Home → Blog

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics, operators face numerous challenges in managing their supply chains effectively. With the increasing complexity of global trade, the need for real-time data has never been more critical. Logistics operators often struggle with fragmented data sources, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs. The traditional approach of stitching together multiple APIs and data feeds can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. This is where the FreightPulse API comes into play, offering a seamless solution that consolidates essential logistics intelligence into a single, powerful REST API.

The FreightPulse API provides logistics operators with access to real-time data on EIA fuel prices, live full-truckload (FTL) freight rate quotes, port congestion data, carrier lookups, and natural-disruption alerts. By integrating these capabilities into their existing ERP systems, logistics teams can enhance their decision-making processes, optimize their operations, and ultimately improve their bottom line. In this blog post, we will explore how the FreightPulse API can transform logistics operations and provide developers with the tools they need to build efficient, data-driven applications.

Why FreightPulse

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

Quick Start

Getting started with the FreightPulse API is straightforward. The base URL for all API requests is:

https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1

To make your first request, you will need to include the X-API-Key header in your request. 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, key fields include:

Core Endpoints

1. GET /fuel-prices

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

Key Parameters: None required.

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

Sample 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 calculate fuel surcharges and manage transportation costs effectively.

2. GET /freight-rates

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

Key Parameters: mode (trucking, ocean, air), origin_zip, destination_zip, pickup_date, qty, total_weight_lb, container_size (for ocean).

curl -H "X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" "https://freightpulsehq.com/api/v1/freight-rates?mode=trucking&origin_zip=10001&destination_zip=90210"

Sample 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:

3. GET /port-congestion

This endpoint provides insights into port activity, allowing logistics operators to monitor 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"

Sample 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:

Real-World Use Cases

The FreightPulse API can be leveraged 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 regularly, providing users with the most current data available. This allows logistics operators to make timely decisions based on the latest market conditions.

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. This comprehensive approach ensures that logistics operators have access to all necessary carrier information in one place.

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 historical data. It reflects a 7-day average of port calls compared to a 90-day baseline, rather than real-time vessel wait times.

Conclusion

The FreightPulse API is a game-changer for logistics operators looking to streamline their operations and enhance their decision-making capabilities. By consolidating critical logistics intelligence into a single API, FreightPulse eliminates the complexities associated with managing multiple data sources. Developers can leverage this powerful tool to build applications that provide real-time insights, optimize costs, and improve service levels.

Whether you are a logistics operator, freight forwarder, or supply chain analyst, integrating the FreightPulse API into your existing systems can significantly enhance your operational efficiency. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your logistics operations. Try FreightPulse for free today and experience the benefits of seamless integration for yourself.