PROPANE MARKETERS & DISTRIBUTORS

“Ferrellgas is a large proponent of propane [autogas] in all applications. We believe actions speak louder than words, and we want our customers to follow our example in reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil while providing for a greener tomorrow.” –Brian Miller, vice president of sales, Ferrellgas.

“At Heritage Propane, we are actively replacing vehicles with propane. We’d like to purchase as many as we possibly can. We have purchased about 15 vehicles already this year, including the [Ford] F-250, [Ford] F-350, and several [Ford] E-Series vans.” – Michael Taylor, director of fleet management, Heritage Propane.


Going the Extra ‘Green’ Mile

It seems only natural for propane suppliers to fuel their own fleet vehicles with the same product they promote each day. ROUSH CleanTech has made this a reality for the propane delivery industry with the development of light to medium-duty work trucks and vans, fully customizable for any job description. Propane as an auto fuel offers the same benefits as it does when used across the vast realm of traditional applications, such as home heating, water heating, grilling, forklifts, lawn mowers, and more.

As Ed Varney at Heritage Propane puts it, “We want to do our part in reducing dependence on foreign oil. Propane autogas is an environmentally friendly, clean-burning fuel that is also very economical for us. It makes good business sense because we also get longer life out of our fleet vehicles.”

Ferrellgas, the nation’s second largest propane retailer, also is putting this alternative fuel to the test. According to Brian Miller, vice president of sales for the company, 26 percent of Ferrellgas’ delivery and service fleet is already reaping the benefits of running on propane autogas, and the company will be switching an additional 1,000 vehicles to the eco-friendly fuel over the next five years.

And for propane suppliers needing a tough, heavier-duty work truck, ROUSH CleanTech will be shipping the new 6.8-liter V10 propane autogas powered Ford F-450 / Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis cab, designed to suit a wide range of uses including dump, landscape, flatbed, construction, waste, utility, freight, and more. This alternative fuel system will be available for 2011 and later models of the Ford F-450 and Ford F-550 truck series, and is expected to ship beginning in October of 2011. Equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the system will work on all cab and wheelbase configurations, as well as 4x2 or 4x4 vehicles.

With massive capacity, exceptional maneuverability, and rugged construction, it’s a workhorse in the field and economical in the shop. Based on today's fuel prices, a propane autogas Ford F-450 or Ford F-550 can save $30,000 over a 200,000-mile vehicle life, and can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by 120,000 pounds or more. To estimate a fleet’s cost and pollutant savings with propane autogas, visit ROUSH CleanTech’s online Savings Calculator. In addition, by utilizing a fuel already purchased and stored onsite, propane retailers can reduce additional designated fleet fueling pumps, and eliminate imported fuels from their inventory.

Incentives

To find out about federal or state tax incentives, check out our Incentives section for credits and programs available to save you money when considering the switch to propane autogas.

Benefits

Environmental:

  • Up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide
  • Up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide
  • 17-24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions
  • Fewer particulate emissions
  • EPA- and CARB-certified

Vehicle:

  • No loss in engine performance
  • Little to no additional weight to the vehicle
  • Comparable driving range between fill-ups
  • Maintained vehicle warranty
  • No additional scheduled services
  • Lower fuel costs by up to 40 percent
  • Reduced operating and maintenance costs

Products

Explore our recommended ROUSH CleanTech vehicles and conversion systems for your propane delivery feet requirements.