Frequently Asked Questions
Discover quick and comprehensive answers to common questions about our platform, services, and features.
After you’ve created your shipment request, your bill is typically prepared and sent within one hour to one business day.
However, this timeline can be affected if there are issues with your invoice, such as missing information,
unclear item descriptions, or incomplete documentation. To help avoid delays, please ensure:
- Your invoice is clear and itemized
- All necessary documents have been submitted per your request.
- Declared values and item details are accurate
If you haven’t received your bill within one business day, please contact us for assistance.
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com
🌐 Customer Portal: www.242islandtraders.com
We’re here to help resolve any billing concerns quickly so your package can be processed immediately.
No. Your packages will not be shipped until you have approved your bill. Approval is required to authorize the release and delivery of your shipment.
If you have a question or concern about your bill:
- Use the “Question Bill” option in your Shipment Requests or My Bills page
- Or contact us directly, and our team will assist you promptly.
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com
🌐 Customer Portal: www.242islandtraders.com
We’re here to help resolve any billing concerns quickly so your package can be processed immediately.
You can easily review and question your bill by logging into your account: Important: The “Query Bill” option is only available before you approve the bill. Once approved,
changes can no longer be made through the portal. Please email us at
A fuel surcharge is a supplemental fee added to shipping costs to help cover the fluctuating fuel price used in transportation. Since fuel prices vary frequently, this surcharge ensures that courier operations—whether by air, sea, or road—can continue efficiently without unexpected losses due to rising fuel costs.
The fuel surcharge is calculated based on your order's shipping weight. The standard rate is 15% of the total weight in pounds.
For example:
If your package weighs 45 lbs, the fuel surcharge would be:
45 lbs × 0.15 = $6.75
This amount is then added to your shipping invoice as part of the total freight charges.
The VAT on your bill is shown as a breakdown of all applicable charges, not as duplicate fees. VAT in the Bahamas is calculated based on the landed cost of your item, which includes:
- The invoice value of your item (transactional value)
- Island Traders' service charges
- Government duty
- Government Processing Fees
- Environmental levy, if applicable
Because VAT applies to multiple components, it may appear in more than one line item. If you refer to the VAT column on the left side of your Island Traders bill, you'll see exactly which charges had VAT applied. This provides a transparent view of how the total VAT amount was calculated.
A tariff code—a customs or HS (Harmonized System) code—is a product-specific number used to classify goods for international shipping. Each code determines the import tax or duty rate that applies to a particular type of item when it enters The Bahamas.
Our customs broker assigns tariff codes based on the descriptions in your invoice, which are required for preparing your brokerage entry form. Different types of products are categorized under different tariff codes to ensure accurate tax and duty assessments.
So, if your invoice includes items such as clothing, shoes, electronics, toys, furniture, or car parts, you’ll see multiple tariff codes on your bill. Some related items may share the same code, but most will have unique classifications based on their type and material.
Freight charges are based on what's known as the Chargeable Weight of your package. This is determined by comparing two types of weight:
📦 1. Physical (Actual) Weight
This is the package's weight as measured on a scale.
📐 2. Dimensional Weight
This accounts for the space the package takes up rather than how much it weighs. It's especially important for large but lightweight items.
To calculate dimensional weight:
Length × Width × Height (in inches) ÷ 139 = Dimensional Weight (lbs)
📌 You will be billed based on whichever is greater: the physical weight or the dimensional weight.
Example:
- A box that weighs
10 lbson a scale (physical weight) - But its dimensions are
20" × 15" × 10" -
Dimensional weight = (20 × 15 × 10) ÷ 139 = 21.58 lbs - You will be charged for
21.58 lbs
This ensures fair pricing for both heavy items and large, bulky packages.
When calculating duty and VAT, Customs recognizes invoice discounts such as promotional sales or markdowns shown on the seller’s invoice.
However:
- Bahamas Customs does not accept gift cards, store credit, or coupon codes as valid forms of value deduction.
- This means the full retail value of the item (before any gift card or coupon is applied) may be used to assess taxes and duties.
✅ Tip: Ensure your invoice clearly shows any seller-applied discounts so our brokerage team can use the correct customs-approved value.
Using a gift card or store credit to pay for your items is similar to using cash—it covers the purchase cost, but does not reduce the actual value of the goods.
When it comes to Bahamas Customs, what matters is the total value of the item, not the payment method. Customs assesses duty and VAT based on the retail price listed on your invoice, regardless of whether you paid with:
- A credit card
- A gift card or store credit
- A discount code
- Or a combination of these
Why?
Because a gift card is considered a form of payment, not a discount. The item still retains its full market value, even if you didn’t pay out of pocket.
📌 Important: Customs only accepts discounts reflected on the original invoice (e.g., promotional sales or markdowns) to reduce the dutiable value.
Freight Forwarding is the process of transporting goods from one location to another, often across international borders. At Island Traders, we specialize in picking up goods from South Florida, consolidating them into one shipment, and arranging reliable delivery throughout the Bahamas. Whether you’re shipping your business supplies, construction materials, heavy equipment, or bulk items, we ensure your goods get where they need to go quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.
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Pick-Up or Receive Goods from South Florida
We can receive your goods at our USA warehouse location or pick up your goods directly from South Florida and take care of everything from there — including consolidation, customs clearance, and delivery. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle the customs clearance yourself, we can simply ship the goods to you, and you can take care of the paperwork and clearance process.
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Consolidation
To save you both time and money, we combine multiple orders into one single shipment. This reduces costs and makes the delivery process simpler and more efficient for you.
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Customs Clearance
If you’d like us to handle the customs clearance, our licensed customs brokers will ensure all the paperwork is taken care of, clearing your goods quickly and efficiently. If you prefer to manage the customs process yourself, we’ll provide all the necessary documentation to make it as easy as possible for you to clear your shipment independently.
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Delivery Across the Bahamas
Once your shipment is cleared — whether by you or us — we’ll handle the delivery anywhere in the Bahamas, from Nassau to Freeport, or even the Family Islands. Rest assured, your goods will arrive on time and in great condition.
📌 Important Notes: If you require a pick up in the South Florida area please contact us via email at customercare@islandtraders.com or (242)352-3330. Please note that pick ups are an additional fee , fees associated with pick up are found on the rate sheet for your destination island.
An invoice is a formal document provided by a seller that outlines the details of a transaction. It serves as proof of purchase and is required by Bahamas Customs to assess duties and VAT on imported items properly.
Think of it as the official receipt for your online order.
✅ Invoice or Order Number
● A unique reference ID assigned by the seller
✅ Vendor Name and Logo
● Identifies the business you purchased from
✅ Date of Purchase
● Required by Bahamas Customs, invoices older than 6 months are not valid for import clearance
✅ Shipping and Billing Address
● Verifies who the item was sold to and where it’s being delivered
✅ Itemized List of Goods Purchased
● Each product must be clearly listed or described
✅ Quantity and Unit Price
● Shows how many of each item were ordered and their individual prices
✅ Subtotal, Discounts, and Taxes
● Any promotions, sales, or discounts must be reflected
✅ Total Amount Paid
● The final amount after all adjustments
📌 Important Notes:
● Bahamas Customs does not accept screenshots of an item from a website and online shopping cart summariesas valid invoices.
● Ensure your invoice is dated within the last 6 months of your shipping date.
● If discounts or coupons were applied, they must be clearly visible on the invoice, not just in the payment method.
No. For security and processing purposes, we do not accept invoices via email or paper copies in-store.
All invoices must be uploaded directly to your 242 Island Traders online account through the shipment request process. This ensures your invoice is properly attached to your package for customs clearance and billing.
If you’re experiencing issues with uploading your invoice:
● Double-check the file is in a supported format (PDF, JPEG, PNG)
● Make sure it’s clearly legible and includes all required details
Still need help? Contact us or visit the store, and we’ll walk you through it:
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com
We're here to make the process seamless and straightforward!
At Island Traders, there are no fixed shipping days. Instead, your shipping timeline depends on two key factors:
1. The shipping method you choose.(e.g., air or sea)
2. When you approve your bill
Once your bill is approved, your package is scheduled for the next available shipment based on your selected shipping method. Faster approval = faster delivery!
📦 Tip: To avoid delays, upload your invoice promptly, always remember to create your shipment request and approve your bill as soon as it’s ready.
Still have questions?
At Island Traders, there are no fixed shipping days. Instead, your shipping timeline depends on two key factors:
1. The shipping method you choose. Expedited Shipping (2-3 days) or Priority Shipping (4-7 days).
2. When you approve your bill
Once your bill is approved, your package is scheduled for the next available shipment based on your selected shipping method. Faster approval = faster delivery!
📦 Tip: To avoid delays, upload your invoice promptly, always remember to create your shipment request and approve your bill as soon as it’s ready.
Still have questions?
Your package’s arrival depends on when you approve your bill and the shipping method you select.
To estimate your delivery date:
1. Start counting your shipping days from the business day after your bill is approved.
2. If your bill is approved after 12:00 PM, it will be processed as if it were approved the next business day.
3. If you approve your bill on a weekend or public holiday, processing will begin on the next business day, and shipping will start the day after that.
📦 Example:
● If you approve your bill at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, it will be processed on Thursday morning .
● Your first shipping day will then be Friday.
● Expedited Shipping: 2–3 business days
● Priority Shipping: 4–7 business days
🕐 Tip: Approve your bill before noon on a business day for the fastest processing and delivery.
Still have questions?
To consolidate your packages into a single shipment, follow these simple steps:
1. Wait until ALL of your packages are logged into your Island Traders account ( make sure you can see all items on your account). You’ll receive a notification each time a package is logged.
2. Attach invoices to each of the packages you want to consolidate. Be sure the invoices are uploaded correctly for customs and billing purposes.
3. Once all invoices are attached, click “Ship Now” on each package you'd like to include in the consolidation.
4. Then, click “Create Consolidated Shipment,” choose your shipment method, and click Save.
Island Traders will then group the selected packages into one consolidated shipment, helping you save on shipping and processing costs.
📦 Tip: Only the packages you select for “Ship Now” will be consolidated. When you create a shipment request, only the packages you select for shipping will be consolidated and presented on one bill for payment. If you want them shipped together, confirm all invoices and click “Ship Now” on each one before the next processing deadline.
Need help with invoice uploads or using your dashboard?
Not quite. Receiving a bill means your shipment request has been processed, but your package has not yet been shipped.
To move forward, you’ll need to approve your bill. Only after approval will your package be scheduled for shipment. The next business day after approval is considered Day 1 of your shipping timeline:
● Expedited Shipping: 2–3 business days
● Priority Shipping: 4–7 business days
Once your package arrives and is ready for collection, your account status will update to:
“Ready in Store for Pick Up,” and you’ll receive an email notification when it’s time to collect.
📌 Important Notes: Once a shipment is marked as “Ready for Pick-Up” in-store, customers have a maximum of 5 business days to pay for and collect their shipment. If the shipment is not paid for and picked up within 5 business days, storage fees will be applied as described in our storage fee policy.
If a customer has more than one shipment available for pick-up, they are required to pay for and collect all available shipments at the time of pick-up.
- Partial pick-ups are not permitted.
- Customers will not be allowed to select or leave behind individual shipments.
The USA Fulfillment Center is the U.S.-based warehouse where your online orders are delivered before being shipped to The Bahamas. Once a package arrives at this facility, it is logged into your Island Traders account and prepared for international shipping once your bill is approved.
To ensure proper delivery and avoid delays, use the following shipping label format
[Your Full Name] [Your Island Traders Unit Number]
Island Traders
1393 NW 65th Ave
Plantation, FL 33313
Phone: (954) 773-7005
EXAMPLE:
ARIE BROOKS GB10967
Island Traders
1393 NW 65TH Ave
Plantation, Florida 33313
Phone:(954)-773-7005
✅ Important Tips:
● Always include your full name and Island Traders unit number on each shipment.
● Double-check all information with the seller before finalizing your order.
● Avoid abbreviations, using nicknames or leaving out required lines—this can cause delays or misrouted packages.
● You can use our telephone number provided or your own personal number.
Still have questions?
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
Once your package is delivered to our USA Fulfillment Center, you will receive an email notification containing a Warehouse Receipt (W.R.) number.
This receipt confirms that your package has been received and typically includes:
● A brief description of the item
● The actual weight and dimensional weight
● In many cases, a photo of the package
Warehouse receipts are usually generated within one hour to one business day after delivery.
If more than one full business day has passed and you haven’t received a warehouse receipt, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
● The package has not yet been delivered
● The name or Island Traders unit number on the package doesn’t match your account
● The package label is incomplete or incorrect
● The delivery company may have delivered it to the wrong address
In any of these cases, please contact us immediately with the package invoice and tracking number/id so we can assist in locating your package.
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
We strongly recommend that all packages be checked at the Freeport office before leaving the store.
If damage is identified before you leave, and your shipment is covered by insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement based on the terms of your coverage.
🚫 Please note:
Once a package has left the store without being inspected, Island Traders cannot accept responsibility for any damages found afterward.
📦 To protect your shipments:
● Always inspect your package at pickup
● Consider adding insurance coverage to your shipments for peace of mind
Have a concern about a damaged item? Contact us right away:
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
If your tracking information shows that your package was delivered but it hasn’t appeared in your Island Traders account, don’t worry just yet—it can take up to 24 hours or 1 full business day for packages to be scanned, verified, and logged into our system.
📦 If 24 hours have passed and your package is still not logged, please contact us with the following details:
● Tracking number
● Delivery courier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS)
● Description of the item
● Date and time of delivery
We’ll use this information to investigate and help locate your package as quickly as possible.
🚨 Important Reminder:
Please ensure the shipping address on your order matches the one listed in your Island Traders account, including your unit number.
Island Traders is not responsible for packages marked as delivered if they were not signed for by one of our warehouse staff.
Need help?
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
Yes, you can! This option is available through our In and Out Service.
To use this service, create a Shipment Request in your Island Traders account as you normally would. When selecting a shipping method, choose:
➡️ “USA Fulfillment Center Pick-Up”
💵 In and Out Service Fees:
● Flat service fee: $10
● Standard USA warehouse handling fee
● Storage fee: $0.10 per pound (based on chargeable freight weight)
🧾 Payment Options:
● Your bill must be paid in full before picking up your items
● Payments can be made:
○ Online via your Island Traders account
○ In-store at the Freeport office
● Please note: The USA warehouse does not accept any form of payment onsite
📦 Storage Policy:
● For shipments with a chargeable freight weight over 800 lbs, storage fees will be charged in 10 calendar day intervals
This service is ideal for:
● Customers using personal freight arrangements
● Businesses coordinating direct pickups
● Clients needing flexible access to their packages from the U.S. location
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
To ship with Island Traders, all customers must register for an account. This is a requirement because, under Bahamian customs regulations, we are legally obligated to have:
● A copy of your valid Government-issued ID
● A signed C-44 form, which authorizes Island Traders to act on your behalf for the import and customs clearance of your items
Registering your account ensures we can securely manage your shipments and comply with all legal import procedures.
📎 Tip: You can upload your ID and complete the C-44 form directly from your account dashboard for a smooth and fast setup.
Have questions or need help registering?
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
Yes. You must have an Island Traders account to upload invoices.
We no longer accept:
● Printed or hard copy invoices dropped off at the office
● Invoices sent via email
All invoices must be uploaded through your online customer portal.
🧾 How to Upload an Invoice:
● Log in to your Island Traders account
● Follow the step-by-step instructions to attach your invoice to your shipment
● Need help? Watch our video tutorials available on the website for easy guidance
🛠 Need Assistance?
You’re welcome to:
● Visit our office, and a customer service representative will assist you using our in-store computer
● Call us if you need support over the phone
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
After signing up for an Island Traders account, you’ll receive an activation email sent to the email address you registered with.
To activate your account:
1. Open the email titled “Activate Your Island Traders Account”
2. Click the activation link provided in the message
3. Once clicked, your account will be confirmed and ready to use
📩 Tip: If you don’t see the email right away, be sure to check your spam or junk folder, as it may have been filtered there.
Still need help activating your account?
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
If your Island Traders account hasn’t been activated yet, you’ll see a prompt when trying to sign in.
To resend the activation code:
1. Tap the “Resend” button on the sign-in page
2. A new activation link will be sent to your registered email
3. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder, in case the email was filtered there
📌 Note: Activation emails can only be resent every 15–20 minutes. If you continue to have trouble, feel free to contact us for assistance.
To import goods on your behalf, Bahamas Customs requires:
● A valid, government-issued photo ID
● A signed C-44 authorization form
Accepted forms of ID include:
● Bahamian Passport (photo page)
● International Passport
● National Insurance Card
● Bahamian Driver’s License
● Residency Card
● International Government-Issued Photo ID
📌 Important Requirements:
● The name on your ID must match your Island Traders account profile.
● The ID must be valid (not expired)
These documents are necessary for Island Traders to legally clear your items through Bahamas Customs. The C-44 form is a government form stating that you give Island Traders permission to import and clear your packages on your behalf.
Questions about uploading your documents?
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
To open an Island Traders commercial account, you will need the following:
● Company TIN#
● Current BOND LETTER *
● TCC – TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE *
● CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING (Port Authority)*
● Company registered with Bahamas Customs, Click 2 Clear
*Not mandatory if not applicable
📦 What You’ll Need to Bring in Items Bonded:
To qualify for bonded import services, you must have the following:
● An Island Traders Commercial Account
● Invoice or receipt in your company’s name
● Company TIN# (Tax Identification Number)
● Current Bond Letter
● TCC – Tax Compliance Certificate
● Certificate of Good Standing (from the Port Authority)
● Company registered with Bahamas Customs Click2Clear
📌 Note: All documents must be valid and up to date.
For help with document submission or bonded entry processing, please contact our support team:
📧 Email: customercare@islandtraders.com 📞 Phone: (242) 352-3330
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our customer support team.