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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

  • FCA Incoterm® Explained

    Last updated on May 8, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    FCA Incoterm

    FCA Incoterm® simplifies international shipping by defining when the seller's responsibility ends and the buyer's begins. It is ideal for managing logistics, costs, and ensuring compliance with export and import regulations. Learn more about using FCA in global trade.

  • Top 10 Largest Container Ports In US & Canada 2024

    Last updated on April 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping Port in Oakland

    In 2024, key North American ports are ranked by container volume in TEUs, reflecting their scale and global trade impact. These ports significantly boost the US and Canadian economies by connecting domestic markets with international routes.

  • Top 19 Reasons For Shipping Delays In 2024

    Last updated on April 25, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping delays: containers falling

    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 Thompson
    types of export packaging

    When 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 Thompson

    A 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 Thompson
    Notify Party on Bill Of Lading

    Discover 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 Thompson
    friendshoring nearshoring reshoring offshoring

    Explore 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 Thompson
    NVOCC explained

    NVOCCs 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 Thompson

    When 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 Thompson

    New 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.

  • FCA Incoterm® Explained

    Last updated on May 8, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    FCA Incoterm

    FCA Incoterm® simplifies international shipping by defining when the seller's responsibility ends and the buyer's begins. It is ideal for managing logistics, costs, and ensuring compliance with export and import regulations. Learn more about using FCA in global trade. Read More »

  • Top 10 Largest Container Ports In US & Canada 2024

    Last updated on April 27, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping Port in Oakland

    In 2024, key North American ports are ranked by container volume in TEUs, reflecting their scale and global trade impact. These ports significantly boost the US and Canadian economies by connecting domestic markets with international routes. Read More »

  • Top 19 Reasons For Shipping Delays In 2024

    Last updated on April 25, 2024 by Ben Thompson
    Shipping delays: containers falling

    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 Thompson
    types of export packaging

    When 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 Thompson

    A 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 Thompson
    Notify Party on Bill Of Lading

    Discover 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 Thompson
    friendshoring nearshoring reshoring offshoring

    Explore 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 Thompson
    NVOCC explained

    NVOCCs 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 Thompson

    When 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 Thompson

    New 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 »

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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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