Introduction
In the fast-paced world of logistics, accurate demand forecasting is crucial for optimizing supply chain operations. Market analysts and logistics operators often face challenges in gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources, which can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. The need for a consolidated solution that provides real-time logistics intelligence has never been more pressing.
This is where FreightPulse comes into play. By offering a single REST API that integrates various logistics data points, FreightPulse empowers developers and market analysts to make informed decisions quickly. From EIA fuel prices to live freight rate quotes and port congestion data, FreightPulse simplifies the data acquisition process, allowing teams to focus on analysis rather than data collection.
Why FreightPulse
FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data landscape for several reasons:
- Unified Data Source: Instead of stitching together multiple APIs or paying for expensive feeds, FreightPulse provides a single API that covers EIA fuel data, live freight rates, port congestion, carrier verification, and disruption monitoring. This not only saves time but also reduces the complexity of managing multiple integrations.
- Real-Time Insights: With live US full-truckload (FTL) freight rate quotes and historical fuel price data available in the same JSON schema, developers can easily correlate fuel costs with freight rates, enabling better pricing strategies and cost management.
- Natural Disruption Alerts: FreightPulse offers a unique natural-disruption feed that alerts users to potential disruptions caused by cyclones, earthquakes, and severe weather. This feature allows logistics teams to proactively manage risks and adjust their operations accordingly.
- Guest Access: FreightPulse allows users to explore its capabilities without the need for an API key, providing 100 requests per day per IP. This low-friction access encourages experimentation and integration into existing systems.
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. 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, 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 in which prices are quoted.
- data: Contains detailed information about diesel and gasoline prices, including national averages and regional breakdowns.
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 understanding fuel costs, which directly impact logistics operations.
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:
- 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 for localized analysis.
2. GET /freight-rates
This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, which is critical for pricing and capacity planning.
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:
- 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.
3. GET /port-congestion
This endpoint provides insights into port activity and congestion levels, which are vital for managing shipping schedules and expectations.
Key Params: port (name or LOCODE), country, region; congestion (optional).
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:
- port: The name of the port.
- congestion: The congestion level (low, moderate, high).
- metrics: Contains metrics such as recent average port calls per day and baseline averages, which help in understanding port efficiency.
Real-World Use Cases
1. Fuel-Surcharge Calculator
Logistics companies can build a fuel-surcharge calculator that uses the /fuel-prices endpoint to retrieve current diesel prices. By integrating this data with their freight rates, they can dynamically calculate surcharges based on fluctuating fuel costs.
2. Port-Congestion Dashboard
A freight forwarder can create a port-congestion dashboard using the /port-congestion endpoint. This dashboard would provide real-time insights into congestion levels at major ports, allowing them to adjust shipping schedules and inform clients about potential delays.
3. Carrier Vetting Tool
3PL providers can develop a carrier vetting tool that utilizes the /carriers endpoint to verify the status and safety ratings of trucking carriers. This tool can help ensure that only reliable carriers are selected for shipments, reducing the risk of delays and service failures.
FAQ
How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?
FreightPulse fuel prices are updated weekly, providing users with the most current data available for effective decision-making.
Can I look up ocean carriers as well as trucking carriers?
Yes, the /carriers endpoint allows users to look up both ocean NVOCC/OTI carriers and trucking carriers, making it a versatile tool for logistics operations.
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 essential for planning but should not be relied upon for immediate operational decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, FreightPulse offers a powerful solution for logistics professionals seeking to enhance their demand forecasting capabilities. By consolidating critical data points into a single API, FreightPulse eliminates the complexities of managing multiple data sources, allowing teams to focus on what matters most: optimizing their supply chain operations.
Whether you are a developer building applications or a market analyst seeking insights, FreightPulse provides the tools you need to succeed. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to leverage real-time logistics intelligence for your business. Try FreightPulse for free today and experience the difference it can make in your logistics operations.