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
The HS Code and HTS code for Global Trade Explained
Last updated on September 11, 2018 by Ben Thompson
A HS code or HTS code plays such a vital role in International trade. However, the system of codes and jargon involved around the these codes can make it difficult to classify and understand. In this article we explain the common terms that are used throughout the customs clearance process so that shippers can meet…
5 Tips For Better Sourcing Suppliers from Alibaba
Last updated on September 10, 2018 by Ben ThompsonSourcing suppliers from online marketplaces like Alibaba can be a quick and cheap option for your business. However, you must know what to look for and what to avoid.
The SOLAS VGM regulations explained
Last updated on September 8, 2018 by Ben ThompsonThe SOLAS VGM is a strict global regulation enforced by the International Marine Organization (IMO). The SOLAS regulations were updated to ensure that shipper’s correctly declare the total verified gross mass of shipping containers ready for export.
Create and Download a Commercial Invoice template for Export
Last updated on September 7, 2018 by Ben ThompsonFirst, a Commercial Invoice document is an important trade document used in Global Trade. When products ship internationally, the shipper will have to provide the buyer with a Commercial Invoice document. The buyer (importer) will use this invoice and other shipping documents to get the products cleared through customs in the country of import. In…
How to Create and Download a Packing List for Export Shipments
Last updated on September 6, 2018 by Ben ThompsonWhat is an Export Packing List Document? An export packing list is a detailed document that states all of the product and packaging details contained in each shipment. Shippers must create a compliant packing list document to share to freight forwarders, shipping lines, importers and other parties along the supply chain. In this article we…
How to create Proforma Invoice and Purchase Order Documents for Export
Last updated on September 5, 2018 by Ben ThompsonFirst, a Proforma Invoice document is an important document that the seller of goods creates and shares to their buyer. When the buyer and seller have communicated the details of the products they want to order, the seller will create a Proforma Invoice document to to confirm the new order.
Create and Download a Shipper’s Letters of Instruction Document
Last updated on September 4, 2018 by Ben ThompsonA Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) is an essential legal document/contract created between the shipper and the freight forwarder (or 3rd party) that is organizing the export of a shipment. It is a detailed document used in International trade that provides logistics instructions relating the the export of a shipment.
Create and Download a Quotation Document for Export Shipments
Last updated on September 3, 2018 by Ben ThompsonWhen Importers source new products and connect with Exporters, the exporter will offer their product details and pricing information. The Exporter must ensure that all information is clearly stated in a correctly formatted Quotation document. This will ensure that there are no disputes relating to product quality, specifications, pricing and delivery terms.
Create and Download a Packing Declaration Document ISPM15
Last updated on September 2, 2018 by Ben ThompsonAn export packing declaration is an important document that states the type of packaging materials that are used to pack goods inside shipping containers for export.
Order Confirmation Document for Import Export Shipments
Last updated on September 1, 2018 by Ben ThompsonWhen Buyers and Sellers in International trade place new orders, the seller (exporter) can send an Order Confirmation document to the buyer (importer) to reconfirm all of the details of the new order. An order confirmation document is usually sent to the buyer after the buyer has issued a Purchase Order document to confirm the new…
