
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
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vs Container Car Shipping
Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Ben ThompsonChoosing how to ship your car is a big part of moving it internationally or sending it to a new destination. The shipping service you choose can shape your costs, the logistics of the trip, and how safe your car stays. You’ll hear about two main shipping services: RoRo and container car shipping. This guide…
Bill of Lading vs Proof of Delivery in Shipping
Last updated on June 6, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe bill of lading and the proof of delivery are two common shipping documents. They often get mixed up because they both track goods during a shipment. But each document has a different job. If you don’t understand what sets them apart, you might face confusion or some delays that can add up. Let’s clear…
What Is a Specific Duty and What Is Its Role?
Last updated on June 5, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA specific duty is a fixed tax that’s applied to goods when they cross a country’s border. It’s charged based on the physical amount — like per kilogram, litre, or item — instead of a percentage of the value of the goods. Specific duties help raise revenue and protect local industries. They’re also easier for…
Key Differences Between Tariffs and Duties in International Shipping
Last updated on May 31, 2025 by Ben ThompsonShipping overseas comes with a list of costs. Duties, tariffs, and taxes are three of the most common. Each one affects the cost of goods in a different way. Knowing how they work is important in understanding the total landed cost, trade documents, and compliance across borders. What Are Duties, Tariffs, and Taxes? What Is…
What Is Blank Sailing in Ocean Freight?
Last updated on May 28, 2025 by Ben ThompsonBlank sailing, also called void sailing, happens when a shipping company cancels part of a vessel’s scheduled journey. This could mean skipping a stop at a specific port, or cancelling the entire trip for that vessel. It’s a strategy often used by carriers to manage costs, delays, or changes in demand. In shipping, most container…
How a Switch Bill of Lading Works in Global Shipping
Last updated on May 22, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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.
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vs Container Car Shipping
Last updated on June 12, 2025 by Ben ThompsonChoosing how to ship your car is a big part of moving it internationally or sending it to a new destination. The shipping service you choose can shape your costs, the logistics of the trip, and how safe your car stays. You’ll hear about two main shipping services: RoRo and container car shipping. This guide […] Read More »
Bill of Lading vs Proof of Delivery in Shipping
Last updated on June 6, 2025 by Ben ThompsonThe bill of lading and the proof of delivery are two common shipping documents. They often get mixed up because they both track goods during a shipment. But each document has a different job. If you don’t understand what sets them apart, you might face confusion or some delays that can add up. Let’s clear […] Read More »
What Is a Specific Duty and What Is Its Role?
Last updated on June 5, 2025 by Ben ThompsonA specific duty is a fixed tax that’s applied to goods when they cross a country’s border. It’s charged based on the physical amount — like per kilogram, litre, or item — instead of a percentage of the value of the goods. Specific duties help raise revenue and protect local industries. They’re also easier for […] Read More »
Key Differences Between Tariffs and Duties in International Shipping
Last updated on May 31, 2025 by Ben ThompsonShipping overseas comes with a list of costs. Duties, tariffs, and taxes are three of the most common. Each one affects the cost of goods in a different way. Knowing how they work is important in understanding the total landed cost, trade documents, and compliance across borders. What Are Duties, Tariffs, and Taxes? What Is […] Read More »
What Is Blank Sailing in Ocean Freight?
Last updated on May 28, 2025 by Ben ThompsonBlank sailing, also called void sailing, happens when a shipping company cancels part of a vessel’s scheduled journey. This could mean skipping a stop at a specific port, or cancelling the entire trip for that vessel. It’s a strategy often used by carriers to manage costs, delays, or changes in demand. In shipping, most container […] Read More »
How a Switch Bill of Lading Works in Global Shipping
Last updated on May 22, 2025 by Ben ThompsonWhat 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 »