LP/Gas articles from July 2008

LP/Gas archives from July 2008

Politics and predictions help make Propane Days: annual lobbying event draws more than 300 people to Washington, D.C.(Opening Delivery)
July 1, 2008... Propane Days packs its own kind of pressure situations. As a panel of NPGA representatives addressed industry members preceding the initial trip to Capitol Hill, several comparisons came to mind: A general commanding his soldiers, a coach...

Ferrellgas quits NPGA again.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)
July 1, 2008... Ferrellgas Partners has withdrawn its membership from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) over claims of inequity in service provided to major retailers and independent marketers. It marks the second time that Ferrellgas has left...

LP/Gas stock index.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)
July 1, 2008... LP/Gas Stock Index [PROPANE MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP COMPARISON] Quarter Price Company Symbol Ended (6/18/08) Distribution Yield Americas APU March $32.83...

DOT to renew 5% special permit through 2012, Barrett says.
July 1, 2008... Just a month after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it was renewing the special "5 percent permit" through 2010, DOT announced it was extending the permit through 2012. The announcement came from Deputy DOT Secretary Tom Barrett...

Worthington issues another price hike.(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Worthington Cylinders announced June 9 another 10 percent price increase on all steel heating and system tanks ranging in size from 200 to 420 pounds. "Our raw material costs continue to escalate," said Dusty McClintock, vice president of...

Weather watch.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)
July 1, 2008... Weather Watch [HEATING DEGREE DAYS BY STATE] DEVIATION DEVIATION FROM LAST 12 FROM STATE MAY NORM MONTHS NORM Alabama 29 ...

Gas pains.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)(Cartoon)
July 1, 2008... [??]... AND, ON THAT FARM HE HAD A SOIL NEMATODE, E-I-E-I-O... WITH A CHING-CHING HERE, AND A CHING-CHING THERE... [quaver] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

DOT, NTTC want hazmat truck equipment mandate.(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The Department of Transportation (DOT) will likely propose requiring certain types of new trucks to be equipped with electronic stability control systems, even as National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) announced its intention to petition the...

Pipeline rate litigation decision delayed again to Sept. 30.
July 1, 2008... A decision on the three-year-old lawsuit by the National Propane Gas Association and a coalition of shippers on the MAPL pipeline has been extended to Sept. 30, 2008. The litigation before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission opposes...

Many expiring cylinder RINs need renewal this year.(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Many of the companies that re-qualify propane cylinders by visual inspection are scheduled to renew their Requalifier Identification Number (RIN) that was first issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) back in 2003. DOT rules...

Calif. Public Utilities Commission to release citations proposal.
July 1, 2008... On June 12, the Utilities Safety and Reliability Branch of the California Public Utilities Commission held a workshop regarding its proposed resolution to receive authority to cite and fine propane operators that are non-compliant with the...

CleanFUEL USA engine earns certification from EPA, CARB.
July 1, 2008... CleanFUEL USA has announced U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification of the industry's first and only propane-engine system that is an OEM replacement technology for both new and aftermarket gasoline powered engines. ...

NPGA issues safety alert for anhydrous ammonia exposure to propane cylinders.
July 1, 2008... Propane marketers are urged to be aware that propane cylinders with brass valves used in the production of methamphetamines could be damaged and dangerous. The safety alert--available at www. npga.org--warns marketers to be on the lookout...

Events.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)(Calendar)
July 1, 2008... * JULY 30-AUG. 1 Arkansas Propane Gas Association and Oklahoma Propane Gas Association summer convention and trade show at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City, OK. For details, contact Richard Hess at opga@ rhess.com or 405-424-1775. ...

In the know.(Vital Signs: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Opportunities Propane Resources surveyed 384 retail propane marketers from across the United States asking them the following questions about opportunities they have had with their businesses. We received...

Key propane attributes important in agriculture.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Key Propane Attributes Important in Agriculture [RATING DEALER VS. CUSTOMER] Attributes Dealer Producer Reliable 1 (91%) 3 (74%) More environmentally...

Propane use in agricultural operations.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)
July 1, 2008... Propane Use in Agricultural Operations [2008 314 RESPONDENTS WHO USE PROPANE] Heating buildings--shops or barns 41% Torches for welding, soldering or repairs 34% Hot water heaters-farm buildings ...

Strategy positions propane as preferred ag energy by 2010.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)
July 1, 2008... The propane industry has targeted 2010 as the year the agricultural industry recognizes propane as the preferred energy source. About 80 percent of U.S. farms use propane because of its environmental and economic benefits, according to a...

Capitol gains: propane industry descends on Washington, D.C. with its largest contingent of representatives yet.(PROPANE DAYS)(Cover story)
July 1, 2008... Nothing matches the experience of sitting down, meeting face to face with the local congressman or senator and explaining issues that are central to the propane industry. That was the message that came from Propane Days, held June 9-11 at the...

Gaining steam: using propane to control soil nematodes could add millions of off-peak gallons.(AGRICULTURE)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] If estimates hold true, the propane industry is poised for massive, off-peak market growth in the agricultural sector that could add 10 million gallons in annual sales. Propane-powered steam heat is being used...

Investments without return: retailers, buyers have differing views on what holds value in a company.(Business Matters)
July 1, 2008... Residential real-estate experts have known for years that dollars invested into existing homes for improvements do not return the same value when the homes are sold. For example, the amount of dollars spent to paint a house before placing...

Stay true to core values: leaders must help lessen gap between expected, actual safety behavior.(Safety First)
July 1, 2008... Safety is often touted as a core value in the propane industry. Yet from major marketers to mom and pops, all marketers have evil competitors who fail to practice safety as a core value. Supplying leaking systems, doing shoddy work,...

Keep proactive mentality: kudos to AmeriGas for recognizing a safety risk that was later addressed.(Legal Brief)
July 1, 2008... There has been a lot of press in the propane industry lately about the new manual and training DVD prepared by PERC regarding static electricity or static discharge, which can result in an accident at propane-transfer sites. This potential...

Let's grow your business: this monthly marketing resource will help you gain ideas and inspiration.(Marketing In Motion)
July 1, 2008... The re-engineering of LP Gas magazine continues with my acceptance of the challenge of writing a monthly column on marketing that relates to the propane industry. For several months, Editor Pat Hyland and I have been discussing propane...

Your risk of criminal liability: use vigilance in your company now to avoid an unwelcome surprise later.(Let's Talk)
July 1, 2008... The phrase "corporate criminals" evokes images of the high-profile financial meltdowns at Enron, Worldcom and Tyco, as well as the subsequent convictions of those corporations' top executives. Criminal liability and jail time are not just...

Key tool.(Product Showcase)
July 1, 2008... The Coleman Green Key tool is the first step in making empty single-use propane cylinders recyclable. The Coleman Company Inc. enables consumers to be sure their propane cylinders are completely empty before they are discarded along with...

Transmissions.(Product Showcase)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Allison Transmission Inc. announces that its fully automatic Allison transmissions provide superior fuel efficiency and optimum fuel economy. During acceleration, an Allison automatic provides smooth, seamless...

Flashlights.(Product Showcase)
July 1, 2008... Klein Tools introduces its new line of 10 flashlights, with advanced technology LEDs that provide superior light. For illumination in a variety of work environments, the Klein flashlights are made of nearly indestructible polymers for years of...

Fall protection.(Product Showcase)
July 1, 2008... SafeRack LLC is a provider of truck and railcar loading-rack and fall-protection equipment. The company offers the Permacable Horizontal Lifeline System, which is a synthetic, lightweight cable that is strung between L- or T-shaped supports...

Stakes.(Product Showcase)
July 1, 2008... Almetek Industries announces the launch of E-Z Smart Stakes, which allow the clear marking of pre-excavation sites. E-Z Smart Stakes eliminate the guesswork and reduce errors by clearly identifying the proper subsurface utility. Each facility...

Infrared camera.(New Products)
July 1, 2008... FLIR Systems Inc. announces the ThermaCAM/E GasFindIR CO to its line of infrared cameras. The new GasFindIR detects carbon monoxide that is created during a variety of industrial processes. The GasFindIR CO is optimized to work in an...

PTO.(New Products)(Parker Chelsea Introduces PTO )(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Parker Chelsea makes PTO installation on Ford Super Duty trucks simpler and more cost-effective with its new 247 Series PTO. Unlike other PTOs in the market that require multiple hoses and a remote valve, the 247...

Pressure logger.(New Products)(Dickson introduced pressure data logger)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The Dickson utility data-at-a-glance pressure data logger features a min/ max display enabling gas processors to quickly determine if pressures were maintained in required ranges. The submergible logger is also designed to make data downloading...

Torque wrenches.(New Products)(Norbar Torque Tools Inc. introduced gearbox design to its torque wrenches)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Norbar Torque Tools Inc. introduces a new gearbox design to its family of Pneutorque pneumatic torque wrenches. Models in the new series are now faster, lighter, smaller and easier to handle than other units of...

Cable reel.(New Products)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 112WCL Series welding cable reel from Coxreels is designed for long-lasting performance and is intended to protect your cable and enhance the safety of your work environment. The 112WCL Series is equipped with an...

Patio heater.(New Products)
July 1, 2008... Detroit Radiant Products Co. introduces the PH Series infrared patio heater, an addition to its line of gas-fired infrared heating equipment. Available in stainless steel and a black, powder-coated textured finish, the PH Series infrared patio...

Actaris Metering Systems.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(company overview of Actaris Metering Systems )(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... Trusted custody transfer from the dawn of the petroleum age Since the 1890s, the Neptune trade name has been known for accuracy and reliability. Today, with its home in Actaris Metering Systems, the Neptune product line remains the trusted...

American Management Corporation.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Experts in Fuel-Related Insurance Risks American Management Corporation is known for our expertise, integrity and knowledge throughout the fuel industry, and for our continued development of innovative and unique insurance products. ...

American Welding & Tank.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... An uncommon commitment to excellence American Welding & Tank began producing high-quality propane tanks and pressure vessels in 1917. AWT's plants are strategically located in Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Utah and is strategically positioned to...

Sherwood Valve.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... High-quality gas control products Sherwood has been producing high-quality gas control products for nearly a century, and is universally recognized as a leading ISO 9001 manufacturer with products that consistently meet the highest industry...

AmeriGas Wholesale.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... Our Customers' Success is our Business AmeriGas Wholesale is one of the nation's largest marketers of wholesale propane, propane equipment and related services. Over the years, we have grown from serving the needs of a few hundred customers...

Bergquist Inc.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Propane equipment and technical assistance is our business Bergquist is a 45-year-old distributor of equipment to the propane industry. The company was founded by Karl Bergquist in Toledo, Ohio, as one of the original distributors for...

Blackmer.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... Company Profile Blackmer, A Dover Company, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality flow technologies, including positive displacement pumps and oil-free compressors used in the transfer of hazardous, volatile and...

CHS Inc.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Manage volatility with confidence Are volatile prices negatively affecting your propane business? CHS understands the pressures you face. That's why we're committed to providing innovative ways to help our customers gain control, improve...

ConocoPhillips Propane.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Your ConocoPhillips North American Propane Marketing Team ConocoPhillips' experienced propane sales representatives understand your business and are ready to provide you with reliable propane supply and...

Cramer Decker Industries.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... Growing to meet your needs Founded in 1981, Cromer Decker Industries has been a world leader in gas containment and delivery technologies for more than two decades. Begun simply as a product distributor in the low-pressure compressed gas...

Dixie Chopper.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview of Dixie Chopper Business Center)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... For nearly 30 years Dixie Chopper has been building tomorrow's mowers today, creating the most productive machines in the mowing industry. Dixie's 20 models range a 22-horsepower engine and a 34-inch cut to a 35-horsepower engine with a 74-inch...

Elster Gas North America.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... The Best Just Got Better Elster Perfection and Elster American Meter part of Elster Gas North America have teamed up to bring you world-class products, reliability you can trust while improving your LP gas distribution integrity. Our...

Fueling Technologies Inc.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The Best Inventory Management Solutions in the Business We Are As Good As We Claim Let Us Show You Time-Tested and Proven! Why are customers buying? RECONCILIATION! The desire and need for improved inventory management tools....

Hannay Reels Inc.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Hannay Celebrates its 75th Year In 2008, Hannay observes its diamond anniversary. Since 1933, Hannay Reels has been helping companies around the world improve productivity, efficiency, and safety with top quality hose and cable reels....

Heritage Propane.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... A Company of Companies Heritage Propane was founded in 1989 based on the principles of integrity, honesty and fairness. For nearly 20 years, Heritage has helped the owners of more than 150 companies transition from the day-to-day...

Kenworth Truck Company.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Manufacturer of The World's Best[TM] heavy- and medium-duty trucks. The Kenworth heavy-duty product line includes the aerodynamic Kenworth T660 and T2000, traditional W900, tough C500 and versatile T800. For propane distributors, the...

Liberty Propane.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... The Propane Partner of Choice Liberty Propane was founded in July 2003 and remains steadfast in acquiring and operating quality retail propane marketers in attractive geographic regions of the country. Led by an experienced management team...

Marshall Excelsior Company.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... HISTORY For over 30 years, Marshall Excelsior Company has been producing some of the highest-quality fittings and valves for the LPG industry. From our humble beginnings as a manufacturer of brass fittings and pigtails, we have risen to...

Marshall Gas Controls.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Domestic and Global Manufacturing Since 1979, Marshall Gas Controls, a division of the SH Leggitt Company, has been a leading manufacturer of regulators, hose assemblies and accessory items for the LP gas, RV and outdoor cooking industries....

MID:COM.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... MID:COM pioneered the computer register business in 1975. There are more than 30,000 of our computers and registers operating in all types of weather. Operating range is as diverse as the tropical heat of South America to the bitter cold of the...

Paraco Gas Corp.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Best of Both Worlds... As acquisitions help Paraco Gas Corp. expand into a regional company, it remains the "neighborhood" supplier of propane for its customers. When Airgas Northeast decided to sell the LPG portion of its Stratford,...

Propane Resources.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Being your business partner Propane Resources is a full-service consulting firm for the propane industry, and then some. The company's main services focus around supply and risk management; business valuations and sales; operational...

Ray Murray Inc.: gas equipment and hearth distributor.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... Ray Murray Inc.--Top Brands, Top Support, Top People Ray Murray Sr. had to quit his job to start Ray Murray Inc (RMI). This decision was a significant one... he had dedicated 25 years to a propane equipment manufacturer. He also had a...

RegO[R] Products.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... RegO[R] Products--Proudly made in America Remember your first? Chances are it was a RegO[R]. That is because RegO valves and regulators were the first to be designed specifically for propane gas. Propane marketers have always relied on...

Trinity Containers.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... Manufacturing metal pressure containers for the world marketplace Trinity Containers' logo represents more than 70 years of continuous manufacturing and metal fabrication experience. Trinity is recognized as a leader in the markets that it...

Rochester Gauges Inc.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)
July 1, 2008... World-Class Liquid Level Gauges Rochester Gauges Inc. is dedicated to establishing the industry standard for quality in LP gas liquid level gauges. Rochester Gauges Inc. is celebrating 95 years in business, founded in 1913 as a...

Rush Truck Centers.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Rush Truck Centers)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... A Name You Can Trust. Rush Truck Centers is North America's largest heavy- and medium-duty dealer organization. Over the years, we've earned a solid reputation for excellence, fairness, our positive altitude and solutions that exceed...

WESROC[R]: one source for all remote monitoring needs.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(overview of Independent Technologies)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... Engineering History Independent Technologies originally designed the WESROC[R] Payphone Monitor in 1986. It remotely counted the money, routed coin collectors and repair personnel and routinely reported the status of each phone over the...

Worthington Cylinders.(CORPORATE CAPABILITIES)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... Our commitment to excellence With more than 35 years of industry experience, Worthington Cylinders continues to exceed industry standards and customer expectations with the products we manufacture, the services we provide and the people we...

Alta Oil & Propane Co. Inc.: California company celebrating 75 years juggles busy agricultural season.(Snap Shot: COMPANIES TO WATCH)
July 1, 2008... When Richard Linzmeier steps outside on a cold night in central California, he can hear engines buzzing. "It sounds like a bunch of World War II bombers taking off," says Linzmeier, president of Alta Oil & Propane Co. Inc. in Reedley,...