December 11, 2023

In Brief

Welcome to the latest edition of the Monday Morning Messenger!

In the first story of the morning, the association reports on a long-awaited change coming in 2024 for those of you who've had challenges with CDL skills testing at the DPS.

In our second story of the morning, we highlight some PSC items that would make great Christmas gifts. Check out our RTIC collection on sale now for the holidays.

In our third story of the morning, we highlight an important form each employer needs for each new hire, as well as a link to the version you need to be using.

In the fourth story of the morning, ensure that each branch (not just your main branch) has our special guide to answering customer questions. A new version was just released in 2023.

Explore our Quick Links section, offering access to the latest Winter Weekly newsletter update that includes supply, as well as wholesale and residential prices for the nation, region, and Texas, along with December's heating degree days.

Also, in our Quick Links section, find a convenient link to order our double-sided English/Spanish keep-full bill stuffers, information about the EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Program, and a link to the latest update on our 2023 appliance rebate email with important dates.

In this issue

In Brief
Texas CDL Skills Test Changes
PSC Christmas Sale
Form for New Hires
Heating Season Tool
Quick Links

Calendar

December 14, 2023

Autogas Tech School

Grant Program Webinar

December 15, 2023

NPGA Scholarship Application Period Opens

December 25-26, 2023

TPGA Closed for Christmas

December 31, 2023

PERC Technical School Grant Program Deadline

December 31, 2023

Texas Appliance Rebate Deadline

January 1, 2024

TPGA & PSC Closed

for New Year's Day

FULL CALENDAR

Affinity Partners

Lone Star Energy Group Workers Comp Insurance

Basys Credit Card Processing

NoCell Technologies

Texas DPS Updating Skills Test to Solve Pre-Trip Section Challenges

In response to a longstanding challenge faced by drivers, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is set to introduce a new and contemporary Commercial Driver License (CDL) skill testing initiative, marking a significant step in addressing the difficulties many drivers encounter during the pre-trip portion of the test.

Recently approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Commercial Driver License Skills Test Modernization initiative has gained the green light, with AAMVA initiating the process changes and training guides required for states to adopt this progressive testing approach.

According to Austin's KXAN news station, the changes include:

Modernized protocols for CMV pre-trip vehicle inspection and basic control skills testing
Checklist for a pre-trip vehicle inspection test as an aide to applicants
Updated CDL Driver’s Manual will be made available

The DPS has outlined its plan to commence the implementation of the initiative by Spring 2024, with an estimated completion date of September 1, 2024.

PSC Christmas Fire Sale

Propane Service Corporation (PSC) is having a Christmas Fire Sale of these HOT! RTIC items. Give the gift of RTIC this holiday season!

NEW ITEM!

RTIC coffee

Now $11.99

BUY NOW

RTIC koozie

~~$19.95~~

Now $12.99

BUY NOW

RTIC lowball

~~$15.00~~

Now $11.50

BUY NOW

Have New Hires? Don't Forget This Important Form w/ Changes

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently released a revised version of the Employment Eligibility Verification form, Form I-9. This form is a crucial component in the hiring process, as employers are legally obligated to complete it to authenticate the identity and employment eligibility of new hires.

Mandatory Compliance: Employers must adhere to legal requirements and ensure the completion of the Form I-9 for all new hires.

Mandatory Usage: Effective November 1, 2023, only the new below linked Form I-9 is acceptable for use. Employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the revised form.

This update aims to enhance efficiency in the employment verification process, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Employers are encouraged to use the new Form I-9 as required to maintain legal compliance in their hiring procedures.

NEW I-9 FORM

Guide to Answer Questions

This Heating Season

Heating season is here! And the phones are ringing with numerous customer questions from everything to I smell gas to I ran out of gas, now what?

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) recently updated its CSR flip guide. The guide is a tool for those who answer the phone in your office, giving them quick answers to customers' common propane questions.

Every Texas propane company's main branch received one, but what about your other branches? Do they have this handy guide?

Complimentary flip guides are available for up to 3 flip guides per Texas propane company branch during the 2023-2024 heating season for the price of shipping and handling through Propane Service Corporation (PSC)'s online store.

Don't miss out on this valuable tool for front office staff.

ORDER NOW

Quick Links