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Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain management, accurate demand forecasting is crucial for optimizing operations and minimizing costs. However, many logistics operators and supply chain teams struggle with fragmented data sources, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Traditional methods of gathering data often involve stitching together multiple APIs or relying on expensive paid feeds, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

This is where FreightPulse comes into play. By consolidating real-time logistics intelligence into a single REST API, FreightPulse empowers developers and logistics professionals to access critical data points such as fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion, carrier information, and natural disruption alerts—all from one source. This blog post will explore how FreightPulse enhances demand forecasting and provides actionable insights for supply chain SaaS platforms.

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 can use the following cURL command 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 retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices along with a breakdown by PADD regions.

Key Parameters: None required.

cURL Example:

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: The response provides a comprehensive view of current fuel prices, including changes over the past week and historical averages, which are essential for calculating fuel surcharges and forecasting transportation costs.

2. GET /freight-rates

This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for various US lanes.

Key Parameters: mode (trucking, ocean, air), origin_zip, destination_zip (required for trucking).

cURL Example:

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: This response includes the mode of transport, service type, price, and estimated transit days, which are critical for logistics planning and cost estimation.

3. GET /port-congestion

This endpoint provides data on port activity and congestion levels based on IMF PortWatch data.

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

cURL Example:

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: The response indicates the current congestion level at the port, along with metrics that compare recent activity to historical averages. This information is vital for managing shipping schedules and anticipating delays.

Real-World Use Cases

FreightPulse's API can be leveraged in various ways to enhance logistics operations:

FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

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 market conditions.

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. This comprehensive approach ensures that logistics teams have access to all necessary carrier information.

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. It serves as a lagged approximation, allowing users to understand congestion trends rather than immediate vessel wait times.

Conclusion

In today's competitive logistics landscape, having access to accurate and timely data is essential for effective demand forecasting and operational efficiency. FreightPulse offers a powerful solution by consolidating critical logistics intelligence into a single API, enabling developers and logistics professionals to make informed decisions quickly.

By leveraging FreightPulse, teams can eliminate the complexities of managing multiple data sources and focus on building innovative solutions that enhance their operations. Whether you're looking to calculate fuel surcharges, monitor port congestion, or vet carriers, FreightPulse provides the tools you need to succeed.

Ready to transform your logistics operations? Try FreightPulse for free today and unlock the potential of real-time logistics intelligence.