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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.

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

  • Incoterm: Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Shipping Explained

    Last updated on August 17, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is a shipping term where the seller handles all costs and risks, from transport to customs clearance, ensuring the buyer receives goods hassle-free. This guide explains DDP’s benefits, drawbacks, and when it’s the best choice for international trade.

  • Understanding Ex Works Incoterms

    Last updated on August 14, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Ex Works Incoterm

    Ex Works (EXW) is an Incoterm® where the buyer handles all logistics from the seller's location, including transport and export. It's ideal for buyers with experience in international trade, but may be too complex for beginners due to the responsibilities involved.

  • What is CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight)  Incoterms?

    Last updated on August 13, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    CIF Incoterm

    CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) simplifies international trade by clearly defining who covers shipping costs and basic insurance. Used mainly for sea transport, CIF reduces disputes by ensuring the seller handles shipping to the destination port, while the buyer assumes risk once goods are loaded.

  • Delivered at Place (DAP): Incoterms 2020 Explained

    Last updated on August 9, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    International trade can be complex, with various expectations and challenges. The ICC created Incoterms to clarify buyer and seller responsibilities. DAP (Delivered at Place) is one such term. Under DAP, the seller delivers goods to a specified location, and the buyer handles unloading and import duties. This simplifies risk and cost management in shipping.

  • Load Planning: Optimization to Reduce Transportation Costs

    Last updated on August 7, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Load Planning

    Effective load planning can make or break a logistics company. It’s not just about cutting costs but also about ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. In this article, we delve into the numerous benefits of load planning. You'll gain insights into the responsibilities of a load planner, uncover common issues with traditional methods, and discover practical…

  • Create and Download a Bill of Exchange Document Template for Export

    Last updated on August 6, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    A Bill of Exchange is a document that is used in global trade as a written order binding one party to pay a fixed sum of money to another party on demand or at a confirmed date.

  • Breakbulk Shipping Explained

    Last updated on August 2, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Breakbulk Cargo

    Breakbulk shipping is ideal for oversized cargo that can't fit in standard containers. Items like machinery and large equipment are loaded individually onto a ship or barge. This method offers flexibility and access to smaller ports but requires careful handling and specialized vessels. Despite higher costs, breakbulk shipping effectively manages unique logistical challenges.

  • Intermodal vs Multimodal

    Last updated on July 31, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Within the freight and logistics industry, intermodal and multimodal terms are frequently used. Both play a crucial role in moving goods using various transportation modes like air, sea, and rail. However, they have distinct management and contractual structures. This article compares intermodal and multimodal transport, helping you choose the best method for your shipping needs.

  • The SOLAS VGM regulations explained

    Last updated on July 29, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The 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.

  • What is a Container Stowage Plan for Cargo Ships?

    Last updated on July 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    container stowage plan

    Container stowage planning organizes and allocates space on cargo ships for containers. It ensures efficient loading, maintains balance, and enhances safety. Stowage plans are like blueprints, preventing instability, cargo loss, and delays. They boost operational efficiency, revenue, and safety for shipping companies and ports. Proper stowage is crucial for crew and cargo safety.

  • Incoterm: Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Shipping Explained

    Last updated on August 17, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is a shipping term where the seller handles all costs and risks, from transport to customs clearance, ensuring the buyer receives goods hassle-free. This guide explains DDP’s benefits, drawbacks, and when it’s the best choice for international trade. Read More »

  • Understanding Ex Works Incoterms

    Last updated on August 14, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Ex Works Incoterm

    Ex Works (EXW) is an Incoterm® where the buyer handles all logistics from the seller's location, including transport and export. It's ideal for buyers with experience in international trade, but may be too complex for beginners due to the responsibilities involved. Read More »

  • What is CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight)  Incoterms?

    Last updated on August 13, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    CIF Incoterm

    CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) simplifies international trade by clearly defining who covers shipping costs and basic insurance. Used mainly for sea transport, CIF reduces disputes by ensuring the seller handles shipping to the destination port, while the buyer assumes risk once goods are loaded. Read More »

  • Delivered at Place (DAP): Incoterms 2020 Explained

    Last updated on August 9, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    International trade can be complex, with various expectations and challenges. The ICC created Incoterms to clarify buyer and seller responsibilities. DAP (Delivered at Place) is one such term. Under DAP, the seller delivers goods to a specified location, and the buyer handles unloading and import duties. This simplifies risk and cost management in shipping. Read More »

  • Load Planning: Optimization to Reduce Transportation Costs

    Last updated on August 7, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Load Planning

    Effective load planning can make or break a logistics company. It’s not just about cutting costs but also about ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. In this article, we delve into the numerous benefits of load planning. You’ll gain insights into the responsibilities of a load planner, uncover common issues with traditional methods, and discover practical […] Read More »

  • Create and Download a Bill of Exchange Document Template for Export

    Last updated on August 6, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    A Bill of Exchange is a document that is used in global trade as a written order binding one party to pay a fixed sum of money to another party on demand or at a confirmed date. Read More »

  • Breakbulk Shipping Explained

    Last updated on August 2, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Breakbulk Cargo

    Breakbulk shipping is ideal for oversized cargo that can't fit in standard containers. Items like machinery and large equipment are loaded individually onto a ship or barge. This method offers flexibility and access to smaller ports but requires careful handling and specialized vessels. Despite higher costs, breakbulk shipping effectively manages unique logistical challenges. Read More »

  • Intermodal vs Multimodal

    Last updated on July 31, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    Within the freight and logistics industry, intermodal and multimodal terms are frequently used. Both play a crucial role in moving goods using various transportation modes like air, sea, and rail. However, they have distinct management and contractual structures. This article compares intermodal and multimodal transport, helping you choose the best method for your shipping needs. Read More »

  • The SOLAS VGM regulations explained

    Last updated on July 29, 2024 by Ben Thompson

    The 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. Read More »

  • What is a Container Stowage Plan for Cargo Ships?

    Last updated on July 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    container stowage plan

    Container stowage planning organizes and allocates space on cargo ships for containers. It ensures efficient loading, maintains balance, and enhances safety. Stowage plans are like blueprints, preventing instability, cargo loss, and delays. They boost operational efficiency, revenue, and safety for shipping companies and ports. Proper stowage is crucial for crew and cargo safety. Read More »

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Glossary of Shipping Terms

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Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

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