AAA Comet Gas deploys Marshall Lethlean LPG tanker

Australia’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector operates as a prominent piece of the country’s economy and is essential for a variety of consumers. According to a 2017 report from Gas Energy Australia, LPG is consumed by nearly two million Australian households and provided to more than 160,000 businesses.

Furthermore, a report published by Grand View Research in 2023 found that the sector has experienced year-on-year revenue growth since 2020 – with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1 per cent between 2024 and 2030.

Among the providers contributing to the growing LPG sector is AAA Comet Gas, a proud family-owned enterprise operating out of the heart of Australia’s east coast. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Tweed Heads, New South Wales, the business has spent over two decades specialising in the transport of 45kg LPG cylinders throughout NSW and parts of Queensland.

AAA Comet Gas caters to the LPG’s wide range of customers, from homeowners with barbecues to major commercial clients with forklifts and heating systems. Major servicing is bolstered by a competitive, same-day delivery capability.

AAA Comet Gas Managing Director, Mick Taylor, says it is this quality that makes the business stand out in the industry.

“We’ve refined our process to make ordering easy,” he says. “Whether it’s done online or over the phone, we make sure customers never run out of gas when they need it most.”

Another key aspect of AAA Comet Gas’ operations is its utilisation of different modern technologies. While some of these technologies are used to help customers manage their orders, track deliveries and make payments online, many come in the form of complex equipment to assist in the safe transport of LPG altogether.

“Safety is always our top priority,” Mick says. “It is essential that we ensure safety for our customers, our team and the wider communities that we serve.”

AAA Comet Gas recently became the first fleet to take delivery of Marshal Lethlean’s brand-new trailer model, a 53,000-litre LPG tanker. The product, developed in close collaboration with Air Brake Corporation and Acme Fluid Handling, represents a shared vision of safety, operational, performance and durability standards.

“This delivery marks the beginning of a new chapter,” says Marshall Lethlean Sales Manager, Garry Brennan. “We’re setting a new benchmark for what LPG tankers can achieve with Air Brake Corporation, Acme Fluid Handling and AAA Comet Gas.”

All parties contributed to this new standard in their own ways. Air Brake Corporation’s involvement included the designing and manufacturing of the intelligent Electronic Braking System brake kit and system which was specifically designed for this tanker.

The i-EBS spec has equipped the tanker with various safety features. One of these is an adaptive braking response which can automatically adjust itself to load weight, terrain and driving conditions. Rollover mitigation is also included which provides advanced stability control and reduces rollover risk during emergency manoeuvres.

In addition, the i-EBS comes with predictive diagnostics such as real-time alerts for brake wear, air pressure anomalies and system faults, while being fully compatible with telematics platforms for live monitoring and compliance reporting.

Mick, who personally delivered the new LPG road tanker from Marshall Lethlean to AAA Comet Gas’ headquarters, praised the i-EBS’ handling.

“This braking system is just one of the qualities that makes this tanker a game changer,” he says. “It gives you confidence on the road, especially when you’re hauling full loads through unpredictable terrain. It’s the kind of innovation we’ve been waiting for.”

The LPG tanker’s capabilities are further bolstered by fuel pumping and metering components from Acme Fluid Handling. The Corken Z3500 pump and ZV 200 bypass valve in particular provide optimum performance across many fuel delivery options such as bulk-metering, unmetered bulk, hose reel delivery, self-filling and compressor unloading. These systems are combined with Acme Fluid Handling’s own VTM 200A flow metering system to give high accuracy and efficiency over the fuel delivery process.

Marshall Lethlean’s new LPG tanker was designed in Australia to maximise its durability and minimise maintenance across a mix of road and weather conditions. Its standout benefits include payload efficiency, reduced tare weight for fuel savings, Australian Design Rules (ADR) compliance, Dangerous Goods (DG) certification and configuration customisation for fleet needs.

“This new road tanker is the first Marshall Lethlean unit to join the AAA Comet Gas fleet, and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s been performing,” Mick says. “Its build quality and engineering are first-class, and the lighter tare weight, improved payload capacity and upgraded safety systems fit perfectly with the way we run our operation.

“We take pride in maintaining a modern, reliable fleet that reflects the professionalism and safety standards our customers expect. This new tanker gives us the reliability to keep LPG supplies moving to our loyal customers and the flexibility to support future growth and expansion.”

With the delivery of Marshall Lethlean’s new LPG tanker now in the rear view mirror, Mick sees an exciting future with the OEM.

“This delivery opens the door for more collaboration down the line,” he says. “It gives us continuity as we plan for the next phase of our fleet’s growth.”