Propane Revolutionizes Energy Resilience: Celebrating National Propane Day 2023

October 5th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

In a bid to acknowledge the remarkable role of propane in ensuring energy resilience across the nation, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is gearing up for the second annual National Propane Day, set to take place on October 7, 2023. This special day serves as a platform to commemorate the versatile applications of propane in sustaining various facets of American life, with a special focus on its significant contributions to material handling operations.

Jim Bunsey, the Director of Commercial Business Development at PERC, emphasized, “Propane stands as the unsung hero of the U.S. supply chain, powering material handling operations both large and small.”

Propane has been a trusted energy source for material handling operations for decades, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Its versatility shines as it can be safely utilized both indoors and outdoors, maintaining efficient material flow while keeping emissions at bay. In contemporary times, propane fuels a range of equipment, including forklifts, terminal tractors, and light- to medium-duty vehicles.

Notably, propane boasts a low carbon footprint, exceptional efficiency, and unwavering reliability. These qualities position it as an ideal choice for bolstering the resilience of warehouses and ports. With the capability to drive both primary and backup generators, facilities can remain fully operational regardless of the status of the electrical grid.

Jim Bunsey reiterated, “National Propane Day underscores the profound impact of propane on material handling operations nationwide.”

In addition to celebrating the existing benefits of propane, PERC is also lauding the growth and production of renewable propane, marking a significant step toward achieving zero carbon emissions. Renewable propane, predominantly derived from plant and vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil, preserves the reliability, portability, and power of conventional propane, all while introducing no additional carbon emissions into the environment.

As we approach National Propane Day 2023, the propane industry stands at the forefront of ensuring energy resilience and environmental responsibility. This annual celebration promises to shed light on the invaluable contributions of propane, both traditional and renewable, in powering America’s essential operations while charting a greener path for the future.

For more information on how propane power material handling operations, visit Propane.com/material-handling.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Breakthrough Propane Direct Injection Technology Provides Fleet Owners with Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Option

September 16th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Through a joint partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council, this new technology will drive the transportation industry further down the path to zero.

Fleet owners looking for a low emission, high efficiency, and affordable engine solution will soon have new technology to turn to thanks to a partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council. The innovation combines Stanadyne’s direct injection fuel pump and injector system with Katech’s vapor lock technology to create the industry’s first medium-duty engine system that can deliver propane autogas at a constant 350-bar pressure directly into the engine. It’s all part of the three company’s combined decarbonization mission.

The breakthrough engine technology overcomes vapor lock, a common technical issue when liquified gases vaporize, which can interrupt fuel pump operation. By finding a solution, the new technology improves engine performance and efficiency. The combined system fueled a standard 6.6L GDI engine during a 250-hour performance and durability test. The tests successfully demonstrated that the technology works with existing engines and that propane autogas can be a low-carbon, high-performance replacement for gasoline and diesel engines.

The new technology will help fleet owners exceed the ultra-low emissions mandates going into place in 2027. Compared to diesel, propane autogas reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by 96 percent and provides a five to 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The engine technology can also utilize renewable propane, which has a carbon intensity four times lower than conventional diesel.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Eastern Propane & Oil Selects Descartes Last Mile Delivery Solution

June 16th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Eastern Propane & Oil, one of the largest family-owned and operated energy providers in New England, has selected Descartes’ last mile delivery solution to supply propane to over 100,000 residential and commercial customers throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In propane and oil distribution, companies often have flexibility on the days they deliver. For example, some customers may be running critically low on fuel and must be serviced immediately while others may have time before they need additional fuel.

The Descartes solution automatically considers these factors and can schedule non-urgent deliveries for customers in the same neighborhood as an urgent delivery, instead of having to come back a few days later. With same-day optimization capabilities, companies can pull forward additional stops when they have extra propane on the vehicle because customers did not require as much fuel as projected and replenish customers they were not expecting to supply on that day.

Descartes’ last mile delivery solution helps brands, like Eastern Propane & Oil, and bulk fuel logistics providers achieve more agile, efficient and sustainable routing, which improves fleet resource management by generating additional delivery capacity and reducing distance per delivery and costs.

Dynamic delivery appointment scheduling helps companies maximize revenue, enhance the customer experience and minimize costs by intelligently controlling the delivery booking process. Descartes’ route execution helps drivers perform their daily routes, keep managers aware of progress, notify customers with an estimated-time-of-arrival for their deliveries, and capture essential proof-of-delivery details, supporting customer service excellence and order accuracy through real-time mobile communication.

For more information, visit Descartes’ Propane and Industrial Gases Distribution Resource Center.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

New PERC Webpage Showcases Propane Autogas Solutions for Delivery Fleets

June 9th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Resources explore how delivery fleets can achieve financial sustainability alongside environmental sustainability

The Propane Education & Research Council launched a new webpage dedicated to educating delivery fleets on the ways propane autogas can help fleet owners with their service and sustainability.

On the new webpage, Propane.com/Delivery-Trucks, visitors will find a variety of resources, infographics, case studies, and videos detailing how to get started with propane autogas, the benefits of the energy source, and examples from their peers. Notably, the site outlines the emissions reductions and cost benefits that allow delivery fleets to accelerate decarbonization while saving money.

On the webpage, fleet owners can access a free, downloadable brochure detailing real-world data and testimonials from fleets across the country. As the examples show, many fleet owners save up to 60 percent on costs compared to diesel by transitioning to propane autogas. They also reduce carbon emissions by several metric tons over the life of the vehicle.

More than 60,000 propane autogas commercial vehicles are on the road today, including fleets that serve a range of delivery needs. It is widely used in both urban and rural communities, allowing fleets to run routes over 300 miles on a single refuel. With affordable and customizable infrastructure, fleet owners can work with their propane supplier to develop a propane autogas solution specific to their fleet. To access a variety of resources on transitioning to propane autogas, visit Propane.com/Delivery-Trucks.

About PERC

The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.

Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

Propane Council Encourages Ports to Apply for Inflation Reduction Act Funding

October 25th, 2022 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) encourages ports to adopt propane equipment with the funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA).

The U.S. Congress recently passed the IRA, which provides $750 million to ports in non-attainment areas. Ports operating with or transitioning to clean-emission power sources and equipment, such as propane forklifts and vehicles, qualify to apply for the grant.

The bill also extends the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit through 2024, which provides a credit for every gasoline gallon equivalent of propane autogas, or about 37 cents per gallon. The bill not only extends the credits through Dec. 31, 2024, but fleet owners can also apply for credits retroactively for any propane autogas purchases made in 2022. This includes off-road vehicles like forklifts.

Port authorities may be surprised to learn that propane is a clean, reliable and more cost-effective energy solution compared to other options like electric, diesel and gasoline. With rising electricity demands and an unreliable power grid, ports need reliable energy sources that don’t pollute the air. Air pollution from diesel engines in port communities puts families at risk for developing asthma, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Using propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. power grid, according to data from PERC. And unlike batteries, which require precious time to recharge and lose power-holding capacity over time, propane forklift cylinders can last decades.

Archives, Commentary, Global Trade Daily

New Cummins B6.7™ Propane Autogas Engine Offers High-Performing, Low-Carbon Option

March 23rd, 2022 Liz dorland Leave a comment

The clean engine is poised to help fleet owners decarbonize today while still providing diesel-like performance, durability, and reliability.

Medium-duty fleet owners looking to invest in an alternative energy source that provides clean, affordable, and reliable benefits have new technology to turn to with the Cummins B6.7 Propane. The 6.7-liter displacement engine will be built on Cummins recently announced fuel-agnostic B-series platform and powered with propane Autogas. Backed by data and support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), the new engine offers fleets a path to decarbonization without compromising on performance or range.

“There is no single path to zero emissions that will work for all application types across all markets and duty cycles. Propane autogas can do its part today in the collective effort toward decarbonization,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC. “Using propane autogas today is an immediate solution toward reducing harmful emissions.”

The new engine will provide fleet owners with diesel-like performance and durability, uptime and low total cost of ownership, with power expected ratings between 280–360 hp and 600–860 lb-ft of torque.

The B6.7 Propane is suited for several applications, including medium-duty truck, vocational, school bus, and terminal tractor markets, making it a low-emissions solution designed to meet or exceed EPA and CARB regulations in 2024 and beyond.

“We’ve had a strong and collaborative relationship with PERC throughout the development, testing and evaluation phases of this engine. We’re thrilled to continue that partnership and formally announce plans to bring the B6.7 Propane to market,” said Sam Geckler, Technical Project Leader, Cummins.

“We’re confident this engine will deliver the power, performance and efficiency that users expect from Cummins. We also expect it to deliver the lowest CO2 emissions of any propane Autogas-powered engine, making it an attractive and cost-effective way for fleets to lower total transportation emissions,” Geckler said.

In addition to offering performance and emissions benefits, fleets that use propane autogas benefit from a reduced total-cost-of-ownership thanks to low costs for fuel, maintenance, and refueling infrastructure. As an abundant and affordable energy source, propane autogas allows fleet owners to integrate lower-emission vehicles with minimal disruption to their operations, making a bigger impact on the environment. Propane infrastructure is affordable, scalable, and ready today.

Reports from climate groups around the world demonstrate the importance of implementing low-emissions energy sources as soon as possible, and they make clear that we don’t have time to wait for a one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonization. With over $9 billion in grant money available for propane autogas vehicles and infrastructure through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, fleet owners in communities across the country will be able to begin accelerating decarbonization by easily and affordably adopting propane autogas.

For more information on propane autogas, visit Propane.com/Fleet-Vehicles.

Propane Revolutionizes Energy Resilience: Celebrating National Propane Day 2023

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