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Introduction

In today's fast-paced logistics landscape, supply chain efficiency is paramount. Companies are constantly seeking ways to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve service levels. However, the fragmented nature of logistics data can pose significant challenges. With multiple data sources for fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion, and carrier information, logistics operators often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of integrating disparate systems. This is where FreightPulse comes into play.

FreightPulse is a powerful REST API that consolidates real-time logistics intelligence into a single, easy-to-use interface. By providing access to critical data such as EIA fuel prices, live full-truckload (FTL) freight rate quotes, port congestion data, carrier lookups, and natural-disruption alerts, FreightPulse enables logistics professionals to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore how FreightPulse can enhance freight forwarding efficiency and streamline supply chain operations.


Why FreightPulse

FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data landscape for several compelling 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 in your cURL command. 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, the key fields include:


Core Endpoints

FreightPulse offers several core endpoints that provide valuable logistics data. Below, we will explore three key endpoints relevant to freight forwarding efficiency.

1. GET /fuel-prices

This endpoint retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices, along with a breakdown by PADD regions.

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
}
}
}
}
}

This endpoint is crucial for logistics operators who need to monitor fuel prices to calculate fuel surcharges accurately.


2. GET /freight-rates

This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, allowing users to obtain real-time pricing information.

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"
}
}

Key fields in this response include:

This endpoint is essential for freight forwarders and logistics operators who need to provide accurate quotes to their customers.


3. GET /port-congestion

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

Key Parameters: port (name or LOCODE), country (name or ISO3), region (continent); congestion (optional filter).

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
}
}
]
}
}

Key fields in this response include:

This endpoint is particularly useful for logistics teams that need to monitor port congestion and adjust their shipping schedules accordingly.


Real-World Use Cases

FreightPulse's comprehensive data offerings enable logistics teams to build a variety of applications that enhance operational efficiency. Here are three concrete examples:


FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

Fuel prices are updated weekly based on data from the EIA. This ensures that users have access to the most current pricing information available.

Can I look up ocean carriers as well as trucking carriers?

Yes, FreightPulse provides the ability to look up both ocean carriers and trucking carriers through the /carriers endpoint. This allows users to access comprehensive carrier information across different modes of transportation.

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 helps users understand congestion trends over time.


Conclusion

In an increasingly complex logistics environment, having access to reliable and consolidated data is essential for optimizing supply chain operations. FreightPulse offers a powerful solution that integrates critical logistics intelligence into a single API, enabling logistics operators to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

By leveraging FreightPulse, teams can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance service levels. Whether you are a freight forwarder, a 3PL provider, or a supply chain analyst, FreightPulse provides the tools you need to succeed in today's competitive landscape. Try FreightPulse for free and discover how it can transform your logistics operations.