The Canada-based trucking industry engineering and research firm, PIT Group, will open a U.S. office to increase its presence in the country, the company announced at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition.

PIT Group is opening an office in Atlanta, Ga., and is adding the U.S. as the location for road testing of its Energotest technology certification process. Using stringent SAE and TMC protocols, PIT Group will hold two Energotest events in the U.S. and two in Canada each year.

“With the continual need to improve competitiveness and the increase in environmental compliance restrictions, the demand for green technologies has never been stronger,” said Yves Provencher, director of PIT Group. “Our US office will enable us to offer the level of service and experience we’ve been providing Canadian fleets and that US fleets expect.”

It has tasked Mike Fielden, a transportation logistics executive with over 35 years of experience, to lead its U.S. operation. PIT Group consists of engineers, technicians, eco-driving trainers and fleet management specialists that can guide fleets in selecting products for their needs.

PIT Group members are able to access independent test results on fuel saving technologies, network on technology issues with like-minded colleagues and have access of results of tests conducted for other PIT Group members.

Membership fees are $46 per power unit for the first 500 units, $28 for the next 500 units and $9.50 per power unit for the remaining units with a minimum fee of $5,000 annually.

“Larger carriers view us as a seamless extension to their engineering teams whereas smaller carriers consider us their entire engineering department,” said Provencher. “Bottom line, we have no agenda other than to certify and implement the best and most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly technologies in North America.”