What's the fastest way to get a container released?
The method the carrier applies fastest. MSC USA's demurrage and detention page says that for immediate release, payment must be made by credit card; check or ACH payments release cargo only once received. Maersk Canada says card and SmartPay payments are applied instantly, with terminal release about 30 minutes later, while wires take two business days to apply and ACH three to four.
The wider picture
The key points from the guide this answer comes from:
- We found no major ocean carrier that accepts stablecoins: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd take bank transfers and cards.
- Stablecoins help on the collection side, when a shipper already holds them. Carriers, terminals and customs are still paid by bank or card, in the currency they bill.
- To get cargo released fastest, pay the way the carrier applies fastest: MSC USA needs a card for immediate release, and Maersk Canada applies card and SmartPay payments instantly.
- Stablecoins aren't a way around currency rules: since 1 October 2026, Brazil's central bank has barred regulated FX providers from settling cross-border payments in stablecoins.
More questions on this
- Do any shipping lines accept stablecoins?
- Can I pay local port and terminal charges from a USD balance?
- What do providers need to see when a shipper pays me in USDT?
The full guide
Carriers, terminals and customs want a bank transfer or a card payment, and release cargo once the payment is applied. Stablecoins can help on the collection side, when a shipper already holds them; carriers are still paid by bank or card.
Read Paid in USDT by shippers? How freight forwarders still pay carriers on time, with its sources.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and providers' terms change; check the sources in the guide and take advice on your own situation.
Get started
Open a business account built on stablecoins.
Named USD, EUR, GBP and AED accounts in your company's name, with USDC and USDT in and out. Apply online; our compliance team reviews applications in 1 to 5 business days.