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Truck makers and suppliers say they will be among the industries hardest hit by a new federal rule that could cost U.S. businesses nearly $8 billion to search out and shed “conflict minerals” originating from central Africa.

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers said its fourth-quarter profit slipped from a year ago to $22.1 million, or 21 cents per share, from $26.8 million, or 25 cents, a year ago.

Eaton Corp. said Wednesday its board has approved an 11% increase in its quarterly cash dividend.

Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. said it posted a lower fourth-quarter profit and a lower full-year income.

Every month or so, Dustin Stricker, the maintenance manager at R.E. West Transportation in Ashland City, Tenn., sits down with representatives from South Carolina-based Michelin North America and the local Tire Centers in Nashville to do autopsies on truck tires.

Truck and auto component maker Dana Holding Corp. said Thursday its fourth-quarter profit rose from a year ago, though its revenue declined.

Engine maker Cummins Inc. said Wednesday it has revised its previously announced fourth-quarter and full-year 2012 operating results down by $20 million, with net income reduced by $12 million, or 7 cents per share.

There’s no real mystery as to why otherwise intelligent fleet operators so often negotiate full-service leases using only big, round numbers. Reason No. 1 is that they simply don’t know their actual, detailed maintenance costs.

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings’ fourth-quarter net income rose to $319.9 million, or $4.21 per share — which included a $337.5 million tax benefit — from $31.1 million, or 41 cents, a year earlier.