MEMBERS ONLY NEWS February 2, 2026

In Brief

Welcome to this week’s Members-Only Monday Morning Messenger from the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA).

In the first story of the morning, we flag a new no-cost way for propane professionals to access NFPA codes—something you’ll want to bookmark immediately.

In the second story of the morning, we share a timely federal waiver reminder that continues to impact propane operations as winter conditions linger across Texas.

In the third story of the morning, we take a quick seasonal pause on Groundhog Day and what its forecast could mean for the rest of February.

Next, we preview the February issue of Texas Propane Magazine, now arriving in members’ hands, with several features directly tied to safety, compliance, and risk exposure.

In the final story of the morning, we highlight new national trucking litigation research that sheds light on the specific missteps driving today’s largest verdicts—an eye-opening read for fleet owners and managers.

And in Quick Links, we close with fast access to pricing updates, our compliance shop, workforce tools, and reminders worth keeping close.

Free Access to Searchable Online NFPA Code Books through PERC

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has partnered with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to provide propane industry professionals with free access to NFPA LiNK® at no additional cost through The Learning Center.

NFPA LiNK® is a subscription-based platform that provides access to the complete library of NFPA codes and standards, including NFPA 54 and NFPA 58, along with related reference and supporting materials. Through this partnership, anyone with a Learning Center account can access these resources on demand.

This single sign-on access allows users to move seamlessly from training to code reference, whether in the office or in the field, on desktop or mobile devices. NFPA LiNK® also provides quick, searchable access to both current and older editions of NFPA codes—making it especially useful when questions arise in real time in the field.

That said, physical copies of applicable NFPA codes are still recommended at each outlet to satisfy the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) requirements for a copy at each location. If internet access is unavailable at a propane licensee outlet and the licensee cannot produce the required code, the Railroad Commission of Texas may cite the outlet for a violation. Phone-only access does not currently meet the Railroad Commission of Texas rule requirements for proper code access.

To get started, log in to The PERC Learning Center and select the “NFPA LiNK” button. Do not have a login? It's free to register and use.

Reminder: 14 Day Federal Waiver Covering Texas is Active | Hours Waived

The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) wants to remind you that on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a 14-day emergency declaration.

This federal waiver covers 40 states, including Texas.

Download the Friday, January 23, 2026 - Friday, February 6, 2026 waiver.

Download FMCSA Waiver

Winter Forecast: Groundhog Day

Today is Groundhog Day, and for those of us who live and work by the weather, all eyes were on Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning—signaling six more weeks of winter ahead.

Whether you believe the legend or not, extended cold weather usually means continued demand, busy routes, and close attention to supply. In other words, winter isn’t quite ready to hand over the keys yet, according to the groundhog that is.

So for now, the forecast is simple: keep the cold-weather plans in play and stay ready for whatever February has in store.

Read the full story

February Texas Propane Magazine

Check inside what's inside this edition of the magazine:

Featured: Captured in Real Time: Protecting Propane Companies Before, During & After an Incident
Don’t Leave Federal Assistance on the Table: How CEAP Can Help Your Most Vulnerable Customers
PERC Every Day Safe Program Launched: Enroll Now
ProCOT a look back at the work from 2025
A Look Back: The 1930s New Deal, Depression Era & National LP Gas Beginnings
And right in time for Valentine's Day check out our Propane with Purpose on what commercial product is making an Oh La La meal.

Read Now

Thank you to our advertisers

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Lone Star Energy Group

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Meeder Equipment Co.

METSA

Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance

Propane Service Corp.

Quality Steel

Tarantin Industries

Targa Resources

Westmor Industries

White River Distributors

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From Hiring Practices to Driving Errors:
ATRI Identifies the Negligence Claims Behind Costly Trucking Lawsuits

If you just read the February 2026 magazine above, you read about how to combat commercial truck liability through cameras.

Now here's a look at the new American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) research analyzing tort litigation trends in the trucking industry and the factors that most influence case outcomes. The study reviews 6 years of truck-related tort cases using federal and industry data and examines issues such as third-party litigation financing, carrier policies that increase lawsuit exposure, and how courts interpret compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Key Findings:

· 12,817 state-level truck-tractor tort cases estimated in 2022

· Up to 147 cases may have been improperly kept out of federal court

· The largest verdicts increased by an average of 5.7% per year

· Improper hiring/onboarding and severe injuries (including traumatic brain injuries) were strongly linked to higher awards

· In cases over $5 million, settlements were typically lower than verdicts

· In cases under $1 million, settlements often exceeded verdicts

· Improper turns, improper merges, and failure to yield were statistically associated with defense verdicts

Median Settlements and Verdicts by Alleged Negligence Type (Cases Over $1 Million):