
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
3PL (Third-Party Logistics): What They Are, What They Do, and Why Use One
Last updated on September 25, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDiscover the benefits of 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) in streamlining your business operations. Learn how outsourcing logistics tasks like inventory management, warehousing, and shipping to a 3PL provider can save costs, boost efficiency, and support business growth. Find out if a 3PL is the right solution for you!
The Import Export Shipping Trade Guide Online
Last updated on September 23, 2024 by Ben ThompsonIf you’re an existing or new importer, exporter or trading company wanting to learn about an import export course online, download the Global Trade Guide.
Last Mile Delivery Explained
Last updated on September 20, 2024 by Ben ThompsonLast mile delivery is the final step in getting goods to their destination. This could be a home, warehouse, or store. It is important for speed and customer satisfaction. Learn how last mile delivery works. Understand the challenges and how companies can make this process faster and more affordable.
Trade Barriers in International Trade: Tariffs and More
Last updated on September 18, 2024 by Ben ThompsonTrade barriers are restrictions that governments place on international trade to protect domestic industries. They include tariffs, which are taxes on imports, and non-tariff measures like quotas and regulations. These barriers increase the cost of foreign goods, making them less competitive. While trade barriers help local businesses, they can lead to higher prices for consumers…
How to Create and Download a Packing List for Export Shipments
Last updated on September 16, 2024 by Ben ThompsonWhat is an Export Packing List Document? An export packing list is a detailed document that states all of the product and packaging details contained in each shipment. Shippers must create a compliant packing list document to share to freight forwarders, shipping lines, importers and other parties along the supply chain. In this article we…
Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: Key Differences Explained
Last updated on September 13, 2024 by Ben ThompsonFreight forwarders and customs brokers play distinct roles in international shipping. Freight forwarders manage logistics and transportation, while customs brokers focus on customs paperwork and compliance. Many freight forwarders also offer customs clearance services. Understanding these roles helps streamline shipping and avoid delays.
What is Chargeable Weight?
Last updated on September 11, 2024 by Ben ThompsonChargeable weight plays a key role in how shipping costs are calculated. It’s the higher of two numbers: the actual weight or the space your shipment takes up (volumetric weight). This can lead to higher fees for large, lightweight items. Knowing how chargeable weight works helps you avoid surprises with shipping costs.
Countervailing Duties Explained
Last updated on September 6, 2024 by Ben ThompsonCountervailing duties (CVDs) are special taxes on imports aimed at offsetting unfair foreign subsidies. These subsidies can make products cheaper, harming local industries. Want to learn how CVDs help balance the market and protect domestic businesses? Dive in and discover how they work!
Difference between CIF and FOB: Incoterms Comparison
Last updated on September 4, 2024 by Ben ThompsonCIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and FOB (Free on Board) are two key terms in international shipping. With CIF, the seller covers transport and insurance until the goods arrive at the destination port. With FOB, the buyer takes over costs and risks once the goods are loaded onto the ship. Knowing these terms helps you…
Anti-Dumping Duties: Explained with Examples
Last updated on August 31, 2024 by Ben ThompsonAnti-dumping duties are tariffs imposed by governments to protect local industries from foreign companies selling products at unfairly low prices. These duties ensure fair competition by raising the price of these imports. This article explains anti-dumping duties, their importance, how they work, and their global impact.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics): What They Are, What They Do, and Why Use One
Last updated on September 25, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDiscover the benefits of 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) in streamlining your business operations. Learn how outsourcing logistics tasks like inventory management, warehousing, and shipping to a 3PL provider can save costs, boost efficiency, and support business growth. Find out if a 3PL is the right solution for you! Read More »
The Import Export Shipping Trade Guide Online
Last updated on September 23, 2024 by Ben ThompsonIf you’re an existing or new importer, exporter or trading company wanting to learn about an import export course online, download the Global Trade Guide. Read More »
Last Mile Delivery Explained
Last updated on September 20, 2024 by Ben ThompsonLast mile delivery is the final step in getting goods to their destination. This could be a home, warehouse, or store. It is important for speed and customer satisfaction. Learn how last mile delivery works. Understand the challenges and how companies can make this process faster and more affordable. Read More »
Trade Barriers in International Trade: Tariffs and More
Last updated on September 18, 2024 by Ben ThompsonTrade barriers are restrictions that governments place on international trade to protect domestic industries. They include tariffs, which are taxes on imports, and non-tariff measures like quotas and regulations. These barriers increase the cost of foreign goods, making them less competitive. While trade barriers help local businesses, they can lead to higher prices for consumers and reduce global trade. Read More »
How to Create and Download a Packing List for Export Shipments
Last updated on September 16, 2024 by Ben ThompsonWhat is an Export Packing List Document? An export packing list is a detailed document that states all of the product and packaging details contained in each shipment. Shippers must create a compliant packing list document to share to freight forwarders, shipping lines, importers and other parties along the supply chain. In this article we […] Read More »
Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: Key Differences Explained
Last updated on September 13, 2024 by Ben ThompsonFreight forwarders and customs brokers play distinct roles in international shipping. Freight forwarders manage logistics and transportation, while customs brokers focus on customs paperwork and compliance. Many freight forwarders also offer customs clearance services. Understanding these roles helps streamline shipping and avoid delays. Read More »
What is Chargeable Weight?
Last updated on September 11, 2024 by Ben ThompsonChargeable weight plays a key role in how shipping costs are calculated. It’s the higher of two numbers: the actual weight or the space your shipment takes up (volumetric weight). This can lead to higher fees for large, lightweight items. Knowing how chargeable weight works helps you avoid surprises with shipping costs. Read More »
Countervailing Duties Explained
Last updated on September 6, 2024 by Ben ThompsonCountervailing duties (CVDs) are special taxes on imports aimed at offsetting unfair foreign subsidies. These subsidies can make products cheaper, harming local industries. Want to learn how CVDs help balance the market and protect domestic businesses? Dive in and discover how they work! Read More »
Difference between CIF and FOB: Incoterms Comparison
Last updated on September 4, 2024 by Ben ThompsonCIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and FOB (Free on Board) are two key terms in international shipping. With CIF, the seller covers transport and insurance until the goods arrive at the destination port. With FOB, the buyer takes over costs and risks once the goods are loaded onto the ship. Knowing these terms helps you make better shipping choices. Read More »
Anti-Dumping Duties: Explained with Examples
Last updated on August 31, 2024 by Ben ThompsonAnti-dumping duties are tariffs imposed by governments to protect local industries from foreign companies selling products at unfairly low prices. These duties ensure fair competition by raising the price of these imports. This article explains anti-dumping duties, their importance, how they work, and their global impact. Read More »