The PERC Update: Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements, Preparing for Peak Season
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VIDEO: New Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements As of Feb. 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will require all new commercial driver’s license and hazard materials endorsement applicants to successfully complete entry-level driver training before they are eligible to sit for state CDL or Hazmat exams. Watch the video to learn more about the new entry-level driver requirements and available training from PERC and NPGA.
WEBINAR: Entry-Level Driver Training Please join us Thursday, Nov. 18 at 12:30 p.m. EST for the newest Propane Presents Technology Series webinar to learn how PERC and NPGA are working together to assist the industry with new federal entry level driver training requirements. PERC’s Vice President of Safety and Training Eric Kuster and Learning Management System Administrator Chris Hanson will discuss how marketers can use The Learning Center as a one-stop shop for all things compliance and training.
Popular Homebuilders Tout Propane Heating Benefits, Versatility to 11 Million Viewers and Listeners Susan and Paul Kadilak run a successful homebuilding and renovation company, a real estate brokerage, and an interior design firm. They have 80,000 followers on social media. Earlier this week, they were on TV and radio stations across the country touting to homeowners the benefits of using propane to efficiently heat a home. So far, they’ve reached 11 million viewers and listeners, with even more media placements to air soon.
VIDEO: Perkins Builder Brothers Bust Propane Myths New homebuyers generally rely on their homebuilder’s expertise when it comes to energy sources. And that’s doubly true when your homebuilders are Erik and Jaime Perkins, the stars of the Perkins Builder Brothers. The brothers record their adventures and advice as homebuilders in the mountainous Bryson City, N.C. area, where they build high-quality, custom vacation homes. But their knowledge and dedication to the craft of building shine through on their channel as they highlight construction techniques and business management tips to help fellow builders learn the tricks of the trade. In our latest video series, the Perkins brothers addressed three common misconceptions about propane and the environment to help builders and their clients make smart energy choices that accomplish their environmental goals.
Meeting the Carbon Emissions Challenge For the past two weeks, leaders from around the world have convened in Scotland with a mandate of nothing less than to save humanity from climate catastrophe. But hopes of the 26th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) producing a simple panacea like “electrify everything” to stem global climate change are dubious at best. Using the cleanest possible energies available to us today is one way to ensure immediate, meaningful action, according to PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins.
Ready for Peak Demand? There's Still Time to Prepare Peak demand is beginning in many parts of the country, and most experts are predicting logistical challenges at different points in the propane supply chain. There’s still time for you to do a few things to make sure you’re ready for what’s to come. Here are suggestions from NPGA’s Propane Supply and Logistics Committee, and Propane Producers and Wholesalers Section members: Prepare With Credit Lines: Develop plans with your suppliers so you can stay within your credit line during the peak winter months. Is it enough to support your peak winter volume needs? Consider paying via electronic funds transfer or wire if you aren’t already. Keeping your account current will be key to managing your credit line. Think About Supply Security: Consider contracting a portion of your winter supply needs at the closest off-hub storage site. Trucking capacity will be at a premium. The closer you can be to the source of your gas, the better. With the winter months being cheaper than the current months, it doesn’t incentivize suppliers to store propane. Spot gas could be sparse and expensive. Line Up Your Transportation: Discuss your anticipated winter demand with your transportation partners so you are prepared. Limited trucks and drivers could lead to delayed deliveries, so having early conversations is essential. Keeping your tanks full will offer a buffer if there are delays. Use Resources from NPGA and PERC: NPGA’s Member Dashboard includes the ABCs of Supply Planning, an updated white paper on supply and logistics planning, as well as updated supply reports from IHS Markit Ltd. Access NPGA’s Propane Logistics Analysis Network (PLAN) on your desktop or through the NPGAction app. Submit wait times at terminals and help inform the industry. PERC provides information to customers on winter preparation as well as a collection of resources to communicate with consumers, including radio and print ads and other collateral materials.
Paraco Gas CEO Releases Book Paraco Gas Corp. CEO Joe Armentano is releasing his first book, A Helluva Ride. The book chronicles how his father, Pat Armentano, built Paraco Gas into one of the largest independent propane companies in the Northeast. Joe Armentano is a former PERC chairman, president of the New York State Propane Gas Association, and a member of NPGA’s Executive Committee and board. A portion of the book sale proceeds go to The Boys and Girls Club of America.
Get Reliable Fleet Performance in Cold Weather An increasing number of propane marketers are choosing propane autogas when they specify and purchase vehicles. Why? They provide: