April 4, 2022
In Brief
In this edition of the Monday Morning Messenger, TPGA is excited about our efforts to improve the customer experience at the Railroad Commission, which has resulted in significant improvements! Both the training and exam registration processes that were very problematic are much improved. The new, more automated online registration system will make things much simpler and faster. Learn more about and access the new training & exam registration portal in our first story of the morning.

Secondly, TPGA updates members on FMCSA penalty increases, top violations, and an upcoming in-person TPGA sponsored FMCSA compliance training.

Thirdly, don't forget our 2nd quarter board & committee meetings are next week. All members are invited to attend. RSVP is required.

Additionally, TPGA wants to point out and really hit home what month Convention really is. Did you know Convention is months earlier this year? Please find out more details and highlights of the upcoming BIG EVENT in our fourth spotlight of the morning.

Lastly, check out our Quick Links section to access the last Winter Fuels Weekly Pricing & Supply Update of the season; our TPGA Store, where members get discounts; a link to our scholarship application information; and as well as a link to our TPGA/TXTA tire program application. Buy top brands from your usual local tire dealer and get special pricing. Save hundreds a year!
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • Important RRC Training & Exams Update
  • US DOT FMCSA Compliance
  • 2nd Quarter Meetings
  • Crossroads Update
  • Quick Links
New RRC Training & Exam Registration Portal Launches
Individuals registering for Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) LPG safety training, continuing education, and exam events will now register using the new online Certification Exam Registration & Training System, or CERTS as the RRC calls it.

The new portal launched on Friday, April 1, 2022, and has many new features, including a more organized and streamlined way to find the class and exams you want.

Users will also be able to see how many total spots are in each class and how many spots are left before registering.

The new online system will also allow individuals to register and pay for a class and/or exam in a single transaction. Formerly, registrants had to wait for a response from the RRC after registering to ensure they were in the class and then pay for the event later. Now, when you register, you're officially registered.

With CERTS, registrants will receive two emails after registering online:
  • payment confirmation acknowledging receipt; and
  • registration confirmation for the class or exam event.

To access the new system, visit https://rrctx.force.com/events/s/.
If you have questions, contact the RRC Training Center at training-exams@rrc.texas.gov or 512-463-2682.
FMCSA Top Violations
& An Avenue to Comply
Penalties for FMCSA can be steep and FMCSA penalty amounts just went up last month. In addition to penalty increases, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration just announced their top violations for 2021. In an effort to help the propane industry to comply, TPGA has invited FMCSA to hold an informational session at Crossroads and focus on some of the top violations and how to comply.

The second and third most common violations are not having a compliant drug and alcohol program which includes a pre-employment drug test, a random testing program, and post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up tests, as needed. Are you testing your drivers? Do have a program? Are you using the FMCSA clearinghouse?

Join Jeffrey Langloss, with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who will be there to present on and answer your questions on Clearinghouse compliance and also cover other motor carrier responsibilities.

Find out more about complying with FMCSA requirements and other state and federal regulations on Monday, June 20, 2022, from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm at our Regulatory Compliance Training Forum as part of the 2022 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference hosted by the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).
Upcoming Events
Quick Question: When is the Crossroads Expo & Conference?
Casino Party. Welcome Reception with Live Music. Cocktail & Gala
Access 2 Expos. Over 200 Booths. Regulatory Pavilion
& LPG/CMV Regulatory Training Sessions
2nd Qtr 2022 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings
April 12-13, 2022
Join TPGA for the spring board & committee meetings in Montgomery, TX, the second week of April. The event includes dinner at the Waterside Cove Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort.
Quick Links
MARCH 30, 2022
WINTER FUELS WEEKLY
PRICE & SUPPLY UPDATE
NATIONAL, REGIONAL & STATE
MEMBERS SAVE ON 100'S OF COMPLIANCE & BUSINESS PRODUCTS AT PROPANE SERVICE CORP (PSC)
TPGA OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO MEMBERS' EMPLOYEES' CHILDREN & GRANDKIDS THE APPLICATION ROUND IS OPEN
PAVE THE WAY FOR SAVINGS
THERE IS NO COST TO ENROLL IN OUR TIRE PROGRAM. BUY FROM YOUR LOCAL DEALER