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Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics, maximizing capacity utilization is a critical challenge for third-party logistics (3PL) providers. With fluctuating fuel prices, unpredictable freight rates, and the ever-present threat of natural disruptions, logistics operators need access to real-time data to make informed decisions. Without a consolidated source of logistics intelligence, teams often find themselves stitching together multiple data feeds, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.

This is where FreightPulse comes into play. By providing a single REST API that consolidates essential logistics data, FreightPulse empowers 3PL providers to optimize their fleet management strategies. From EIA fuel prices to live freight rate quotes and port congestion data, FreightPulse offers a comprehensive solution that enhances decision-making and operational efficiency.

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. 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
}
}
}
}
}

This response provides valuable insights into current fuel prices, regional breakdowns, and historical averages, enabling logistics operators to make informed decisions regarding fuel surcharges and budgeting.

Core Endpoints

1. GET /fuel-prices

This endpoint retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices along with a breakdown by PADD region. It provides weekly changes and historical averages, which are crucial for cost analysis and budgeting.

Key Parameters: 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: The "national_average" field provides the average price of diesel and gasoline across the United States, while the "regions" object breaks down prices by geographic area, allowing for more localized decision-making.

2. GET /freight-rates

This endpoint offers live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, enabling logistics operators to quickly assess shipping costs and make informed pricing decisions.

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"

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: The "price_usd" field indicates the cost of shipping, while "transit_days" provides an estimate of how long the shipment will take. This information is vital for logistics planning and customer communication.

3. GET /port-congestion

This endpoint provides insights into port activity, helping logistics operators understand congestion levels and plan accordingly. It uses data from IMF PortWatch and offers a 7-day average of port calls compared to a 90-day baseline.

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

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 "congestion" field indicates the current congestion level at the port, while "recent_avg_portcalls_per_day" provides a snapshot of recent activity. This data is crucial for managing shipment schedules and expectations.

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 freight rates, they can automatically calculate surcharges based on fluctuating fuel costs, ensuring accurate pricing for customers.

2. Port-Congestion Dashboard

A freight forwarder can create a port-congestion dashboard using the /port-congestion endpoint. This dashboard would display real-time congestion levels at major ports, allowing operators to make informed decisions about routing and scheduling to avoid 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 logistics teams ensure they are working with reliable partners, reducing the risk of service disruptions.

FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

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

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, providing comprehensive carrier verification capabilities.

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 vessel wait times.

Conclusion + CTA

In conclusion, maximizing capacity utilization in logistics is a complex challenge that requires access to accurate and timely data. FreightPulse offers a powerful solution by consolidating essential logistics intelligence into a single API. By leveraging FreightPulse, 3PL providers can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making capabilities.

To experience the benefits of FreightPulse for yourself, try FreightPulse for free today and unlock the potential of data-driven fleet management.