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
Top 19 Reasons For Shipping Delays In 2024
Last updated on April 25, 2024 by Ben Thompson
In 2024, international shipping faces various challenges like geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, piracy, and conflicts, causing delays. Additionally, global emergencies, weather anomalies, holidays, and technical malfunctions disrupt schedules. Documentation errors, lack of visibility, and customs inspections also contribute to delays. Mitigating strategies include proactive planning, accurate documentation, advanced technology, and compliance with regulations.
Types Of Packaging For Export
Last updated on April 18, 2024 by Ben ThompsonWhen importing or exporting goods internationally, it is crucial to use strong, reliable packaging to ensure the products are transported safely and to reduce the risk of damage. The type and quality of this packaging are vital but often overlooked aspects. Since products come in various shapes, sizes, and degrees of fragility, they require appropriately…
Download a Proforma Invoice Template PDF
Last updated on April 16, 2024 by Ben ThompsonA Proforma Invoice template is an important document used when selling goods Internationally. It can also be referred to as a “pro forma invoice” or “performa invoice”. In this article you can download a Proforma Invoice PDF template to use for global trade.
Notify Party in Shipping: Exploring Differences in Bill of Lading Documentation
Last updated on April 13, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDiscover the pivotal roles of Notify Party and Consignee in international shipping. The Notify Party, not responsible for cargo possession, ensures smooth communication upon cargo arrival. Meanwhile, the Consignee, the legal owner of cargo, handles customs clearance and obligations. Understanding their disparities aids efficient logistics and enhances shipping processes.
What is Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Reshoring and Offshoring
Last updated on March 26, 2024 by Ben ThompsonExplore the dynamics of global supply chain strategies! From friendshoring to reshoring, discover how businesses optimize operations amidst geopolitical shifts and market demands.
What is a NVOCC?
Last updated on March 19, 2024 by Ben ThompsonNVOCCs facilitate bulk shipping, while freight forwarders manage global trade intricacies. Learn more about their roles and how to choose the right fit for your needs.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
Last updated on March 13, 2024 by Ben ThompsonWhen goods are transported across the world by sea, they are usually transported inside shipping containers. FCL Shipping (Full Container Load) and LCL Shipping (Less than Container Load) are 2 methods of shipments that package goods inside shipping containers. FCL shipping is when a single shipment takes up the entire space of the shipping container.…
Iran Retaliates Against U.S. Sanctions, Seizes $50 Million in Oil
Last updated on March 8, 2024 by Ben ThompsonNew Icelandic volcano eruption prompts air traffic alerts. Keflavik Airport operational. Comparisons to Eyjafjallajokull's 2010 eruption highlight potential disruptions, but current event poses lower risks. Uncertainty remains over duration and impact on air travel.
Maersk Imposes $1,000 Surcharge
Last updated on March 8, 2024 by Ben ThompsonNew Icelandic volcano eruption prompts air traffic alerts. Keflavik Airport operational. Comparisons to Eyjafjallajokull's 2010 eruption highlight potential disruptions, but current event poses lower risks. Uncertainty remains over duration and impact on air travel.
Glossary of Shipping Terms
Last updated on March 1, 2024 by Ben ThompsonThe International shipping and marine transport industry is full of unique shipping terms and shipping abbreviations. And these are used every day to describe everything from modes of transport, units of measure, pricing structures, IncoTerms and much more. Therefore, it’s important that importers, exporters and freight companies correctly communicate freight terms to avoid problems or…
Top 19 Reasons For Shipping Delays In 2024
Last updated on April 25, 2024 by Ben Thompson
In 2024, international shipping faces various challenges like geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, piracy, and conflicts, causing delays. Additionally, global emergencies, weather anomalies, holidays, and technical malfunctions disrupt schedules. Documentation errors, lack of visibility, and customs inspections also contribute to delays. Mitigating strategies include proactive planning, accurate documentation, advanced technology, and compliance with regulations. Read More »
Types Of Packaging For Export
Last updated on April 18, 2024 by Ben ThompsonWhen importing or exporting goods internationally, it is crucial to use strong, reliable packaging to ensure the products are transported safely and to reduce the risk of damage. The type and quality of this packaging are vital but often overlooked aspects. Since products come in various shapes, sizes, and degrees of fragility, they require appropriately […] Read More »
Download a Proforma Invoice Template PDF
Last updated on April 16, 2024 by Ben ThompsonA Proforma Invoice template is an important document used when selling goods Internationally. It can also be referred to as a “pro forma invoice” or “performa invoice”. In this article you can download a Proforma Invoice PDF template to use for global trade. Read More »
Notify Party in Shipping: Exploring Differences in Bill of Lading Documentation
Last updated on April 13, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDiscover the pivotal roles of Notify Party and Consignee in international shipping. The Notify Party, not responsible for cargo possession, ensures smooth communication upon cargo arrival. Meanwhile, the Consignee, the legal owner of cargo, handles customs clearance and obligations. Understanding their disparities aids efficient logistics and enhances shipping processes. Read More »
What is Friendshoring, Nearshoring, Reshoring and Offshoring
Last updated on March 26, 2024 by Ben ThompsonExplore the dynamics of global supply chain strategies! From friendshoring to reshoring, discover how businesses optimize operations amidst geopolitical shifts and market demands. Read More »
What is a NVOCC?
Last updated on March 19, 2024 by Ben ThompsonNVOCCs facilitate bulk shipping, while freight forwarders manage global trade intricacies. Learn more about their roles and how to choose the right fit for your needs. Read More »
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
Last updated on March 13, 2024 by Ben ThompsonWhen goods are transported across the world by sea, they are usually transported inside shipping containers. FCL Shipping (Full Container Load) and LCL Shipping (Less than Container Load) are 2 methods of shipments that package goods inside shipping containers. FCL shipping is when a single shipment takes up the entire space of the shipping container. […] Read More »
Iran Retaliates Against U.S. Sanctions, Seizes $50 Million in Oil
Last updated on March 8, 2024 by Ben ThompsonNew Icelandic volcano eruption prompts air traffic alerts. Keflavik Airport operational. Comparisons to Eyjafjallajokull's 2010 eruption highlight potential disruptions, but current event poses lower risks. Uncertainty remains over duration and impact on air travel. Read More »
Maersk Imposes $1,000 Surcharge
Last updated on March 8, 2024 by Ben ThompsonNew Icelandic volcano eruption prompts air traffic alerts. Keflavik Airport operational. Comparisons to Eyjafjallajokull's 2010 eruption highlight potential disruptions, but current event poses lower risks. Uncertainty remains over duration and impact on air travel. Read More »
Glossary of Shipping Terms
Last updated on March 1, 2024 by Ben ThompsonThe International shipping and marine transport industry is full of unique shipping terms and shipping abbreviations. And these are used every day to describe everything from modes of transport, units of measure, pricing structures, IncoTerms and much more. Therefore, it’s important that importers, exporters and freight companies correctly communicate freight terms to avoid problems or disputes arising from misunderstanding them. Read More »
