LP/Gas articles from June 2004

LP/Gas archives from June 2004

NPGA: REC loan proposal gives unfair advantage.(Washington, D.C.)(National Propane Gas Association)(Regional Electricity Company)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The National Propane Gas Association is asking President Bush to stop a proposed regulation that would provide federal loan guarantees to the rural electric cooperative lenders. NPGA says the proposal would increase risky lending and give...

Propane fleets earn recognition for exceptional use.(Fort Lauderdale, Florida)(Propane Education & Research Council)(PROPANE Exceptional Energy Fleet Awards )(10th National Clean Cities Conference & Expo. )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Five fleets have earned awards from the Propane Education & Research Council for their exceptional use of propane as a motor fuel. The fourth annual PROPANE Exceptional Energy Fleet Awards were announced in May during the U.S. Department of...

2004 edition of NFPA 58 released to public.(Washington, D.C.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The 2004 edition of NFPA 58 is available to the public and industry, newly renumbered and complete with a and two new chapters. The revision includes new definitions, a new section addressing the use of materials or systems that exceed...

Hazmat driver fingerprint deadline extended to 2005.(Washington, D.C.)(HAZMAT drivers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Transportation Security Administration has extended its deadline for fingerprint-based background checks for hazardous materials drivers. The deadline, which was set for this past April 1, was extended to Jan. 31, 2005. More than 3.5...

Energy Guys boot-scootin' across CMT awards shows.(Nashville, Tennessee)
June 1, 2004... The stars of the propane industry's advertising campaign reached out to potential consumers with four advertisements during the highly-rated 2004 Country Music Television Flameworthy Awards. The Energy Guys commercials even served as...

Propane Energy Guys grill safely in new point-of-purchase tags.(Washington, D.C.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Bill stuffers, hang tags and table-top signs, featuring the Propane Energy Guys promoting safe grilling tips, will be available soon for purchase. The safe-grilling materials will link the advertising campaign to grilling products to...

'Take a Retailer to Lunch' program launched.(Washington, D.C.)(Propane Education & Research Council)(Take a Retailer to Lunch)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Propane Education & Research Council is encouraging propane marketers to build a relationship with manufactured home retailers in their areas by taking them to lunch. The "Take a Retailer to Lunch" campaign suggests that retailers...

DOT vows to speed up RIN processing backlog.(Washington, D.C.)
June 1, 2004... With a May 31 deadline looming, the Department of Transportation has pledged to more quickly issue Requalifier Identification Numbers. Bob McGuire, associate administrator for HAZMAT safety at Research and Special Programs Administration,...

White-Rodgers gas water heater controls recalled.(Washington, D.C.)
June 1, 2004... White-Rodgers is recalling 88,000 temperature controls for its gas water heater because of a fire hazard. The controls can gradually open instead of snapping open to full flow, causing soot build-up on the water heater burner. The...

Counterfeit Trinity nameplates fooling tank buyers.(Dallas, Texas)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Propane tanks destined to be scrapped are being marked with counterfeit nameplates and resold to unwitting customers. The obsolete tanks, which were taken out of service, are being resold under a nameplate that reads: "TRINITY STEEL CO. of...

PropanePAC raises $7,000 at Southeastern Convention.(Atlanta, Georgia)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The propane industry's lobbying group collected $7,000 during the Southeastern Convention in Atlanta in April. The group, which works on behalf of the industry to lobby for favorable regulations, raised $124,000 during 2003. The political...

Inergy acquires companies in New York, Arkansas.(Kansas City, Missouri)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Kansas City-based Inergy will add about 4,000,000 gallons of propane to its totals with the purchase of Burnwell Gas Corp. and its affiliates, Sullivan County Gas Service Inc. and Sarpol Gas Corp., in the Hudson Valley area of New York. ...

Heritage Operating buys North Carolina propane retailer.(Dallas, Texas)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Heritage Operating LP, the retail propane division of Energy Transfer Partners LP, has acquired the assets of Edwards Propane in Marshville, N.C. Founded in 1996 by Carroll Edwards and Linda and Terry McAnelly, Edwards Propane serves about...

Energy Transfer to acquire TUFCO pipeline system.(Dallas, Texas)(mergers and acquisitions)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Energy Transfer Partners LP will purchase the midstream natural gas assets of TXU Fuel Co. in a $500 million deal. Known as the TUFCO System, the assets include 2,000 miles of intrastate pipeline and related storage facilities in Texas. The...

Nissan Forklift offers new engine-powered forklifts.(Marengo, Illinois)(Platinum Series)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Nissan Forklift is launching the Platinum Series, its new line of forklifts. The lift trucks are available in pneumatic, compact pneumatic and cushion-tire models with the latest technological advances for increased efficiency and...

A safer road to travel?(View Point)
June 1, 2004... The first major change in 65 years to the rules that govern the time that truck drivers spend on duty has survived its first winter crunch test. Nine years after Congress directed the U.S. Department of Transportation to overhaul its...

Leading a Retail Propane Company.(In The Know)(Illustration)
June 1, 2004... During the 2003 Propane Marketing and Operations Forum, Propane Resources asked attendees of the "Leading a Retail Propane Company" sessions about their companies. Here's what they had to say. Topic: Leading a Retail Propane Company ...

LP/Gas stock index.
June 1, 2004... Propane Master Limited Partnership Comparison Company Symbol Quarter Price Distribution Ended (5/13/04) AmeriGas APU Mar. $26.32 $2.20 Energy...

Upcoming events.(Propane Gas Association)(Calendar)
June 1, 2004... * June 29-July 1 North Central Trade Show and meeting. Regional trade show and educational seminars hosted by Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin Propane Gas Associations. For details, contact Roger Leider at 763-633-4271 or mpga@mnpropane.org. ...

Heating degree days by state.(Weather Watch)
June 1, 2004... Heating degree days by state State April Deviation Last 12 Deviation from norm months from norm Alabama 164 13 2747 -107 Alaska 858...

Reminders require creativity, diligence.(Safety First)
June 1, 2004... It seems these days that customers largely ignore or fail to appreciate the safety information we give them. Whether it is apathy or ignorance, our customers often take their own well-being and safety for granted. It's not that they don't...

Think win/win in relationships.(Business Matters)
June 1, 2004... The fourth in our series of Habits of Highly Effective Propane Companies involves how to approach the important relationships in our business--those with customers, trade partners, venders and employees. Win/win is a superior philosophical...

Energy bill again fails to win support.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... After failing to get the Senate to approve the comprehensive Energy Policy Act, supporters introduced a smaller package in hopes it would allay fears of reluctant senators about increasing the budget deficit. Their effort failed. A...

Energy grants available.(Briefly Speaking)(for rural small businesses and farmers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * The U.S. Department of Agriculture is giving $11.4 million in grants for rural small businesses and farmers who show financial need to make energy improvements. * Allowable costs include buying equipment (excluding vehicles), energy...

Alt fuel vehicle growth predicted.(Briefly Speaking)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Alternative-fueled/advanced engine technology autos will comprise 19 percent of the U.S. market for light-duty market by 2025, the Energy Information Administration predicts. EIA's International Energy Outlook 2004, which forecasts use of...

Correction.(Briefly Speaking)(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2004... * The Bush administration asked for $200 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program reserve fund for 2005. The April column gave the wrong figure.

Foiled again: foil insert promises to prevent propane tank explosions.(Safe *T* Propane Inc.)
June 1, 2004... A third-generation Ohio propane retailer has big plans to expand his business on the promise of offering customers a product that prevents any propane vessels from exploding. Nationwide Safe *T* Propane Inc. of Germantown, Ohio has patented...

Safer bobtails integrate performance, maintenance technology.(Safety first)(Bobtails)
June 1, 2004... Even your most responsible veteran propane delivery man occasionally slips up as he hustles through the day's delivery schedule and back to the shop while the clock ticks down on his work shift. Oversights to the checklist of critical...

Beyond the basics: bobtail redesign includes driver protection and convenience innovations.
June 1, 2004... An out-of-control vehicle swerving down a mountain road forces a propane delivery vehicle carrying 2,500 gallons of fuel into evasive action. It slides onto the icy shoulder, then plunges down a 40-foot embankment. Yet the load of propane...

Large-frame reel.(Products)(Series 40 line of large-frame reels.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Reelcraft Industries introduces its Series 40 line of large-frame reels that offers flexible, customized reel configurations in five days. The Series 40 reels offer options for size, guide arm position, motor location and accessories. Its...

Termination flange.(Products)(Kamco)(Copper Stopper termination flange )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Kamco offers its Copper Stopper termination flange to provide a smooth transition between the copper tube and standard pipe and reduce the amount of Gas-Tec coated tubing required. The product leaves a clean and professional finish to your...

Articulating tire service crane.(Products)(Model 9000 Crane.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Stellar Industries Inc. introduces its model 9000 articulating tire service crane, capable of lifting 9,000 pounds at 10 feet. The crane has a maximum horizontal reach of 16 feet from the crane's centerline, with a 290-degree rotation. It...

Heavy-duty tool set.(Products)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... LINK Tools presents a new set of tools designed for heavy-duty industries. The three-quarter-inch tools are engineered to make repairs on buses, trucks, building cranes, earth-moving equipment and more. A patented quick-lock technology...

Pneumatic torque wrench.(Products)(Norbar Torque Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Norbar Torque Tools presents its Model PT52 Pneutorque pneumatic torque wrench for working in especially fast, compact situations. The wrench features a 2-inch diameter gearbox and a new air motor design that is engineered to be a fast,...

Redesigned crane.(Products)(Ideal Crane Corp)(Liberator 6000 crane)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Ideal Crane Corp. offers its redesigned Liberator 6000 crane with an improved solid-state electrical control system to virtually eliminate the causes of electrical problems in electric cranes. The crane features a new hydraulic pump and a...

Truck bodies.(Products)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... H&H Sales Company Inc. presents its KM, EM and EMGC series of crane-equipped truck bodies. The truck bodies are ideal for loading, hauling and unloading propane tanks and other equipment. The styles are sized to fit any one-ton or 1.5-ton...

Electronic register.(Products)(Actaris Metering Systems )(Measurement Canada)(E4000 electronic register)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Actaris Metering Systems announces the Canadian release of its E4000 electronic register. The register, which was approved by Measurement Canada, is designed to automate, streamline, and simplify fuel truck delivery services. It is...

Gas-fired radiant heater.(Products)(Enerco Technical Products )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Enerco Technical Products introduces its HST gas-fired radiant heater for indoor or outdoor use. The HST is rated at 45,000 Btu/hour with an overall length of 10 feet. It is available in either natural gas or propane and may be used for...

Mini skid steer.(Products)(Ditch Witch SK300)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Charles Machine Works Inc. introduces its Ditch Witch SK300, a versatile mini skid steer designed for a wide range of landscaping, utility, fencing and construction tasks. The SK300 transforms from a trencher to a loader, a pallet...

Thermal feedback control unit.(Products)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... ACME Alternate Fuel Systems offers Technocarb's Thermal Feedback Control Unit for stabilizing vaporizer temperature to reduce heavy ends and oil contamination caused by the "cracking effect." The control unit, which can be used on...

Solving the truck computer mystery.(Let's Talk)
June 1, 2004... OK, so we aren't the most adventurous industry when it comes to technology. Those of us who waited when the first truck computer devices came out might have not have been so dumb. Many marketers were heard to say, "But the cost is too...

Tattoo Heaven.(Gas Pains)
June 1, 2004... GARY WAS DETERMINED TO KEEP PROPANE SAFETY ON HIS HAND.