Introduction
In the fast-paced world of logistics, effective collaboration between carriers and logistics operators is crucial for maintaining efficiency and reducing costs. However, many logistics teams face challenges due to fragmented data sources, outdated information, and the complexities of managing multiple integrations. This often leads to delays, increased operational costs, and missed opportunities for optimization.
FreightPulse addresses these challenges by providing a single REST API that consolidates real-time logistics intelligence. By integrating various data sources, including EIA fuel prices, live freight rate quotes, port congestion data, carrier lookups, and natural-disruption alerts, FreightPulse enables logistics operators to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore how FreightPulse enhances carrier relationships and facilitates smarter collaboration for logistics operators.
Why FreightPulse
FreightPulse stands out in the logistics landscape for several reasons:
- One API for All Your Needs: Instead of stitching together multiple integrations for EIA fuel data, freight rates, port congestion, and carrier verification, FreightPulse provides a single API that simplifies data access. This reduces development time and costs, allowing logistics teams to focus on their core operations.
- Real-Time Insights: With live US full-truckload (FTL) freight rate quotes and historical fuel price data available in the same JSON schema, logistics operators can quickly assess costs and make informed decisions. This integration eliminates the need for separate data feeds, streamlining the decision-making process.
- Comprehensive Carrier Verification: FreightPulse offers FMCSA SAFER lookups for US trucking carriers and FMC NVOCC/OTI ocean carrier lookups. This allows logistics operators to verify carrier credentials and safety ratings efficiently, ensuring compliance and reducing risk.
- Proactive Disruption Alerts: The natural-disruption feed from FreightPulse provides alerts for cyclones, earthquakes, and severe weather events. By filtering disruptions by port radius, logistics teams can proactively manage risks and adjust their operations accordingly.
Quick Start
Getting started with FreightPulse is straightforward. The base URL for the API is:
https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1
To make your first request, you will need to include the X-API-Key header in your cURL command. Here’s an example of how to retrieve national diesel and gasoline prices:
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/fuel-prices"
The response will look like this:
{
"success": true,
"data": {
"timestamp": "2026-07-30T12:00:00Z",
"source": "EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration)",
"currency": "USD",
"unit": "gallon",
"data": {
"diesel": {
"national_average": 3.847,
"change_week": -0.023,
"change_percent": -0.6,
"regions": {
"east_coast": 3.912,
"midwest": 3.756,
"gulf_coast": 3.623,
"rocky_mountain": 3.891,
"west_coast": 4.456,
"california": 4.892
},
"historical": {
"30d_avg": 3.82,
"90d_avg": 3.75,
"yoy_change_percent": -8.2
}
},
"gasoline": {
"national_average": 3.156,
"historical": {
"30d_avg": 3.1,
"90d_avg": 3.05,
"yoy_change_percent": 1.1
}
}
}
}
}
In this response, key fields include:
- timestamp: The date and time when the data was retrieved.
- source: The source of the data, in this case, the EIA.
- currency: The currency used for the prices.
- data: Contains detailed information about diesel and gasoline prices, including national averages and regional breakdowns.
Core Endpoints
1. GET /fuel-prices
This endpoint retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices, along with a breakdown by PADD regions and historical averages.
Key Parameters: None required.
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/fuel-prices"
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"data": {
"timestamp": "2026-07-30T12:00:00Z",
"source": "EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration)",
"currency": "USD",
"unit": "gallon",
"data": {
"diesel": {
"national_average": 3.847,
"change_week": -0.023,
"change_percent": -0.6,
"regions": {
"east_coast": 3.912,
"midwest": 3.756,
"gulf_coast": 3.623,
"rocky_mountain": 3.891,
"west_coast": 4.456,
"california": 4.892
},
"historical": {
"30d_avg": 3.82,
"90d_avg": 3.75,
"yoy_change_percent": -8.2
}
},
"gasoline": {
"national_average": 3.156,
"historical": {
"30d_avg": 3.1,
"90d_avg": 3.05,
"yoy_change_percent": 1.1
}
}
}
}
}
Field Explanations:
- national_average: The average price of diesel or gasoline across the United States.
- change_week: The change in price over the past week.
- regions: A breakdown of prices by region, allowing operators to assess regional fuel costs.
- historical: Historical averages that help in trend analysis and forecasting.
2. GET /freight-rates
This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, enabling logistics operators to assess shipping costs in real-time.
Key Parameters: mode (trucking, ocean, air), origin_zip, destination_zip (required for trucking).
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/freight-rates?mode=trucking&origin_zip=10001&destination_zip=90210"
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"data": {
"mode": "trucking",
"service": "FTL (53' dry van)",
"source": "Warp",
"price_usd": 7207.92,
"transit_days": 4,
"pickup_date": "2026-08-24",
"delivery_date": "2026-08-28"
}
}
Field Explanations:
- mode: The mode of transportation (e.g., trucking).
- service: The type of service provided (e.g., FTL).
- price_usd: The quoted price for the shipment.
- transit_days: The estimated number of days for transit.
- pickup_date and delivery_date: The scheduled dates for pickup and delivery.
3. GET /port-congestion
This endpoint provides insights into port activity, helping logistics operators understand congestion levels at major ports.
Key Parameters: port (name or LOCODE), country (name or ISO3), region (continent).
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/port-congestion?port=USLAX"
Example Response:
{
"success": true,
"data": {
"results": [
{
"port": "Los Angeles-Long Beach",
"locode": "US LAX",
"country": "United States",
"congestion": "moderate",
"as_of": "2026-08-14",
"metrics": {
"recent_avg_portcalls_per_day": 8.7,
"baseline_avg_portcalls_per_day": 10.2,
"ratio_vs_baseline": 0.85
}
}
]
}
}
Field Explanations:
- port: The name of the port being queried.
- congestion: The current congestion level (low, moderate, high).
- metrics: Contains metrics such as recent average port calls per day and a ratio compared to the baseline.
Real-World Use Cases
FreightPulse's comprehensive API can be leveraged in various ways to enhance logistics operations:
- Fuel-Surcharge Calculator: Logistics operators can build a fuel-surcharge calculator that uses the
/fuel-pricesendpoint to retrieve current fuel prices and calculate surcharges based on fluctuating fuel costs. - Port-Congestion Dashboard: Freight forwarders can create a dashboard that utilizes the
/port-congestionendpoint to monitor congestion levels at key ports, allowing them to adjust shipping routes and schedules proactively. - Carrier Vetting Tool: 3PL providers can develop a carrier vetting tool that uses the
/carriersendpoint to verify the credentials and safety ratings of potential carriers, ensuring compliance and reducing risk. - Disruption Alert System: Shipment tracking systems can integrate the
/disruptionsendpoint to provide real-time alerts for natural hazards that may impact shipments, allowing logistics teams to take proactive measures.
FAQ
How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?
FreightPulse fuel prices are updated weekly, providing logistics operators with timely information to make informed decisions regarding fuel costs.
Can I look up ocean carriers as well as trucking carriers?
Yes, FreightPulse allows users to look up both ocean carriers and trucking carriers through the /carriers endpoint, providing comprehensive carrier verification capabilities.
Does the port congestion data reflect real-time vessel wait times?
No, the port congestion data from FreightPulse is based on a 7-day average and is not real-time. It provides a lagged approximation of port activity, allowing operators to assess congestion trends over time.
What types of disruptions does FreightPulse monitor?
FreightPulse monitors natural hazards such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, droughts, wildfires, and severe weather events. This data helps logistics teams manage risks effectively.
Is there a limit to the number of requests I can make to the FreightPulse API?
FreightPulse offers various plans with different request limits, allowing users to choose a plan that fits their needs. The API also allows guest access for up to 100 requests per day without an API key.
Conclusion
In today's logistics landscape, effective collaboration between carriers and logistics operators is essential for success. FreightPulse provides a powerful solution by consolidating real-time logistics intelligence into a single API, enabling smarter decision-making and enhanced operational efficiency. By leveraging FreightPulse, logistics teams can access critical data on fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion, carrier verification, and natural disruptions, all from one source.
Don't let fragmented data sources hold your logistics operations back. Try FreightPulse for free today and experience the benefits of streamlined logistics intelligence. Empower your team with the tools they need to optimize operations and enhance collaboration with carriers.