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Cummins Inc. said it will repurchase up to $1 billion in shares of its common stock.

A few weeks ago, I received a call from the staff of U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.). My family operates a business with more than 750 pieces of equipment constantly on the road in America.

Last summer’s record heat scorched much of the United States, with evidence of the high temperatures visible on the nation’s highways in the form of chunks of broken tires and separated treads, so-called “road gators.”

Truck component maker Meritor Inc. said its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings declined from a year ago and that it will cut its global workforce by about 800 jobs due to weaker U.S. and international markets.

Greenbrier Cos., which makes intermodal railcars and other freight equipment, said its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings fell more than 40% to $7.4 million as the market for some equipment eased.

Truck and automobile parts maker Visteon Corp. reported its third-quarter net income dropped and announced a $100 million restructuring, while Commercial Vehicle Group also provided a quarterly profit.

A number of trucking industry suppliers, led by engine maker Cummins Inc., all reported lower earnings in the third quarter due to falling demand for their products.

Cummins Inc. said its third-quarter profit slipped from a year ago on lower engine demand.

It’s no secret that underinflated tires consume more fuel. Given that the price of diesel is rising more often than falling these days, today’s fleet maintenance managers must check tire pressure more regularly — and then actually do something about the results.