Exploring the Largest Propane Tank Exchange Companies in North America

Propane tank exchange services have become a convenient solution for homeowners, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on propane for grilling, heating, or other applications. In North America, several companies dominate the propane tank exchange market, each with distinct offerings, operational strategies, and regional strengths. Below, we explore the largest players—AmeriGas, Blue Rhino, Ferrellgas, U-Haul, and Suburban Propane—focusing on their locations, services, and key differences.

1. AmeriGas

Location: Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, AmeriGas operates across all 50 U.S. states, making it the nation’s largest propane provider. It partners with thousands of retail locations, including gas stations, hardware stores, and convenience stores, for widespread tank exchange accessibility.

Services: AmeriGas offers propane tank exchanges, primarily for 20-lb grill cylinders, alongside refills and residential/commercial delivery. Their MyAmeriGas portal allows customers to manage deliveries, track usage, and pay bills online. They also provide tank installation and maintenance for larger residential and commercial needs.

Key Differentiators:

• Nationwide Reach: With a presence in every state, AmeriGas ensures accessibility through partnerships with major retailers like Home Depot and local businesses.

• Comprehensive Services: Beyond exchanges, they offer full-service delivery, tank installation, and emergency support, catering to both residential and commercial clients.

• Customer Portal: The MyAmeriGas platform enhances user experience with online scheduling and account management.

2. Blue Rhino

Location: Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Blue Rhino operates thousands of tank exchange locations across the U.S., partnering with major retailers like Walmart, Lowe’s, and grocery stores.

Services: Blue Rhino specializes in 20-lb propane tank exchanges for grilling and outdoor heating. They focus on convenience, offering pre-filled tanks at retail locations and home delivery options in select areas. Their tanks are safety-compliant and designed for easy exchange.

Key Differentiators:

• Retail Focus: Blue Rhino’s strength lies in its extensive retail network, making it a go-to for quick exchanges at familiar locations.

• Consumer-Friendly: Their exchange process is streamlined for grill users, emphasizing speed and safety with pre-inspected tanks.

• Limited Scope: Unlike AmeriGas, Blue Rhino primarily focuses on tank exchanges rather than full-service propane delivery or installation.

3. Ferrellgas

Location: Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Ferrellgas serves customers nationwide with a strong presence in rural and suburban areas. They operate a network of local service providers and distribution centers across the U.S.

Services: Ferrellgas provides propane tank exchanges, refills, and delivery for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers. They also offer tank installation and maintenance, with a focus on safety and reliability.

Key Differentiators:

• Employee-Owned: As an employee-owned company since its founding in 1939, Ferrellgas emphasizes customer service and dependability, earning recognition as one of 2025’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek.

• Broad Customer Base: They cater to diverse sectors, from home heating to agricultural applications, unlike Blue Rhino’s grill-focused approach.

• Supply Network: Their nationwide supply chain ensures reliable propane availability, even in remote areas.

4. U-Haul (an authorized Tank Ties retailer)

Location: Based in Phoenix, Arizona, U-Haul operates the largest propane-refilling network in North America, with tank exchange services available at numerous locations across the contiguous U.S., open 364 days a year.

Services: U-Haul offers both propane tank exchanges and refills, focusing on 20-lb cylinders for grilling and recreational use. Their locations are integrated into U-Haul moving and storage centers, making them convenient for customers already using their services.

Key Differentiators:

• Refill and Exchange Options: U-Haul stands out by offering both refilling (more cost-effective) and exchange services, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

• Accessibility: Open nearly every day, their locations are ideal for customers needing propane at unconventional hours.

• Niche Integration: Their propane services complement their moving and storage business, targeting RV campers and DIY movers.

5. Suburban Propane

Location: Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban Propane operates in 42 states with over 700 outlets, serving approximately 1 million customers.

Services: Suburban Propane provides tank exchanges, delivery, and installation for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. They also offer sustainable energy solutions, promoting propane as a low-carbon fuel for applications like home heating and commercial operations.

Key Differentiators:

• Sustainability Focus: Suburban emphasizes propane’s role in a low-carbon future, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

• Large-Scale Operations: With 396.4 million retail gallons sold in 2023, they are a major player in both exchange and delivery services.

• Community Engagement: Their Earth Month initiatives and community-focused services enhance their brand appeal.

How They Differ

• Geographic Coverage: AmeriGas and Suburban Propane have the broadest reach, covering all or nearly all U.S. states, while Blue Rhino focuses on retail partnerships, and U-Haul leverages its moving centers. Ferrellgas excels in rural and suburban markets.

• Service Scope: AmeriGas and Ferrellgas offer comprehensive propane solutions (delivery, installation, maintenance), while Blue Rhino and U-Haul prioritize quick exchanges and refills for smaller cylinders. Suburban Propane balances both with a sustainability angle.

• Customer Focus: Blue Rhino targets casual grill users, U-Haul caters to mobile and recreational customers, while AmeriGas, Ferrellgas, and Suburban serve a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

• Cost and Convenience: U-Haul’s refill option is more cost-effective than exchanges, but Blue Rhino and AmeriGas emphasize convenience through retail partnerships. Ferrellgas and Suburban focus on reliability and customer service.

Regional Considerations

• Climate Impact: In colder regions (e.g., Upper Midwest), companies like AmeriGas and Suburban Propane offer larger tanks (500–1000 gallons) for home heating, while Blue Rhino and U-Haul focus on 20-lb cylinders for grilling in milder climates.

• Urban vs. Rural: Blue Rhino thrives in urban areas with dense retail networks, while Ferrellgas and AmeriGas dominate rural areas with delivery services. U-Haul bridges both by integrating with its moving centers.

Conclusion

The largest propane tank exchange companies in North America—AmeriGas, Blue Rhino, Ferrellgas, U-Haul, and Suburban Propane—each bring unique strengths to the market. AmeriGas leads with nationwide coverage and comprehensive services, Blue Rhino excels in retail convenience, Ferrellgas emphasizes reliability, U-Haul offers flexibility, and Suburban Propane pushes sustainability. Your choice depends on your needs—whether it’s quick grill tank swaps, cost-effective refills, or full-service propane solutions for home or business.