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
How a Switch Bill of Lading Works in Global Shipping
Last updated on May 22, 2025 by Ben Thompson
What Is a Switch Bill of Lading and Why Is It Used? A Switch Bill of Lading, also referred to as "Switch BOL", is a replacement for the original Bill of Lading. It carries updated details about the shipment. This updated document is issued after the goods have left the port but before they arrive…
What Is Blind Shipping? How It Works, When to Use It, and Why It Matters
Last updated on May 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer…
FAS Incoterm Explained
Last updated on April 30, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe FAS Incoterm is one of the 11 trade rules set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is used in specific shipping agreements where buyers need control over freight from the start. These rules help businesses set clear terms in trade deals. They outline who handles costs and risks at each stage. FAS…
What Are Trade Agreements?
Last updated on April 23, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a…
May 2025 Trade War Update
Last updated on April 19, 2025 by Ben ThompsonCatch up on the latest moves in the U.S.-China trade war. See what’s driving the tension, how both sides are reacting, and what these changes could mean for global trade, supply chains, and businesses around the world as talks continue.
Ad Valorem Tariffs Explained
Last updated on April 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are Ad Valorem Tariffs? Ad valorem tariffs are import taxes based on the value of goods. The higher the value, the more you pay. Tariffs are usually calculated on the CIF value, which includes the cost of the goods, plus insurance and freight. For example, if the CIF value is $10,000 and the tariff…
Trade Deficits Explained
Last updated on April 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Deficit? A trade deficit happens when a country buys more from other countries than it sells to them. This means the value of imports is higher than the value of exports. Trade deficits are recorded as part of a country’s current account, which tracks the flow of goods, services, and money…
What is a Retaliatory Tariff ?
Last updated on April 3, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax applied to goods imported from other countries. It's usually charged at the border before those goods are allowed into the domestic market. When one country imposes new tariffs, another country might respond with its own set of tariffs. These are known as retaliatory tariffs. They are often used as a…
What’s the Difference Between Sanctions and Embargoes?
Last updated on April 1, 2025 by Ben ThompsonInternational trade is influenced by more than just the exchange of goods and services. It’s shaped by politics, affected by conflict, and swayed by how countries interact with one another. Governments don’t always see eye to eye. When they need to respond without resorting to force, they often turn to alternative measures. Some of these…
What Are Reciprocal Tariffs and Why Do They Matter in 2025?
Last updated on March 28, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is the Meaning of a Reciprocal Tariff? A tariff is a tax on goods that are brought into a country from abroad making imported products more expensive. A reciprocal tariff is a tax a country uses to respond to how another country treats its exports. For example, if Country A imposes a 10% tariff…
How a Switch Bill of Lading Works in Global Shipping
Last updated on May 22, 2025 by Ben Thompson
What Is a Switch Bill of Lading and Why Is It Used? A Switch Bill of Lading, also referred to as “Switch BOL”, is a replacement for the original Bill of Lading. It carries updated details about the shipment. This updated document is issued after the goods have left the port but before they arrive […] Read More »
What Is Blind Shipping? How It Works, When to Use It, and Why It Matters
Last updated on May 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is Blind Shipping? Blind shipping is when either the shipper’s or receiver’s identity is hidden on shipping documents. It’s commonly used when a seller asks a supplier or manufacturer to ship goods directly to the buyer—without revealing the supplier’s details to the customer. This protects the seller’s business relationships. Without blind shipping, the buyer […] Read More »
FAS Incoterm Explained
Last updated on April 30, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe FAS Incoterm is one of the 11 trade rules set by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It is used in specific shipping agreements where buyers need control over freight from the start. These rules help businesses set clear terms in trade deals. They outline who handles costs and risks at each stage. FAS […] Read More »
What Are Trade Agreements?
Last updated on April 23, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Agreement and Why It Matters? A trade agreement is a deal between countries that sets the rules for buying and selling goods, services, or investments. The aim is to make international trade smoother and fairer. When countries agree on how to treat each other’s businesses, it builds trust and creates a […] Read More »
May 2025 Trade War Update
Last updated on April 19, 2025 by Ben ThompsonCatch up on the latest moves in the U.S.-China trade war. See what’s driving the tension, how both sides are reacting, and what these changes could mean for global trade, supply chains, and businesses around the world as talks continue. Read More »
Ad Valorem Tariffs Explained
Last updated on April 14, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Are Ad Valorem Tariffs? Ad valorem tariffs are import taxes based on the value of goods. The higher the value, the more you pay. Tariffs are usually calculated on the CIF value, which includes the cost of the goods, plus insurance and freight. For example, if the CIF value is $10,000 and the tariff […] Read More »
Trade Deficits Explained
Last updated on April 9, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is a Trade Deficit? A trade deficit happens when a country buys more from other countries than it sells to them. This means the value of imports is higher than the value of exports. Trade deficits are recorded as part of a country’s current account, which tracks the flow of goods, services, and money […] Read More »
What is a Retaliatory Tariff ?
Last updated on April 3, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA tariff is a tax applied to goods imported from other countries. It’s usually charged at the border before those goods are allowed into the domestic market. When one country imposes new tariffs, another country might respond with its own set of tariffs. These are known as retaliatory tariffs. They are often used as a […] Read More »
What’s the Difference Between Sanctions and Embargoes?
Last updated on April 1, 2025 by Ben ThompsonInternational trade is influenced by more than just the exchange of goods and services. It’s shaped by politics, affected by conflict, and swayed by how countries interact with one another. Governments don’t always see eye to eye. When they need to respond without resorting to force, they often turn to alternative measures. Some of these […] Read More »
What Are Reciprocal Tariffs and Why Do They Matter in 2025?
Last updated on March 28, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat Is the Meaning of a Reciprocal Tariff? A tariff is a tax on goods that are brought into a country from abroad making imported products more expensive. A reciprocal tariff is a tax a country uses to respond to how another country treats its exports. For example, if Country A imposes a 10% tariff […] Read More »
