March 18, 2022
Save the Date: IPGA Board and Membership Meeting
The IPGA will host a Board and Membership Meeting during the 2022 NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo on Monday, April 25, 2022. The convention will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Further details to come.
Great Lakes Propane Convention
The Indiana, Michigan and Ohio Propane Gas Associations are collaborating to bring you one joint summer convention in 2022. Plan now to attend the first-ever Great Lakes Propane Convention, July 26-28. This convention will be held every other year, in place of each state's annual convention and the location will rotate throughout the 3 participating states. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to collaborate with your propane colleagues in neighboring states.

Bring your employees! This convention is intended to educate owners, managers, customer service representatives, drivers and technicians. In addition to the education sessions, the conference includes a vendor showcase, golf outing, and awards banquet.

Sponsorship Opportunities
You don't want to miss this opportunity to promote your products and services at the Great Lakes Propane Convention! Together, these associations are asking for your support of this first-ever opportunity. This unique event will only be offered every other year. Packages range from $500 to $2,000 and include a wealth of benefits.
NPGA Needs Your Opinion on FMCSA Special Exemption Request
NPGA seeks your input to direct a new advocacy effort that could provide the propane industry predictable flexibility during winter heating season.

Share your opinion on NPGA potentially requesting a Special Exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) 34-hour restart provision hereThe survey deadline is Friday, March 18.

During the NPGA Winter Board of Directors sessions, there was considerable discussion on the FMCSA regional Emergency Declaration that waived hours of service requirements in response to winter demand and a reduction in workforce due to COVID-19 infections or exposures. An idea stemming from those discussions was the potential value of a Special Exemption from FMCSA, which is an automatic waiver of specific regulations under particular circumstances for a period of five years.

NPGA proposes requesting a Special Exemption from the 34-hour restart provision during winter heating season (October 1 – March 31) for a period of five years. To support this request, NPGA must provide FMCSA with research demonstrating that granting the Special Exemption would not reduce the level of safety.

If successful in obtaining a Special Exemption, it may make it more difficult for NPGA to argue for regional Emergency Declarations by FMCSA that waive the hours-of-service requirements in response to specific winter weather events. If NPGA obtains a Special Exemption, it would be limited in scope to the transportation of propane – bobtail or transport – by any company during the specified period. Companies would not be obligated to utilize the Special Exemption.

Questions? Contact NPGA Vice President, Regulatory & Industry Affairs Sarah Reboli.
2022 Employee Training
The Indiana Propane Gas Association is offering certified and non-certified employee training for those employed in the propane industry or looking to obtain propane training certification. The training covers a range of topics:
  • Basic Principles and Practices of Propane
  • Bobtail Delivery Operations
  • Cylinder Delivery Operations
  • Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems
  • Cylinder Recertification

Consider sending your employees to this valuable training. Class size is limited so register early!
Comply with Entry Level Driver Training Using NPGA's New ACE Service
Trying to comply with new federal regulations on your new CDL and HME applicants? NPGA can help! As of February 7, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all new CDL- and HME-applicants successfully complete classroom and behind-the-wheel training before applicants are eligible to sit for state CDL or HME exams. This new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirement applies to all potential commercial drivers.       
    
Worried how you will comply? Here’s where NPGA comes in. NPGA’s Administrative Compliance Experts (ACE) service can complete the regulatory requirements, filing paperwork, and submitting information to the FMCSA. While you focus on your day-to-day business, NPGA’s ACE navigates the regulatory red tape. Through ACE, the more than 30 steps mandated by ELDT can become just five simple steps with NPGA guiding you from start to finish.

And using ACE can help your state association! NPGA is offering a special revenue sharing program for Indiana Propane Gas Association members. Just enter code IN10 at checkout so the association gets 10 percent of your purchase.

For additional information on ACE, including frequently asked questions, fee structures, and a sample of the educational modules, visit npga.org/ace. Questions? Contact ACE at eldt@npga.org.
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The information contained herein is provided as a service by the Indiana Propane Gas Association (IPGA) for the purpose of education, communication, and information and IPGA accepts no liability relative to the contents, accuracy or use of these services. Nothing in this publication is intended to be construed as legal advice. The user is strictly cautioned to seek legal assistance when attempting to determine any legal rights, responsibilities and procedures with respect to business affairs, coding, or other legal aspects of operating a propane company. IPGA disclaims any and all liability for injury and/or other damages which result to a user from the material offered or discussed herein.