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Introduction

In today's fast-paced logistics environment, supply chain professionals face numerous challenges in accessing real-time data that can significantly impact their operations. From fluctuating fuel prices to unpredictable port congestion, the need for a consolidated source of logistics intelligence has never been more critical. Traditional methods of gathering this information often involve stitching together multiple data feeds, which can be time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors. This is where the FreightPulse API comes into play, offering a streamlined solution that consolidates essential logistics data into a single, easy-to-use REST API.

The FreightPulse API provides access to a wealth of real-time logistics intelligence, including EIA fuel prices, live full-truckload (FTL) freight rate quotes, port congestion data, carrier lookups, and natural-disruption alerts. By leveraging this API, developers, logistics operators, freight forwarders, and supply chain teams can enhance their decision-making processes and improve operational efficiency. In this blog post, we will explore the key features of the FreightPulse API, how to get started, and real-world use cases that demonstrate its value.


Why FreightPulse

FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data landscape for several reasons, each providing concrete benefits to developers and operators:


Quick Start

Getting started with the FreightPulse API is straightforward. The base URL for all API requests is:

https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1

To make your first request, you will need to include the X-API-Key header in your request. 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

The FreightPulse API offers several core endpoints that provide valuable logistics data. Below are three key endpoints relevant to logistics operations:

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 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, as well as limited ocean and air modes.

Key Parameters: mode (trucking, ocean, air), origin_zip, destination_zip (required for trucking), origin_country, dest_zip (required for ocean/air), pickup_date, qty, total_weight_lb, container_size (ocean only).

curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/freight-rates?mode=trucking&origin_zip=10001&destination_zip=90210"

Example 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 port activity data from IMF PortWatch, showing the average port calls compared to a baseline.

Key Parameters: At least one of port (name or LOCODE), country (name or ISO3), region (continent); congestion (low|moderate|high) optional filter.

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

Example 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

The FreightPulse API can be leveraged in various ways to enhance logistics operations. Here are three concrete examples:


FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

FreightPulse fuel prices are updated weekly, providing users with the most current data available. This allows logistics operators to make timely decisions based on the latest fuel cost trends.

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. The /carriers endpoint provides access to FMCSA SAFER data for trucking carriers and FMC directory data for ocean carriers.

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

No, the port congestion data provided by FreightPulse is based on a 7-day average and is not real-time. The data reflects port activity compared to a 90-day baseline, allowing users to gauge congestion trends over time.


Conclusion

The FreightPulse API is a powerful tool for logistics professionals seeking to streamline their operations and gain access to critical real-time data. By consolidating multiple data sources into a single API, FreightPulse eliminates the complexities and inefficiencies associated with managing disparate feeds. Whether you are a developer building a logistics application or an operator looking to optimize your supply chain, the FreightPulse API provides the insights you need to make informed decisions.

With features like live freight rate quotes, fuel price updates, port congestion data, and natural-disruption alerts, the FreightPulse API is designed to meet the demands of modern supply chains. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your logistics operations—Try FreightPulse for free today and experience the benefits of consolidated logistics intelligence.