Ports and warehouses across the United States are under growing pressure to modernize their operations, reduce emissions, and meet new sustainability goals. For many, propane-powered material handling equipment offers an ideal balance between environmental performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. But making the transition to cleaner equipment and fueling infrastructure often requires upfront investment, and that’s where grant and funding opportunities come in.
Whether you’re managing a port authority, operating a distribution center, or running a private fleet, understanding how to identify and apply for available funding can make the difference between a good idea and a funded project.
The first step toward securing proper funding is having a clearly defined project or operational need. Most grant opportunities outline detailed eligibility requirements at the onset, including the types of projects that qualify, who can apply, and measurable outcomes they expect.
Public entities such as port authorities, school districts, and municipalities are often eligible to serve as lead applicants, while private companies and community-based organizations can participate as project partners. Understanding the applicant structure early ensures you can build the right team before deadlines approach.
Beyond federal programs, applicants should explore state and local opportunities, which often prioritize projects that align with regional clean air and economic development goals. For example, coastal states and port regions may emphasize emission reductions in freight corridors and maritime operations — aligning perfectly with propane material handling applications.
At the federal level, several recurring programs offer significant potential for propane-powered material handling equipment and infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s PIDP is one of the largest and most consistent funding sources for port-related projects. This annual program supports improvements that enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of U.S. ports — including investments in equipment and fueling infrastructure that reduce emissions and improve sustainability.
Propane-fueled equipment, such as forklifts and terminal tractors, as well as on-site refueling systems, can qualify under PIDP when they contribute to reduced emissions, improved operational efficiency, and resilience. Because this program requires a public entity as the lead applicant, port authorities are often the primary recipients, with private operators serving as key partners.
The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, previously known as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE), funds a broad range of transportation infrastructure projects. These grants can support fleets and transit projects that incorporate alternative fuel technologies, including propane.
Both PIDP and RAISE programs are competitive but well-funded, with billions of dollars distributed annually to projects that demonstrate clear community and environmental benefits.
Depending on the program, grant funding can help offset many of the costs associated with transitioning to or upgrading propane-powered material handling equipment. Some of these benefits include:
For fleets that are ready to make the move toward cleaner, more efficient equipment upgrades, these incentives can make the process much easier by significantly reducing the upfront financial burden as well as the long-term operational costs.
Propane offers an immediate, scalable path to lower emissions without sacrificing performance and efficiency. In port environments, where electric charging infrastructure can be costly, unpredictable, or impractical, propane-powered equipment delivers reliable power with low emissions and fast refueling. As more ports and logistics operators seek to modernize their fleets, propane can help them meet sustainability mandates, strengthen resilience, and keep operations moving smoothly.
Identifying, applying for, and managing grant opportunities can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. By planning early, partnering with the right organizations, and leveraging recurring federal programs, material handling professionals can unlock funding that accelerates their clean energy goals.
To learn more about propane-powered equipment, fueling infrastructure, and more, visit propane.com/material-handling.
