Daimler AG cast doubt on Tesla Inc.’s plan to deliver electric heavy trucks next year, saying its more modest goal to start selling battery-powered big rigs by 2021 is more realistic.

It's not much now, just a parking lot with a discarded gin bottle and an old exterminator receipt.

Forwarders play an important role in obtaining space on airplanes or ocean vessels at the best rate possible for shippers. Long known as a relationship business, much of the forwarders' business traditionally was done by phone, fax machine or in person. Real-time tracking and management of shipments was non-existent, transparent invoices did not exist and neither did electronic document submission. Until now – today thanks to technology and start-ups, the freight forwarding market is changing. -Cathy Morrow Roberson, Founder/Head Analyst, Logistics Trends & Insights LLC

Retailers still celebrating their strongest holiday sales in years now face the less-pleasant task of disposing of billions of dollars in returned merchandise.

The availability of labor (or lack thereof) is requiring us to think differently about network strategy and site selection. Distribution network strategy is no longer just about optimizing traditional costs (transportation, operating expense, fixed costs and capital). Today, when evaluating different network strategies, total supply chain cost, including availability, cost and quality of labor, real estate occupancy costs, inventory working capital and possible economic incentives must be considered alongside service level improvements that drive revenue growth. -Chirag Modi, Director, Global Strategy, Fortna Inc., and Tray Anderson, Vice President, Strategy, Fortna Inc.