A retail propane exchange service brings convenience to the store by filling up the customer’s tanks without taking up valuable store shelf space. The service eliminates the need for large tanks in the parking lot, trained employees, and employee time needed to fill them. Customers often buy other items while they wait for their tank to be filled. Propane exchange companies handle the inventory of both full and empty tanks, which frees up store staff to focus on customer service.
The most significant advantage of retail propane exchange is the cost savings that customers can expect. A refilling service can save up to $1.75 per gallon compared to filling the tank yourself. In addition to this, the exchange service can refill the propane tank you currently have for free. It is important to remember that a propane tank is recyclable after 12 years, but not if it is more than twelve years old. While these exchange services are convenient, the price is generally higher than the cost of refilling.
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., based in Kansas City, Missouri, has approximately 800 retail propane exchange locations in all 50 states. The company owns a number of specialized retail propane exchange facilities including gas stations, convenience stores, and RV parks. During the summer, the demand for small propane cylinders grows dramatically, and staffed assembly lines fill and refill them around the clock. In addition to retail propane exchange, these facilities offer onsite fueling and installations.
For those homeowners who use a small propane tank, the exchange service may be the best choice. The cost of a refill is typically around $35 to $60 and it is also convenient. Many propane companies will only fill your tank up to 15 pounds, and you’ll have to pay extra for a 20-pound tank. This is a huge difference in cost, and is an essential consideration. And when buying a propane tank, be sure to purchase a propane gauge beforehand.
The process of filling an exchange cylinder is more complex than filling a bottle. However, the distribution of propane cylinders is relatively simple. Trucks loaded with full cylinders are dispatched from the production facility. After that, local trucks redistribute the full cylinders throughout the region. In some cases, a propane exchange retailer may choose to offer a discount to customers for exchanging their cylinders. Learn more about the exchange propane tank now.
While a retail propane exchange facility doesn’t need a special permit, it is important to note that the operation is subject to the rules governing reoffering of cylinders. Retail propane exchange locations receive filled cylinders from a propane filler and sell them to end consumers. Cylinders are held in cages at retail propane exchange facilities. In addition, a DOT-SP 12706 requires the facility to display a copy of its current special permit on its premises.
A cylinder exchange company’s TS2 (the temporary cylinder detection system) is tied to routing deliveries and forecasting. Although this software helps to identify trends in a customer’s usage patterns, it isn’t very accurate in predicting future behavior. Propane cylinder exchange companies are also subject to the same volatile commodity prices. Moreover, there is a convenience factor involved with visiting a retail propane exchange company. Get in touch with Propane Ninja for hospitality heating.
In addition to avoiding the risks associated with full-tank refills, a tank exchange company can provide a tank that is 15 lbs. That way, a tank exchange company is not putting you at a competitive disadvantage. Additionally, the company will not risk putting your propane tank at greater risk of bursting. In addition, these companies will not charge you a penny over the actual cost of filling the tank to a full capacity.
When buying a tank, it is important to read the label of the tank to determine its fill level. Propane does not have an odor; however, when it leaks its compound will smell like rotten eggs or skunk spray. If you suspect a leak, have it tested. If the propane leaks, you should lift it up by the valve handles. To keep the propane tank fresh, store extra tanks outdoors or in a cool place.
