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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.
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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 ThompsonOptimize 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 ThompsonA 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonFirst, 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 ThompsonCustoms 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonA 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 ThompsonIf 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonIncoterms® 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 ThompsonOptimize 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 ThompsonA 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonFirst, 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 ThompsonCustoms 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonA 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 ThompsonIf 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 ThompsonThe 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 ThompsonIncoterms® 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 »