Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda have announced plans to begin negotiating a free-trade agreement aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between the two nations.

DB Schenker Rail is now offering direct services to Paris, France. The company has opened a new rail logistics center at Blanc Mesnil on the outskirts of the city, linking the greater Paris area more closely to its European network.

Despite greatly improved safety records in the century since Titanic, the maritime industry faces new challenges driven by the continued growth of worldwide shipping, according to specialist marine insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty.

Mexico, the United States' southern neighbor offers transportation distances a fraction of those from Asia, a labor force a good deal cheaper than domestic workers, and a country causing fewer headaches about intellectual property and other trade concerns. But in recent years, drug-related violence along the border has caused some manufacturers to be more cautious about making the move to Mexico.

APQC, which specializes in benchmarking and best practices research, has released a report that identifies 14 key category management best practices grouped in four areas that are necessary for the procurement organization to become a true partner and sustainable value driver for business.