Propane Safety: U-Haul Offers Free Tank Inspections All Summer

Rhea-AI Summary

U-Haul is offering free safety inspections on propane cylinders this summer, addressing safety concerns as backyard BBQs increase. Certified technicians will check for leaks and inspect tanks for damage. With about 7 million propane tanks entering the U.S. market annually, many require requalification to be legally filled. If tanks are unqualified, customers can pay about $25 for requalification or purchase a new tank for $34.95. U-Haul has been a leading propane retailer since 1987 and emphasizes safety and eco-friendly practices.

Positive

• Offering free safety inspections enhances customer trust and safety.
• Opportunity for increased sales through requalification and new tank sales.
• U-Haul's established reputation as the largest propane retailer supports business growth.

Negative

• Many propane tanks require inspection, indicating a potential risk for customer safety.

PHOENIX, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As families increase their use of backyard BBQs for summer grilling season, it's wise to ensure safety protocols are being followed. That's why U-Haul® is currently offering free safety inspections and qualification checks on all propane cylinders.

U-Haul certified propane technicians are trained to identify any issues with the cylinders, and dispense the cleaning-burning gas safely at low customer-friendly prices.

"We're offering to check the qualification date on each propane users' cylinder, examine the valve for any leaks, and inspect the tank for dents, cracks, gouges and rust," said John Barnett, U-Haul propane program manager. "Any imperfections can be a danger, and we want to make certain everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer."

Barnett estimates that as many as 7 million 20-pound propane tanks commonly used for BBQ grills enter the U.S. market annually. A large number of these tanks lapse in qualification each year and cannot be legally filled without inspection and requalification.

Propane tanks are qualified for 12 years from the original manufactured date stamped on their collars. Customers have two options if qualification has lapsed:

• They can visit a propane company to have a tank requalified, if it passes inspection. That can cost about $25, and requalification lasts for five years.
• Or they can also purchase a new 20-pound BBQ tank with a fuel gauge that is qualified for 12 years, and is available at U-Haul stores for $34.95.

U-Haul has been selling propane since 1984 and has been the largest retailer of the gas in the U.S. since 1987.

"Propane is a big part of our business and we're inviting everyone to take advantage of a free inspection at any of our 1%2C110-plus+Company-owned+facilities+where+propane+is+sold%2C" rel="nofollow">1,110-plus Company-owned facilities where propane is sold," Barnett added.

Propane is the focus of several U-Haul sustainability initiatives. The Company continues to grow its propane Autogas locations to service alternative-fuel vehicles, and champions green products like the 1-pound reusable propane cylinder, a safer and more responsible option to disposable tanks. Visit uhaul.com/about/sustainability to learn more about U-Haul ecofriendly practices.

As an essential service provider, U-Haul is open to meet the needs of its communities. For details on what U-Haul has done to enhance cleaning protocols, protect Team Members and customers, and encourage the use of programs that inherently promote social distancing and contactless business, please reference our multi-media press release: "Moving Safely and Smartly during the COVID-19 Pandemic."

About U-Haul
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 167,000 trucks, 120,000 trailers and 43,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 697,000 rooms and 60.7 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Andrea Batchelor
Jeff Lockridge
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-263-6981
Website: uhaul.com

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SOURCE U-Haul

FAQ

What is U-Haul offering for propane safety during summer 2020?

U-Haul is providing free safety inspections and qualification checks on all propane cylinders.

How many propane tanks enter the U.S. market annually?

Approximately 7 million 20-pound propane tanks enter the U.S. market each year.

What happens if a propane tank's qualification lapses?

Customers can either get the tank requalified for about $25 or purchase a new tank for $34.95.

When did U-Haul become the largest propane retailer in the U.S.?

U-Haul has been the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. since 1987.