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Ben Thompson

Expertise ImporterExporterTrading ExpertDigital MarketingBlogging

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

  • Understand shipping container sizes & specifications and shipping methods

    Last updated on September 13, 2018 by Ben Thompson

    There are 4 modes of transport along the International Supply Chain. Goods can be transported via Sea, Air, Road or Rail. Multiple modes of transport will most likely be used for 1 single shipment to get products delivered to International locations.

  • Learn the Export Documentation required for the Import / Export process.

    Last updated on September 12, 2018 by Ben Thompson

    Export documentation is essential to get products shipped along the import export supply chain. There are many important sales and shipping documents that must be used.

  • 5 Tips For Better Sourcing Suppliers from Alibaba

    Last updated on September 10, 2018 by Ben Thompson

    Sourcing 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. 

  • Create and Download a Commercial Invoice template for Export

    Last updated on September 7, 2018 by Ben Thompson

    First, 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 Proforma Invoice and Purchase Order Documents for Export

    Last updated on September 5, 2018 by Ben Thompson
    Template of a Proforma Invoice and Purchase Order document

    First, 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 Thompson

    A 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 Thompson

    When 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 Thompson

    An 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 Thompson

    When 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…

  • Podcast – How Blockchain will change Global Trade and Logistics

    Last updated on August 4, 2018 by Ben Thompson

    Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize Global Trade and the import export process. Warwick from BeefLedger explains what blockchain technology is, how it works and how blockchain solutions are being applied to real world import export shipments

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Glossary of Shipping Terms

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Export Manager's Guide to Remote Working

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Download a Proforma Invoice Template PDF

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Unit Load Device ULD Air Container Specifications

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