MEMBERS ONLY NEWS

March 23, 2026

In Brief

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

In our first story of the morning, the association shares new training registration changes from the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Secondly, we highlight an important annual requirement that could impact your day-to-day operations if overlooked.

Next, we flag a simple opportunity that may put money back in your company’s pocket—if you know where to look.

Finally, we break down new federal clarification that could affect how your team transports propane in the field and what compliance obligations apply.

And in Quick Links, we share the latest propane price update, access to the Propane Service Corporation compliance store, scholarship opportunities for members’ families, and a link to the PERC Propane Learning Center.

Important RRC Training Registration Simplification Changes Implemented

Beginning this March, a RAMP Organization Delegated Administrator (Admin) will be able to finalize registrations on behalf of their employees.

Previously, Organization Admins were able to register an Employee, and then the Employee was required to log in to their AFOS account to finalize the registration.

With this change, the Admin will be able to register the Employee and also finalize the registration on behalf of the Employee. The Employee will still be able to finalize the registration through their AFOS account if this is preferred.

Please note the following:

All Employees will still be required to have a RAMP account set up by the Admin. This process is outlined in the Employer registration instructions.
A full social security number is required in the process to finalize registration for first-time registrants or registrants who do not have an SSN on file with us

Instructions

Employer How to Register an Employee for an AFS Event
Employee How to Finalize Registration (only if preferred)
Individual How to Register for an AFS Event

Questions? Please contact AFS Training at 512-463-2682 or email training-exams@rrc.texas.gov.

Reminder to Renew Annually with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)

As a reminder, propane companies must register your LPG meters and scales annually with the Weights & Measures Department of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).

Obtaining a Weights and Measures License is a Two-Step Process

Step 1

A commercial weighing or measuring device must be placed into service by a licensed service technician who is employed by a licensed service company. The process of placing a device into service includes the installation and calibration of the device. Once the device has been placed into service, the Licensed Service Company will submit a service report to TDA

Step 2

The owner of a commercial weighing or measuring device is required to register the devices with TDA by submitting a completed application and by paying the appropriate fees. There are two ways to apply for a new Weights & Measures license: online and by mail.

Application Process

To register these devices, a company must submit an application to the Department and pay the appropriate fees. There are two ways to apply for a new Weights & Measures license:

Texas Agriculture Portal (TAP) (Online Application)
CLICK HERE to access the new online TAP site.
Traditional Paper Form (RWM 700 Weights & Measures Device Registration Certificate Application):
CLICK HERE to download the traditional “paper” form.

Renewal Process

The license is valid for one year from the date it is issued and must be renewed each year. TDA will mail a renewal coupon to the account holder approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

There are two ways to renew a Weights & Measures license:

Online Renewal

CLICK HERE to access the new online Texas Agriculture Portal (TAP) site.

Paper Renewal

Refer to the renewal mailed to you.

If you have questions, contact Weights & Measures at (512) 463-7698 or weightsmeasures@texasagriculture.gov.

Additionally, once every 4 years, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) requires devices to be inspected, tested and/or calibrated at facilities that sell liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Reference: https://texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Weights-and-Measures/Devices

Unclaimed Funds at the State of Texas

The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) recently reviewed the State of Texas unclaimed property database and noticed that several propane companies and industry-related businesses appear to have unclaimed funds on record.

These funds can include things like uncashed checks, refunds, insurance payments, utility deposits, or other financial assets that were turned over to the state after being unclaimed for a period of time.

In Texas, unclaimed property is held by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts until it is claimed by the rightful owner. Businesses can search the state’s database to see if their company—or even the owner’s name—appears in the system. The process is simple and free, and claims can typically be filed online with supporting documentation.

TPGA encourages members to take a few minutes to search the state’s unclaimed property website to see if funds may be owed to their company. Even long-established businesses sometimes discover refunds or payments that were never received or deposited.

Just because you see your name alphabetically, continue to the end because it starts over again with new claims. Go through all pages with variations of your company name, or just search PROPANE and go to page 20, and you may be surprised that you are there again with different claims.

Search Now

PHMSA Clarifies Materials of Trade Exception for Propane Cylinders

The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently issued an interpretive letter clarifying how the materials of trade (MOT) exception in 49 CFR §173.6 applies to propane cylinders carried in commercial motor vehicles. The guidance was issued in response to a request from Dead River Company regarding service technicians who transport small propane cylinders in company vehicles while performing appliance service work.

PHMSA explained that when a technician is only conducting appliance service and not delivering or filling propane cylinders, the cylinders may qualify as materials of trade if all §173.6 requirements are met. When the MOT provisions apply, the shipment is eligible for certain regulatory relief, including exemption from shipping paper requirements.

However, PHMSA clarified that the exception does not apply when propane is transported for the purpose of filling or delivering cylinders to customers. In that situation, the propane is being transported in commerce for sale and delivery, meaning the shipment must comply with the full Hazardous Materials Regulations, including shipping paper requirements.

Copy of Interpretation

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