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
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.
CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To): Incoterm Explained
Last updated on August 28, 2024 by Ben ThompsonCIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) is an Incoterm that defines seller and buyer responsibilities in international trade. The seller arranges transportation and insurance up to a specified destination, while the buyer assumes risk once goods are handed to the first carrier. Learn when to use CIP.
Introduction to the Canton Fair 2024
Last updated on August 26, 2024 by Ben ThompsonThe Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest trade event in China, held biannually in Guangzhou. It provides a platform for global trade, attracting over 200,000 visitors and 20,000 exhibitors. This event is key for networking, sourcing products, and understanding market trends.
Price Dumping: Impact, Types, and International Trade Implications
Last updated on August 23, 2024 by Ben ThompsonPrice dumping in international trade is a strategy where companies sell products in a foreign market at prices lower than in their home country, sometimes even below production costs. While it can help businesses gain market share quickly, it can also harm competition and lead to trade disputes. Understanding its impacts is crucial for navigating…
FCA vs FOB Incoterms: Differences Explained
Last updated on August 21, 2024 by Ben ThompsonThis article explores the differences between two important Incoterms: FCA (Free Carrier) and FOB (Free On Board). While similar, these terms have key distinctions that impact international trade. You'll learn when to use each term, their benefits, and how they affect logistics, helping you make informed decisions.
Incoterm: Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Shipping Explained
Last updated on August 17, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDelivered Duty Paid (DDP) is a shipping term where the seller handles all costs and risks, from transport to customs clearance, ensuring the buyer receives goods hassle-free. This guide explains DDP’s benefits, drawbacks, and when it’s the best choice for international trade.
Understanding Ex Works Incoterms
Last updated on August 14, 2024 by Ben ThompsonEx Works (EXW) is an Incoterm® where the buyer handles all logistics from the seller's location, including transport and export. It's ideal for buyers with experience in international trade, but may be too complex for beginners due to the responsibilities involved.
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 »
CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To): Incoterm Explained
Last updated on August 28, 2024 by Ben ThompsonCIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) is an Incoterm that defines seller and buyer responsibilities in international trade. The seller arranges transportation and insurance up to a specified destination, while the buyer assumes risk once goods are handed to the first carrier. Learn when to use CIP. Read More »
Introduction to the Canton Fair 2024
Last updated on August 26, 2024 by Ben ThompsonThe Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest trade event in China, held biannually in Guangzhou. It provides a platform for global trade, attracting over 200,000 visitors and 20,000 exhibitors. This event is key for networking, sourcing products, and understanding market trends. Read More »
Price Dumping: Impact, Types, and International Trade Implications
Last updated on August 23, 2024 by Ben ThompsonPrice dumping in international trade is a strategy where companies sell products in a foreign market at prices lower than in their home country, sometimes even below production costs. While it can help businesses gain market share quickly, it can also harm competition and lead to trade disputes. Understanding its impacts is crucial for navigating global markets. Read More »
FCA vs FOB Incoterms: Differences Explained
Last updated on August 21, 2024 by Ben ThompsonThis article explores the differences between two important Incoterms: FCA (Free Carrier) and FOB (Free On Board). While similar, these terms have key distinctions that impact international trade. You'll learn when to use each term, their benefits, and how they affect logistics, helping you make informed decisions. Read More »
Incoterm: Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Shipping Explained
Last updated on August 17, 2024 by Ben ThompsonDelivered Duty Paid (DDP) is a shipping term where the seller handles all costs and risks, from transport to customs clearance, ensuring the buyer receives goods hassle-free. This guide explains DDP’s benefits, drawbacks, and when it’s the best choice for international trade. Read More »
Understanding Ex Works Incoterms
Last updated on August 14, 2024 by Ben ThompsonEx Works (EXW) is an Incoterm® where the buyer handles all logistics from the seller's location, including transport and export. It's ideal for buyers with experience in international trade, but may be too complex for beginners due to the responsibilities involved. Read More »