-763-4942.

4 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

Editorial Advisory Board

THE FIRST REAL POLock™!

www.LPGasmagazine.com October 2014 LPGas | 5

It’s about the people

6 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS

[ H E AT I N G D EG R E E DAYS BY S TAT E ] named a distributor of

Tank monitoring device

www.LPGasmagazine.com October 2014 LPGas | 9

When You Take Advantage

“We chose Blackmer pumps for their reliability, longevity,

10 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

Gas leak risk reason for recall of

SEE WHAT’S NEW: RESIDENTIAL HEATING OIL CAMPAIGN

Brochure: 5099-BR-14 Ad: 5100-AD-14

14 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

Mobile Logistics Back Ofce Customer

Fully mobile, fully loaded. Vertrax is the leading provider of ERP/CRM

TURNKEY Amthor International

DISPENSING Paraco Gas Corp.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

■ ICYMI: Watch LP Gas’ webinar sponsored by Roush

■ The World LP Gas Forum comes to Miami in October,

16 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

Conversion runs smoothly for transportation company

18 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

[NEWS B R I E F S] partnership will allow alternative “Partnering with Solis is a signifi-

www.LPGasmagazine.com October 2014 LPGas | 19

IC Bus announces propane-fueled school bus offering for 2015-16

HDP Turbine Pump Packages for

Variable frequency drive (VFD) offers many

20 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:

RMI Custom Cabinet

Pro 3000 GilbarcoSeries

Complete Customer Care

Filling Fueling which purchased five propane school

22 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

Check us out at www.kosancrisplant.com

Q : Is the propane autogas market the answer

A : Over the past 40 years, the retail propane in-

A customer fleet of 50 or more vehicles could mean an

24 | LPGas October 2014 www.LPGasmagazine.com

Pro 2000 Autogas Additive Ceramic Infrared Heaters