Home → Blog

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics, last-mile delivery remains one of the most challenging aspects of supply chain management. As e-commerce continues to grow, logistics operators face increasing pressure to optimize their delivery processes while managing costs and ensuring customer satisfaction. The complexity of coordinating various data sources—fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion, and carrier information—can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. This is where FreightPulse comes into play, offering a comprehensive REST API that consolidates real-time logistics intelligence into a single, easy-to-use platform.

FreightPulse provides logistics operators with the tools they need to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. By integrating multiple data sources into one API, FreightPulse eliminates the need for scattered integrations and expensive paid feeds. This blog post will explore how logistics operators can leverage FreightPulse to optimize last-mile delivery, improve decision-making, and ultimately drive better business outcomes.


Why FreightPulse

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


Quick Start

To get started with FreightPulse, you can access the API at the following base URL:

https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1

Authentication is handled via the X-API-Key header. Here’s how to make your first request to retrieve national diesel and gasoline prices:

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

Here’s an example of the JSON response you might receive:

{
"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

FreightPulse offers several core endpoints that are particularly relevant for optimizing last-mile delivery. Below are three key endpoints, along with their parameters, example cURL requests, and JSON responses.

1. GET /fuel-prices

This endpoint retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices, including a breakdown by PADD region.

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, allowing logistics operators to quickly assess shipping costs.

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 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 insights into port congestion levels, helping logistics operators plan for delays.

Key Parameters: port (name or LOCODE), country (name or ISO3), region (continent).

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

FreightPulse's API can be utilized 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 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, FreightPulse allows users to look up both ocean carriers and trucking carriers through the /carriers endpoint, providing comprehensive carrier verification capabilities.

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

No, the port congestion data from FreightPulse is based on a 7-day average and is not real-time. It provides a lagged approximation of port activity, allowing operators to assess congestion trends over time.


Conclusion

In conclusion, optimizing last-mile delivery is crucial for logistics operators looking to enhance efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. FreightPulse offers a powerful solution by consolidating multiple data sources into a single REST API, enabling operators to access real-time logistics intelligence without the hassle of managing scattered integrations. By leveraging FreightPulse, logistics teams can make informed decisions based on accurate data, streamline operations, and ultimately drive better business outcomes.

Ready to transform your logistics operations? Try FreightPulse for free and discover how our API can help you optimize your last-mile delivery processes today!