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Introduction

In today's fast-paced logistics environment, supply chain disruptions can have significant repercussions on businesses, leading to delays, increased costs, and customer dissatisfaction. As logistics operators, freight forwarders, and supply chain teams navigate these challenges, having access to real-time data and insights is crucial for making informed decisions. However, the traditional approach of stitching together multiple data sources can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors.

This is where FreightPulse comes into play. By consolidating various logistics intelligence into a single REST API, FreightPulse empowers logistics professionals to proactively manage their operations. From real-time fuel prices and freight rate quotes to port congestion data and natural disruption alerts, FreightPulse provides a comprehensive solution that simplifies the logistics landscape.

Why FreightPulse

FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data space 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
}
}
}
}
}

This response provides valuable insights into current fuel prices, regional breakdowns, and historical averages, all of which are essential for logistics planning.

Core Endpoints

1. GET /fuel-prices

This endpoint retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices along with a breakdown by PADD regions. It provides insights into weekly changes and historical averages.

Key Parameters: None required.

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

Example 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 includes the national average prices for diesel and gasoline, changes over the week, and historical averages, which are crucial for calculating fuel surcharges and budgeting.

2. GET /freight-rates

This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, enabling logistics operators to obtain accurate pricing for their shipments.

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"

Example 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 response includes the mode of transport, service type, price in USD, estimated transit days, and pickup/delivery dates, allowing operators to plan their logistics effectively.

3. GET /port-congestion

This endpoint provides insights into port activity, helping logistics teams understand congestion levels at major ports.

Key Parameters: 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"

Example 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 provides the port name, congestion level, and metrics comparing recent port calls to a baseline, which is essential for anticipating delays in shipments.

Real-World Use Cases

1. Fuel-Surcharge Calculator

Logistics operators can build a fuel-surcharge calculator that uses the /fuel-prices endpoint to retrieve current diesel prices and historical averages. This tool helps in determining the appropriate surcharge to apply based on fluctuating fuel costs.

2. Port-Congestion Dashboard

A freight forwarder can create a port-congestion dashboard using the /port-congestion endpoint to monitor congestion levels at key ports. This dashboard can provide alerts when congestion reaches a certain threshold, allowing for proactive rerouting of shipments.

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 ensures that only reliable carriers are used for shipments, reducing the risk of delays and compliance issues.

FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

FreightPulse fuel prices are updated weekly, providing logistics operators with the most current data 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 US 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 of port calls compared to a 90-day baseline. This means it provides a lagged approximation of congestion levels rather than real-time tracking.

Conclusion

In a world where supply chain disruptions are increasingly common, having access to reliable and real-time logistics data is essential for success. FreightPulse offers a powerful solution that consolidates various data points into a single API, enabling logistics operators to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

By leveraging FreightPulse's capabilities, teams can build tools that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Whether you're looking to calculate fuel surcharges, monitor port congestion, or vet carriers, FreightPulse provides the data you need to navigate the complexities of modern logistics.

Ready to transform your logistics operations? Try FreightPulse for free and experience the benefits of real-time logistics intelligence today!