Weekly Insights. ZERO spam

Join 150K Subscribers

Weekly insights & expert articles on supply chain, shipping, and international trade.
Last week another, 812 people joined our community

Ben Thompson

Highlights

  • Experienced founders that have successfully founded International Trading Companies.
  • Over 14+ years of Global Trade experience, buying and selling products all over the world.
  • Developed innovative cloud software solutions to streamline global trade documentation for Small and Medium Businesses worldwide.

Created the Global Trade Newsletter, to inform and educate over 150K+ subscribers to help them succeed in global trade

About Ben Thompson

Ben is passionate about International Trade, Import/Export, International Shipping and connecting world markets. For the last 14 years Ben has specialized in importing and exporting goods around the world, and creating content and software solutions to help small and medium sized businesses to become successful in global trade.

After facing the many challenges of running their own trading company, in 2016 Ben Thompson and Brandon Boor founded IncoDocs, a new cloud based software tool to help importers and exporters to streamline their global trade documentation. In 2019 IncoDocs secured investment from global shipping line giant Maersk, as they shared their vision to digitize global supply chain processes. Since then Ben and Brandon have grown IncoDocs to provide solutions to companies in over 120 countries.

Additionally, the IncoDocs team continues to provide detailed industry articles, videos, podcasts, guides and tools to help companies thrive in global trade. The IncoDocs YouTube channel has gained over 20K+ subscribers, and had over 1 Million video views.  The team are consistently providing useful content to help importers and exporters solve their problems along the supply chain.

Ben and Brandon also created the Global Trade Newsletter, which continues to provides news, resources and helpful content to over 150k+ subscribers.

The IncoDocs team are passionate about global trade and understand the complexities of the global supply chain and continue to create content and solutions to streamline the import export process and drive the future of global trade.

Posts by Ben Thompson

  • What is shipping container cargo consolidation?

    Last updated on February 21, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Container Consolidation

    Optimize shipping costs with container consolidation. Combine smaller shipments into one full container load. Save on fees and reduce damage risk. Learn how to arrange and choose the right consolidator for seamless logistics.

  • The Importance of a Certificate of Free Sale (Certificate for Export)

    Last updated on February 19, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    What is certificate of free sale import export

    A Certificate of Free Sale (CFS), also known as a Certificate to Foreign Governments or Certificate for Export, validates that a product meets legal standards and is safe for consumption. It's crucial for international trade, ensuring smooth customs clearance and preventing shipment issues. Without it, exports face delays, fines, or even rejection.

  • House Bill of Lading Vs. Master Bill of Lading

    Last updated on February 16, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    House Bill of Lading vs Master Bill of Lading

    The Bill of Lading is key in shipping, acting as proof of shipment and cargo ownership. It details the contract and receipt of goods. The article differentiates between House and Master Bills of Lading, essential for global trade efficiency.

  • Bill of Lading meaning and types used in Global Trade

    Last updated on February 14, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Bill of Lading Form Explained

    First, a Bill of Lading is a the most important shipping document involved in the import export process. However, some shippers may not understand the bill of lading meaning or the types of bill of lading that are issued along the supply chain. So, in this article we give insight into the bill of lading…

  • Customs Broker Role: A Comprehensive Guide to Customs Brokerage Services

    Last updated on February 12, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Customs brokers facilitate international trade by ensuring goods comply with customs regulations, preventing delays and fines. They handle documentation, duties, and taxes, making them indispensable for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Their expertise in navigating complex customs processes and regulations helps goods move smoothly across borders, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right broker for…

  • What is TEU in shipping?

    Last updated on February 9, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The journey from the standardization of the TEU to the development of Ultra Large Containerships has revolutionized global trade. With capacities surpassing 18,000 TEUs, these vessels underscore the quest for efficiency, while also posing challenges for ports and routes.

  • Create and Download a Commercial Invoice Template for Global Trade

    Last updated on February 8, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Create and Download a Commercial Invoice template for Global Trade

    A Commercial Invoice is an important trade document that is used in Global Trade and shipping. When products are shipped Internationally the shipper must provide the Consignee (importer) with a detailed Commercial Invoice template and other shipping documentation.

  • Countersigning Proforma Invoices, Purchase Orders and Sales Contracts used in Global Trade

    Last updated on February 5, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Trade documents with digital signatures

    If you’re an importer, exporter or trading company then you would understand the process of countersigning and adding countersignatures to important sales contracts and documents. Countersigning proforma invoices, purchase orders and sales contracts requires both buyer and seller to add their company stamp or company seal, and their signature onto both documents.

  • How Many Cars Fit in a Shipping Container: Maximizing Space for Car Shipping

    Last updated on February 2, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The advantages of car container shipping, where safety meets cost-effectiveness. This method not only shields your vehicle from harm but also offers the convenience of transporting multiple cars simultaneously. Explore how it's changing the game in vehicle logistics.

  • Incoterms® 2024: Guide, and changes of Incoterms® Explained

    Last updated on January 31, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Incoterms 2024

    Incoterms® Guide to use in 2024 Incoterms® were first published in 1936 and are continually updated over time to reflect the changing global business environment to be continually used in 2024 and beyond. The International Chamber of Commerce ICC published the latest version of Incoterms® 2020.  These changes came into effect on the 1st of January 2020 and…

  • What is shipping container cargo consolidation?

    Last updated on February 21, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Container Consolidation

    Optimize shipping costs with container consolidation. Combine smaller shipments into one full container load. Save on fees and reduce damage risk. Learn how to arrange and choose the right consolidator for seamless logistics. Read More »

  • The Importance of a Certificate of Free Sale (Certificate for Export)

    Last updated on February 19, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    What is certificate of free sale import export

    A Certificate of Free Sale (CFS), also known as a Certificate to Foreign Governments or Certificate for Export, validates that a product meets legal standards and is safe for consumption. It's crucial for international trade, ensuring smooth customs clearance and preventing shipment issues. Without it, exports face delays, fines, or even rejection. Read More »

  • House Bill of Lading Vs. Master Bill of Lading

    Last updated on February 16, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    House Bill of Lading vs Master Bill of Lading

    The Bill of Lading is key in shipping, acting as proof of shipment and cargo ownership. It details the contract and receipt of goods. The article differentiates between House and Master Bills of Lading, essential for global trade efficiency. Read More »

  • Bill of Lading meaning and types used in Global Trade

    Last updated on February 14, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Bill of Lading Form Explained

    First, a Bill of Lading is a the most important shipping document involved in the import export process. However, some shippers may not understand the bill of lading meaning or the types of bill of lading that are issued along the supply chain. So, in this article we give insight into the bill of lading and the different types of bill of lading used in International trade. Read More »

  • Customs Broker Role: A Comprehensive Guide to Customs Brokerage Services

    Last updated on February 12, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Customs brokers facilitate international trade by ensuring goods comply with customs regulations, preventing delays and fines. They handle documentation, duties, and taxes, making them indispensable for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Their expertise in navigating complex customs processes and regulations helps goods move smoothly across borders, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right broker for your business's specific needs. Read More »

  • What is TEU in shipping?

    Last updated on February 9, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The journey from the standardization of the TEU to the development of Ultra Large Containerships has revolutionized global trade. With capacities surpassing 18,000 TEUs, these vessels underscore the quest for efficiency, while also posing challenges for ports and routes. Read More »

  • Create and Download a Commercial Invoice Template for Global Trade

    Last updated on February 8, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Create and Download a Commercial Invoice template for Global Trade

    A Commercial Invoice is an important trade document that is used in Global Trade and shipping. When products are shipped Internationally the shipper must provide the Consignee (importer) with a detailed Commercial Invoice template and other shipping documentation. Read More »

  • Countersigning Proforma Invoices, Purchase Orders and Sales Contracts used in Global Trade

    Last updated on February 5, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Trade documents with digital signatures

    If you’re an importer, exporter or trading company then you would understand the process of countersigning and adding countersignatures to important sales contracts and documents. Countersigning proforma invoices, purchase orders and sales contracts requires both buyer and seller to add their company stamp or company seal, and their signature onto both documents. Read More »

  • How Many Cars Fit in a Shipping Container: Maximizing Space for Car Shipping

    Last updated on February 2, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The advantages of car container shipping, where safety meets cost-effectiveness. This method not only shields your vehicle from harm but also offers the convenience of transporting multiple cars simultaneously. Explore how it's changing the game in vehicle logistics. Read More »

  • Incoterms® 2024: Guide, and changes of Incoterms® Explained

    Last updated on January 31, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Incoterms 2024

    Incoterms® Guide to use in 2024 Incoterms® were first published in 1936 and are continually updated over time to reflect the changing global business environment to be continually used in 2024 and beyond. The International Chamber of Commerce ICC published the latest version of Incoterms® 2020.  These changes came into effect on the 1st of January 2020 and […] Read More »

IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo
Download Global Trade Toolkit

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo
Download Incoterms® 2020 Guide

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

Download Global Trade Toolkit

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

Weekly Insights. ZERO spam
Global Trade Guide

By downloading this content you agree to receive our weekly Global Trade Email Newsletter to help grow your business.

IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo
Get Smarter About Global Trade
Join 150K+ subscribers to receive our free weekly 5 minute newsletter on what's happening in the world of Global Trade.
IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo
Glossary of Shipping Terms

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo
Export Manager's Guide to Remote Working

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo
Download a Proforma Invoice Template PDF

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.

IncoDocs Global Trade Nesletter Logo
Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

Enter your email to get your FREE guide and weekly trade insights. Unsubscribe anytime.