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Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics, ensuring the security and efficiency of freight operations is paramount. With the increasing complexity of supply chains, logistics operators face numerous challenges, including fluctuating fuel prices, unpredictable port congestion, and the threat of natural disruptions. These challenges can lead to delays, increased costs, and ultimately, dissatisfied customers. To address these issues, logistics teams need access to real-time data that can help them make informed decisions quickly.

This is where FreightPulse comes into play. FreightPulse is a powerful REST API that consolidates real-time logistics intelligence into a single, easy-to-use platform. By providing access to critical data such as EIA fuel prices, live full-truckload (FTL) freight rate quotes, port congestion data, carrier lookups, and natural-disruption alerts, FreightPulse empowers logistics operators to enhance their freight security and streamline their operations.

Why FreightPulse

FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data landscape for several reasons:

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 expected JSON 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, the key fields include:

Core Endpoints

1. GET /fuel-prices

This endpoint provides national diesel and gasoline prices along with a breakdown by PADD regions. It is essential for logistics operators to monitor fuel costs, which can significantly impact shipping expenses.

Key Params: None required.

curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/fuel-prices"

Sample JSON 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 Explanation:

2. GET /freight-rates

This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, which is crucial for logistics teams when planning shipments and calculating costs.

Key Params: 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"

Sample JSON 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 Explanation:

3. GET /port-congestion

This endpoint provides insights into port activity, which is essential for understanding potential delays in shipping due to congestion.

Key Params: port (name or LOCODE), country, region; congestion (optional filter).

curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/port-congestion?port=USLAX"

Sample JSON 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 Explanation:

Real-World Use Cases

1. Fuel-Surcharge Calculator

Logistics teams can build a fuel-surcharge calculator that uses the /fuel-prices endpoint to retrieve current diesel prices. By integrating this data with their shipping rates, they can automatically calculate fuel surcharges based on real-time fuel costs.

2. Port-Congestion Dashboard

A freight forwarder can create a port-congestion dashboard using the /port-congestion endpoint. This dashboard would provide visibility into congestion levels at major ports, allowing the forwarder to make informed decisions about routing and scheduling shipments.

3. Carrier Vetting Tool

3PL providers can develop a carrier vetting tool that utilizes the /carriers endpoint to verify the safety ratings and active driver counts of potential carriers. This tool would help ensure that only reliable carriers are selected for transporting goods.

FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

Fuel prices are updated weekly, providing logistics operators with timely information to make cost-effective decisions regarding fuel surcharges and budgeting.

Can I look up ocean carriers as well as trucking carriers?

Yes, the FreightPulse API allows users to look up both ocean carriers and trucking carriers through the /carriers endpoint, providing comprehensive carrier information.

Does the port congestion data reflect real-time vessel wait times?

No, the port congestion data is based on a 7-day average and is not real-time. It provides a lagged approximation of port activity, which is useful for understanding trends but should not be relied upon for immediate vessel wait times.

Conclusion + CTA

In conclusion, FreightPulse offers a robust solution for enhancing freight security and operational efficiency in logistics. By consolidating critical data into a single API, logistics operators can access real-time insights that empower them to make informed decisions quickly. Whether it's monitoring fuel prices, assessing port congestion, or vetting carriers, FreightPulse provides the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains.

To experience the benefits of FreightPulse for yourself, try FreightPulse for free and unlock the potential of real-time logistics intelligence.