In the Know is a monthly partnership between LP Gas and Propane Resources. This month, Obie Dixon shares what is influencing the purchase of new and replacement vehicles.
Goto CIMC ENRIC to know more.
QUESTION: What is driving decisions to purchase new and replacement vehicles?
ANSWER: If someone poses the question to you, &#;Why did you buy that new bobtail or service truck?&#; The answer may well be, &#;Many different factors went into my decision.&#;
We&#;ll focus on the following, realizing there could be many more reasons to purchase new or replacement vehicles.
Aging fleet: Your aging fleet is always a major factor in the purchasing decision, and it&#;s one of the most difficult. Looking closely at your existing fleet, one of the questions you must examine is, &#;Are my repair bills starting to add up because of the frequency of shop time?&#;
Having a bobtail in the shop for a few days in July is different than a bobtail in the shop for a few days in January. A repair bill is something tangible to measure. Downtime is intangible but very important in determining what a repair actually costs.
In today&#;s market, it may be wise to take advantage of the increased value of used vehicles. New bobtails and service trucks have gone up in cost significantly over the past three years but so has the value of your used bobtails and service trucks. Now may be a good time to evaluate the cost of buying new and the ability to sell your existing fleet for higher value.
Additional business: Additional business should factor into the decision. As you add customers, you get to the point of needing to add more employees to support the additional customers. If you need an additional driver to handle new business, it probably makes sense to have a vehicle for the new person to operate. This is a decision each business must evaluate and recognize where the tipping point is on an additional driver and/or equipment.
Tax incentives and the availability of state or federal grant money: Sometimes the government, both state and federal, offers incentives toward &#;green&#; energy for certain technology.
We have a distinct advantage working right in the middle of the green energy sector. Some states still have funds from the Volkswagen settlement, and some states offer grant money that could help pay for a new bobtail by up to 50 percent. Stay informed on what your state offers, and make sure you&#;re taking advantage of any and all incentives.
Good business year: A good year is always reason to celebrate by putting money back into your company. You can, and should, pay out bonuses and bump pay. But when you buy new bobtails and service trucks, your employees will be appreciative. A new bobtail and/or service truck will boost morale with your employees.
As always, the decision is ultimately yours to make. We always suggest gathering all of the information and options available to you with regard to vehicle purchases and then making a well-informed decision that benefits you, your employees and your business.
Obie Dixon is the director of special projects for Propane Resources. He can be reached at 913-262- or .
A: North Texas is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. If you're one of the thousands of new North Texans who've found themselves in a home that uses propane, you may very well ask yourself "who is the best company that does propane delivery near me?"
Many people try to find the best local propane company by searching Google for Propane Near Me, Propane Delivery Near Me, or Propane Near Here. Google will show results for several companies that look fairly similar.So how can you determine which local propane company is the right one for you? How should you decide? You might start by checking for honest, competitive prices and determining who has the best service.
PRICES
Competitive prices are at the top of everyone&#;s list to look into when selecting a propane company. Asking whether there are any additional hidden surcharges, fees, expenses, compensations, royalties, commissions, taxes, duties, payments, assessments, levies, stipends, bonuses, percentages, expenditures, customs, remunerations, costs, tolls, antes, tariffs, outlays, vigorishes, rake-offs, pieces of the action, cuts, bites, or juice is a real good place to start.
Many local propane companies charge, among others, an Early Termination Fee ($149.99), a Fuel Recovery Fee(~$5.89), a Hazmat & Safety Compliance Fee ($10.99), a Leak Check Charge (up to $100.00 or more), a Meter Fee ($11.99 per month), a Pumpout/Restocking Charge (up to $149.99), a Reconnect Charge ($79.99), a Returned Check Fee ($33.00), a Service Dispatch Charge ($59.99), a Special Trip Charge (charges vary depending on mileage), a Will Call Convenience Fee ($6.99 per delivery)
Texas Best Propane has none of that. Our prices are by the gallon. Up front. Plain and Simple. No games. No hidden charges. Many propane companies may initially seem like they have a better price, but end up costing considerably more when the additional charges are piled on.
SERVICE
Service is a broad term. It includes everything from "being nice" when we answer the to going the extra mile to help you out when it's cold and you&#;re out of gas to performing a leak test on your propane system and making sure your propane system is safe for you and your family.
Depending on where you live, several different propane companies will deliver to your location. If they can manage to deliver better service than Texas Best Propane, they're an unbelievable, world-class, gold-medal, top-of-the-heap propane company.
So who provides the "best propane delivery near me?" Now that you know a little more about how some propane companies' add-on charges take away from your bottom line, we'll bet you'll join the growing number of folks saying it's Texas Best Propane.
A: Call the office at (903) 583- and we'll get you started. We'll discuss Texas Best Propane's various programs including leasing a tank, our keep full service, etc. If you own your propane tank, we'll come by and drop off safety literature as we perform our free Propane Safety Check. If you want to lease a propane tank with us, we'll set the tank, perform the Propane Safety Check, and fill your new tank. If you want to start as a "will call" customer, we ask that you regularly monitor your propane tank and contact us when your tank reaches no less than 30%. Please give us a call at least three business days before propane delivery is needed.
A: One of the most visited subjects in the propane industry is distance requirements for propane tanks. When determining where to set a propane tank, you must consider local, state, and Federal propane safety codes that specify the distances your propane tank must be from structures such as homes, driveways, other propane tanks, etc. Variables such as propane tank volume, above-ground vs. underground tanks, etc. must be considered. Of course we want your propane tank in a location that pleases you as well as satisfying the numerous propane regulations.
We will work closely with you set your new propane tank at a safe location that is ideal for clear delivery access. If you are building a new home and want to discuss propane tank location, please give us a call at (903) 583- and we'll be happy to help you select a suitable spot.
A: It's probably a good idea to be at home for your initial propane delivery. Our drivers like to get to meet you and record any specific instructions you may have. Little details like the location of your propane tank (especially if it is buried) and the presence of hidden obstacles such as septic tanks, sprinkler heads, rabid dogs, etc. can be pretty important. Once our drivers know where your propane tank is, what objects need to be avoided, and other concerns you may have, they generally feel comfortable making subsequent propane deliveries while customers are not at home. Call (903) 583- and we'll answer any additional questions you may have.
A: There&#;s a first time for everything. Folks with no experience with propane that buy or rent a home with a big propane tank in the backyard frequently have no idea where to get propane or what to do with the tank. Texas Best Propane can help. Just call us at (903) 583- and we'll take care of the details. Your Texas Best Propane delivery man will come to your house, introduce himself, and answer any questions you may have. He will check to make sure your propane system is functioning properly and that there are no safely concerns before filling your propane tank.
A: Propane (sometimes called liquefied petroleum gas, LP gas, or LPG) is America's third most widely used source of fuel energy, behind gasoline and diesel fuel. At standard pressure and temperature, propane exists as a colorless and odorless gas. When supercooled to below -44°f or subjected to high pressures, propane condenses to a liquid that is 270 times more compact, making it commercially economical to transport and store. The propane in an approved propane tank / cylinder exists in a liquid and vapor state. The propane vapor is released from the container as a clean-burning propane gas.
Propane is manufactured during crude oil refining and during natural gas processing. Approximately 90 percent of the United States&#; propane supply is produced domestically. Propane is therefore a secure, readily available energy source "Made in the USA."
A: Raw (pure) propane is naturally colorless and odorless, which could create a safety hazard should a leak occur. Propane producers deliberately add a chemical compound (usually ethyl mercaptan or ethanethiol) to give commercially-available propane a strong, unpleasant smell. Odorized propane is compared to rotten eggs, a skunk&#;s spray, or a dead animal. This strong odor helps alert customers to propane leaks.
A suspected propane leak is to be considered an emergency, and should never be ignored. Always act immediately should you should smell gas, even if your propane detectors don't sound an alarm.
For more lpg-bobtail-truckinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
A: Not everyone has a keen sense of smell. People's sense of smell naturally wanes over the years. Various injuries, medical conditions, medications, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc. can also diminish one's ability to smell propane. The inability to perceive odor is known as anosmia. Anosmia can go undiagnosed for years and can be problematic should a gas leak occur. This is a good reason to have propane detectors installed.
A suspected propane leak is to be considered an emergency, and should never be ignored. Always act immediately should you suspect a propane leak.
A: Commercially-available propane is manufactured and sold with an added odorant chemical (ethyl mercaptan). There are, however, chemical processes through which the odorant is unintentionally lost, making the propane harder to smell. Although rare, propane odor loss can be caused by the presence of rust on the inside walls of the propane tank or propane cylinder. This can happen when air and moisture get inside an empty propane tank or propane cylinder that has its valve open. Properly located, installed, and maintained propane detectors provide an additional measure of security should this unlikely event occur.
A: Propane gas detectors are designed to sound an alarm if they sense the presence of propane. Unlike your nose, the alarm does not depend on the concentration of odorant in the air, just the concentration of propane at the detector. High-quality, properly-functioning propane gas detectors add another layer of safety in the event of a propane leak. Be sure all propane detectors you consider are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
We recommend that all propane customers have functioning propane gas detectors properly located, installed, and routinely maintained as per the manufacturer's instructions. Detectors are especially important if there are those in your home with difficulty smelling propane, or if there are appliances in little-used areas in your home where the smell of propane might not be quickly detected.
A suspected propane leak is to be considered an emergency, and should never be ignored. Always act immediately should your propane detector sound an alarm, even if you don't smell gas.
A: There are several excellent detectors available in a number of price ranges. At a minimum, we recommend that a carbon monoxide (CO) detector listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) be installed on every level of your home. Be sure to always follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.
Propane gas detectors provide an additional measure of security in the event of a gas leak. It is recommended that you install propane gas detectors listed by UL in your home. As with CO detectors, be sure to follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.
A: Treat all propane gas odors seriously. Any odors may indicate a dangerous situation. If you think you smell propane in or around your home or building, immediately follow these procedures:
A: Give us us a call at (903) 583-. We'll come out to check your propane tank and do a pressure test. If the tank is privately owned or rented from Texas Best Propane, we can go ahead and initiate delivery service. If the tank is owned by another company, we'll be glad to first switch out the tank at no additional charge.
A: Yes, Texas Best Propane offers both above-ground and underground propane tanks in a variety of sizes for sale and for lease. Call us at (903) 583- to discuss which option is right for you.
A: Texas Best Propane loves new customers. When you call us at (903) 583-, we will take down your pertinent information, determine the size tank you will need, and schedule a tank swap-out appointment.
When we arrive at your home, we will briefly inspect your tank and piping to make sure it is installed properly. Then we will swap our tank with your existing tank, perform a safety test, discuss safety issues with you, and answer any questions you may have. We will then notify your previous propane supplier to come pick up their old tank.
A: Propane tanks come in many sizes, but the average residential customer will need a tank between 250 and 1,000 gallons. Folks that use a lot of propane generally choose larger 500 or 1,000 gallon tanks. If space in your yard is limited or if you want your tank out of sight, you may opt for an underground tank.
A: Propane tanks are always on. "Not getting gas" usually means you've run out of gas. Give us a call at (903) 583- and and we'll get you fixed up ASAP.
A: Regulations keep us from filling propane bottles and cylinders from the bobtail truck. But we'll be glad to set up a permanent propane line for your gas grill.
A: This is really not a good DIY project. Installing a propane tank is harder than it looks and should be left to our experienced propane service technicians. There are a host of state and Federal propane safety regulations that govern specifics such as minimum distances to adjacent structures, attaching and/or modifying essential components such as piping, valves, gauges, regulators, etc.
Trying to set, install, fix, modify, adjust, correct, customize, convert, tweak, rectify, remedy, repair, rework, redo, remodel, revise, refashion, or work on your propane system in any way is dangerous and may very well be illegal. Ignoring this advice is extremely hazardous and could be catastrophic.
For advice, installation, maintenance, modifications, and other propane services, call us at (903) 583-. We'll be glad to help however we can.
A: Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Transportation only allows propane tanks to be filled to a maximum of 5 percent as the propane tanks are transported down the highway. We'll be sure to bring the bobtail by and fill your new propane tank before you run out of gas.
A: Liquid propane expands quite a bit as the temperature rises.*In order to accommodate for this volume expansion, propane tanks aren't filled above 80% capacity. It's standard industry practice and important in order to maintain a safety margin.
A: As with all substances, the density of liquid propane varies with its temperature.* At a constant pressure, the colder the propane, the more dense it becomes. The warmer the propane, the less dense it becomes. Cooler, more dense liquid propane occupies less volume, while warmer, less dense liquid propane occupies more volume. So, with a constant mass of propane, your propane tank gauge will register less propane volume when it's cold outside and more propane volume when it's warm outside.
This variation in propane density / volume can lead to confusion with normal outdoor temperature variations, as a constant mass of propane can vary quite a bit in volume throughout the day. If you really feel your equipment really is malfunctioning, call us at (903) 583- and we'll come out and perform a safety check.
A: We encourage all of our customers to become familiar with their propane tank and equipment so they can help keep track of how much fuel is on hand. Propane tanks are filled to no more than 80% capacity to allow for the normal expansion of liquid propane during periods of high temperatures. For example, a 500 gallon tank is generally filled to no more than 400 gallons of liquid propane. Keep in mind that the gauge is strictly an indicator of the liquid fuel volume in the tank, which can vary by as much as 10% with temperature fluctuations.
A: No. Your propane tank needs to be a safe distance from any sources of heat or ignition. Remember, Propane is flammable.
A: Propane tanks are designed and manufactured to withstand high pressures and most common impacts. It's hail-proof. Objects to watch out for include things like automobiles, tractors, 4-wheelers, livestock, etc. Remember that the gauges, piping leading from the tank, etc. are much more delicate than the propane tank itself and should be treated with care. If you're ever concerned about the integrity of your propane tank or piping system, give us a call at (903) 583- and we'll come out and perform a Safety Check.
*At 60°F, 1 gallon of liquid propane weighs 4.24 pounds. Liquid propane expands 1.5% per 10°F. So 4.24 pounds of liquid propane at 70°F occupies 1.5% more than a gallon. And 4.24 pounds of liquid propane at 50°F occupies 1.5% less than a gallon. 4.24 pounds of liquid propane at 0°F occupies ---% less than a gallon. When this factor is multiplied by 100 gallons, the difference is ---- gallons.
A: If you are moving, please give us a call at (903) 583- to let us know in advance the date you wish to close your account. If you are on an automatic delivery schedule, we will need to pull your delivery ticket from our system. We encourage individuals selling their homes to include the cost of the propane in their tanks in their closing arrangements. We can easily provide these figures to your realtor or closing representative.
A: You don&#;t need to. We can survey your new property and set you up with a new propane system. Just leave your old tank behind.
A: Yes. Rusty, unpainted or dark-colored tanks do not reflect sunlight and may absorb excess heat. This can cause increased pressure, possibly leading to a discharge from the pressure release valve. Call us at (903) 583- for more details.
A: Yes. Call before you dig. If underground pipes bring propane to your house, be sure to call us at (903) 583- before making an addition to your home, doing major landscaping, installing fence posts, or digging for any reason.
A: Installation includes delivering your propane tank, hooking up the system, performing a safety check and lighting appliances. You must be home during the propane tank installation, which generally doesn&#;t take more than an hour or two.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit hydrogen filling station.