Introduction
In the fast-paced world of logistics, accuracy and efficiency are paramount. Logistics operators face numerous challenges, from fluctuating fuel prices to unpredictable port congestion and the need for reliable carrier data. These challenges can lead to costly disputes and inefficiencies in supply chain operations. Traditional methods of gathering this information often involve piecing together multiple data sources, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. 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 revolutionizes freight auditing by providing logistics operators with accurate, real-time data on fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion, carrier information, and natural disruptions. By integrating these data points into one API, FreightPulse eliminates the need for scattered integrations and expensive paid feeds, allowing logistics teams to focus on what they do best: moving goods efficiently and effectively.
Why FreightPulse
FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data landscape for several reasons:
- Unified Data Source: Instead of relying on multiple APIs for different data points, FreightPulse offers a single REST API that consolidates EIA fuel data, live FTL freight quotes, port congestion metrics, carrier verification, and disruption alerts. This unified approach saves developers time and reduces the risk of errors associated with managing multiple integrations.
- Real-Time Insights: With FreightPulse, logistics operators can access live US FTL freight rate quotes alongside historical fuel price data in the same JSON schema. This capability allows for more accurate cost calculations and better decision-making when planning shipments.
- Comprehensive Carrier Data: The API provides FMCSA SAFER lookups for US trucking carriers, including DOT numbers, safety ratings, and active driver counts. This information is crucial for 3PL providers and freight forwarders who need to vet carriers effectively and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Natural Disruption Alerts: FreightPulse offers a natural-disruption feed that consolidates data from GDACS, USGS, and NOAA/NWS. This feature allows logistics teams to filter alerts by port radius, helping them proactively manage risks associated with severe weather events and other natural hazards.
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
}
}
}
}
}
This response provides a wealth of information, including national averages for diesel and gasoline prices, weekly changes, and regional breakdowns, all of which are essential for logistics operators to make informed decisions.
Core Endpoints
1. GET /fuel-prices
This endpoint retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices along with a breakdown by PADD regions. It does not require any parameters.
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/fuel-prices"
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
}
}
}
}
}
Key fields include:
- national_average: The average price of diesel or gasoline across the country.
- change_week: The change in price over the past week.
- regions: A breakdown of prices by region, allowing operators to understand local market conditions.
2. GET /freight-rates
This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes. It requires parameters such as mode, origin_zip, and destination_zip.
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/freight-rates?mode=trucking&origin_zip=10001&destination_zip=90210"
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 include:
- price_usd: The quoted price for the freight service.
- transit_days: The estimated number of days for transit.
- pickup_date: The date when the shipment will be picked up.
- delivery_date: The expected delivery date.
3. GET /port-congestion
This endpoint provides port activity data from IMF PortWatch, showing the 7-day average port calls compared to a 90-day baseline. It requires at least one of the parameters: port, country, or region.
curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/port-congestion?port=USLAX"
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 include:
- congestion: The current congestion level at the port (low, moderate, high).
- recent_avg_portcalls_per_day: The average number of port calls in the last week.
- baseline_avg_portcalls_per_day: The average number of port calls over the last 90 days.
- ratio_vs_baseline: The ratio of recent port calls compared to the baseline, indicating congestion trends.
Real-World Use Cases
FreightPulse's API can be leveraged in various ways to enhance logistics operations:
- Fuel-Surcharge Calculator: By integrating the /fuel-prices endpoint, logistics operators can build a fuel-surcharge calculator that adjusts shipping costs based on real-time fuel prices. This ensures that pricing remains competitive and fair, reflecting current market conditions.
- Port-Congestion Dashboard: Freight forwarders can create a dashboard using the /port-congestion endpoint to monitor congestion levels at key ports. This tool can help them make informed decisions about routing and scheduling, ultimately reducing delays and improving service levels.
- Carrier Vetting Tool: 3PL providers can utilize the /carriers endpoint to develop a carrier vetting tool that assesses potential carriers based on safety ratings and active driver counts. This ensures compliance and enhances the reliability of the supply chain.
- Disruption Alert System: By using the /disruptions endpoint, logistics teams can build a disruption alert system that notifies them of natural hazards affecting their shipments. This proactive approach allows for better risk management and contingency planning.
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 overall shipping costs.
Can I look up ocean carriers as well as trucking carriers?
Yes, the FreightPulse API allows users to look up both ocean carriers and trucking carriers using the /carriers endpoint. This feature is essential for logistics operators who need comprehensive carrier information for their operations.
Does the port congestion data reflect real-time vessel wait times?
No, the port congestion data provided by FreightPulse is a lagged approximation based on a 7-day average of port calls compared to a 90-day baseline. It does not reflect real-time vessel wait times but offers valuable insights into congestion trends.
Conclusion
FreightPulse is transforming the logistics landscape by providing a unified API that consolidates critical data points into a single, accessible platform. By leveraging FreightPulse, logistics operators can improve accuracy, reduce disputes, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The ability to access real-time fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion data, carrier information, and disruption alerts from one source streamlines decision-making and empowers teams to respond proactively to challenges.
Don't let scattered data sources hold your logistics operations back. Try FreightPulse for free today and experience the benefits of integrated logistics intelligence for yourself. Start building smarter, more efficient supply chains with FreightPulse!