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Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics, the ability to make informed decisions quickly can mean the difference between success and failure. As supply chains become increasingly complex, logistics operators face the challenge of integrating disparate data sources to gain real-time insights. This often leads to inefficiencies, increased costs, and missed opportunities. The need for a consolidated solution that provides real-time logistics intelligence is more critical than ever.

Enter FreightPulse, a powerful REST API designed to streamline logistics operations by consolidating essential data into a single, easy-to-use interface. By leveraging FreightPulse, developers and logistics operators can access vital information such as fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion, carrier data, and natural disruption alerts—all from one API. This blog post will explore how FreightPulse can revolutionize automated freight dispatch through intelligent route planning.

Why FreightPulse

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

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 the national average prices for diesel and gasoline, regional breakdowns, and historical averages, all of which can be leveraged for intelligent route planning.

Core Endpoints

1. GET /fuel-prices

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

Key Parameters: None required.

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
}
}
}
}
}

Field Explanation: The national_average fields provide the current average prices for diesel and gasoline, while the regions object breaks down prices by geographic area. Historical averages help in analyzing trends over time.

2. GET /freight-rates

This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, allowing users to obtain pricing information based on specific parameters.

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"

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 price_usd field indicates the cost of the freight, while transit_days provides an estimate of how long the shipment will take. This information is crucial for planning and optimizing routes.

3. GET /port-congestion

This endpoint provides data on port activity, allowing users to assess congestion levels at various ports based on historical averages.

Key Parameters: At least one of port (name or LOCODE), country, region; optional congestion filter.

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
}
}
]
}
}

Field Explanation: The congestion field indicates the current congestion level, while recent_avg_portcalls_per_day and baseline_avg_portcalls_per_day provide context for understanding port activity trends. Note that this data is lagged by approximately 6-7 days, making it an approximation rather than real-time tracking.

Real-World Use Cases

1. Fuel-Surcharge Calculator

Logistics companies can build a fuel-surcharge calculator that uses the /fuel-prices endpoint to retrieve current diesel prices. By integrating this data with their freight rates, they can automatically calculate surcharges based on fluctuating fuel costs, ensuring accurate pricing for customers.

2. Port-Congestion Dashboard

Freight forwarders can create a port-congestion dashboard using the /port-congestion endpoint. By visualizing congestion levels across major ports, they can make informed decisions about routing shipments, potentially avoiding delays caused by high congestion.

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 tool can help ensure that only reliable carriers are selected for shipments, reducing the risk of delays and service failures.

FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

Fuel prices are updated weekly, providing users with the most current data available. This frequency 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, FreightPulse allows users to look up both ocean and trucking carriers through the /carriers endpoint. This feature enables comprehensive vetting of all types of carriers, ensuring that logistics operators have access to reliable partners.

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

No, the port congestion data provided by FreightPulse is based on historical averages and is lagged by approximately 6-7 days. It serves as an approximation of congestion levels rather than real-time tracking of vessel wait times.

Conclusion

In an era where logistics efficiency is paramount, FreightPulse offers a comprehensive solution for automated freight dispatch. By consolidating critical logistics data into a single API, FreightPulse empowers developers and logistics operators to make informed decisions quickly and effectively. The ability to access real-time fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion data, and disruption alerts from one source not only saves time but also enhances operational efficiency.

As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, leveraging tools like FreightPulse will be essential for staying competitive. Whether you're building a fuel-surcharge calculator, a port-congestion dashboard, or a carrier vetting tool, FreightPulse provides the data you need to succeed. Try FreightPulse for free today and unlock the potential of intelligent route planning for your logistics operations.