Behind the Wheel:
A Day in the Life of a Euliss Propane Delivery Driver
Reliable propane delivery is essential for our neighbors throughout North Carolina. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, propane is the fourth most commonly used energy source for American households, behind electricity, natural gas and heating oil.
At Euliss, our team of seven experienced drivers proudly serves over 6,000 customers from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill and beyond. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our commitment to delivering quality propane with excellent service.
To give you a glimpse into what it takes to keep the fuel flowing, we spoke with Euliss Delivery Driver, Seth Smith. Here’s a look at his daily routine, what he loves about the job and how he helps bring warmth and comfort to families across the state.
Q&A with Seth Smith
Euliss Propane Delivery Driver
What prompted you to become a propane delivery driver?
I worked in flooring for over 15 years, but the physical demands were tough. In 2015, I decided to transition into the propane industry. It took about three months to earn my CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), and I spent five years as a delivery driver before joining Euliss in 2020.
What drew you to Euliss?
Euliss really feels like a family. Everyone works together and communicates well, which keeps things running smoothly. The leadership here is great, too. Chris sets the tone for the team, and he’s always available if we need guidance or help.
I also appreciate how steady the work is. Even in the summer, we stay busy with maintenance tasks like cleaning, painting and replacing tanks. There’s always something to do, and it’s rewarding to know our work helps so many families in the community.
What does a typical day as a propane delivery driver look like?
My day starts with an early-morning email from Chris. He outlines the route and gives any special instructions—like navigating gates or avoiding pets. Before I get on the road, I do a pre-trip inspection of my bobtail to make sure everything is ready.
A typical day includes around 25 stops, and we usually log between 125 to 175 miles. Most deliveries are straightforward, but about a quarter of them have specific requirements, like partial fills, leaving tanks in specific locations or other customer preferences. In the winter, our work hours are extended to meet the higher demand, and our seven drivers take turns being on-call to handle emergencies after hours and on weekends.
It sounds like you have a lot of autonomy with Euliss. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Just that—I love the independence of working at my own pace while exploring all kinds of beautiful places across North Carolina. Every day is different—I get to see wildlife, scenery and neighborhoods I’d never visit otherwise.
Are you a podcast listener?
Oh, absolutely. My wife got me hooked on true crime and supernatural podcasts! They’re much better than listening to the same songs on the radio.
True crime podcasts? They can really get in your head!
They do! Sometimes I’ll be driving along and catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye. I’ll think, “Wait—was that Bigfoot?!” Those podcasts definitely mess with your imagination.
Hopefully, you never have a real encounter with Bigfoot. But otherwise, what are the most challenging parts of your job?
Some days are tougher than others. Rainy weather can make a propane delivery tricky, and finding hard-to-locate homes can be frustrating. And then, there are the dogs that aren’t always thrilled to see me!
Plus, delivering propane can be physically demanding—pulling long hoses and navigating landscaping takes extra care. But challenges like these come with the territory, and I’ve learned to take them in stride.
Do you use any technology to make your work easier?
Technology has been a game changer. We use tablets powered by Cargas Energy, which handle everything from clocking our time to routing and navigation.
We also have an automated pump system that tracks how much propane I’m delivering and stops when it hits the right amount. And with safety features like remote shut-offs and emergency switches, I can focus on the job without worrying about the unexpected. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in propane delivery?
It’s a great job if you enjoy driving, being outdoors and working independently. But it’s not always easy. You have to be patient and pay attention. Take your time and don’t rush—mistakes can happen when you’re in too much of a hurry.
Safety is a big part of the job, too. You’ll need your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a tanker endorsement plus a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME). These special licensing programs keep everyone safe on the road.
Any interesting or unexpected moments on the job?
There’s rarely a dull moment! I’ve found birds and squirrels under tank lids and even had a few run-ins with wasps, so I always keep some spray handy. I haven’t run into a snake yet, but I’m sure that day will come!
Reliable Propane Delivery To Fuel Your Comfort.
The next time your Euliss driver stops by, remember—there’s more to propane delivery than meets the eye. Drivers like Seth are the problem solvers, safety experts and friendly faces who make a difference in our community.
From the first stop to the last, the Euliss team is dedicated to delivering warmth and reliability to homes and businesses across North Carolina. When you see a Euliss truck in your neighborhood, you can trust it’s operated by a propane delivery driver committed to quality fuel and outstanding service.
