Wisconsin small business owner invests in clean propane autogas technology to launch paratransit company
GREEN BAY, Wis. – September 18, 2012 – When Tom Tarmann of Marinette, Wis., decided to start his own medical paratransit service, he needed a fuel that was not only dependable, but affordable as well. Tarmann turned to Alliance AutoGas partners Charter Fuels and The Motor Company to convert his Tarmann Transport Ford E-350 van to clean, cost-effective propane autogas.
“Running on propane autogas has helped me cut costs as I launch my new business, but it also feels good to know I’m improving the air quality in the local community with an American-made fuel,” says Tarmann, who contracts with Oconto County, Wis., and LogistiCare to serve elderly and disabled patients in the community.
Though only currently operating part-time as he transitions to this new venture, Tarmann is already saving hundreds of dollars a month by running his service vehicle on autogas. The autogas vehicle conversion was almost entirely funded by a $5,000 grant from the state of Wisconsin, so he was able to start saving on fuel costs right away. Tarmann also plans to convert a 2009 Ford Taurus to autogas through Alliance AutoGas, with clean fueling from Charter Fuels and vehicle conversion through The Motor Company, a certified Alliance conversion center.
“As part of the Alliance AutoGas network, we were able to work with Tarmann to coordinate everything he needed to switch to autogas, including the vehicle conversion, convenient fueling, and operational and safety training,” says Bill Langlois of Charter Fuels. “Autogas fleets are saving around $1.50 per gallon on fuel costs right now; and in this economy, that really adds up for a small business fleet that’s getting off the ground.”
Dan Noel of The Motor Company says Tarmann Transport is already seeing a “big difference” on fuel costs, and that the van is even running “smoother” on autogas than it was on gasoline.
“It was very exciting to work with Tom and Bill to get our first autogas conversion completed and on the road,” says Noel. “This is an exciting time to be a part of Alliance AutoGas, offering an alternative fuel that’s made in America. Propane autogas is a green energy source that just makes sense.”
Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, powering 18 million vehicles globally, and the U.S. autogas supply is 98 percent made in America. Autogas is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline, so autogas fleets report reduced maintenance needs and increased engine life.
Alliance AutoGas is an international partner network that provides North American fleets with autogas vehicle conversions, installation of a fuel station at a fleet’s base, data integration for fuel management systems, operational and safety training, and ongoing technical support.
About Charter Fuels
Family owned and operated for four generations, Charter Fuels has provided the communities it serves with reliable warmth, expert energy solutions and greater peace of mind for more than 86 years. It has branches servicing 46 counties across Wisconsin, upper Michigan, northern Illinois, eastern Iowa and eastern Minnesota. Active in the local community, Charter Fuels donates profits from its pink propane delivery truck in conjunction with the American Breast Cancer Foundation’s “Pink-Ribbon” campaign. Visit www.charterfuels.com for more information.
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