Introduction
In the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain management, visibility is paramount. Supply chain teams often grapple with fragmented data sources, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs. The challenge lies in consolidating real-time logistics intelligence from various providers, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. This is where FreightPulse comes into play, offering a unified REST API that streamlines access to critical logistics data.
FreightPulse provides a comprehensive solution by consolidating essential logistics intelligence into a single API. This includes EIA fuel prices, live US full-truckload (FTL) freight rate quotes, IMF PortWatch port congestion data, FMCSA/FMC carrier lookups, and natural-disruption alerts. By replacing scattered integrations and costly paid feeds, FreightPulse empowers developers, logistics operators, freight forwarders, and supply chain teams to enhance visibility and make informed decisions.
Why FreightPulse
FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data landscape for several reasons:
- Unified Access: Instead of stitching together multiple data feeds, FreightPulse offers a single REST API that provides access to various logistics data points. This not only simplifies integration but also reduces the time and cost associated with managing multiple vendors.
- Real-Time and Historical Data: With FreightPulse, users can access live FTL freight rate quotes alongside historical diesel and gasoline price series in the same JSON schema. This allows for better forecasting and decision-making based on current and past trends.
- Comprehensive Carrier Information: The API includes FMCSA SAFER lookups for US trucking carriers, providing essential details such as DOT number, safety rating, and active drivers. This is crucial for logistics operators who need to vet carriers effectively.
- Natural Disruption Alerts: FreightPulse offers a natural-disruption feed that consolidates alerts from various sources, allowing users to filter disruptions by port radius. This proactive approach helps teams mitigate risks associated with natural disasters.
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. 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:
- timestamp: The date and time when the data was retrieved.
- source: The source of the data, in this case, the EIA.
- currency: The currency in which the prices are quoted.
- data: Contains detailed information about diesel and gasoline prices, including national averages and regional breakdowns.
Core Endpoints
FreightPulse offers several core endpoints that provide valuable logistics data. Below are three key endpoints relevant to supply chain teams:
1. GET /fuel-prices
This endpoint retrieves national diesel and gasoline prices along with a breakdown by PADD regions.
Key Params: 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:
- national_average: The average price of diesel or gasoline across the nation.
- change_week: The change in price over the past week.
- regions: A breakdown of prices by region, allowing for localized analysis.
2. GET /freight-rates
This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, enabling users to obtain current freight rates.
Key Params: 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"
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:
- mode: The mode of transportation (e.g., trucking).
- service: The type of service provided (e.g., FTL).
- price_usd: The quoted price for the freight service.
- transit_days: The estimated number of days for transit.
3. GET /port-congestion
This endpoint provides data on port activity, allowing users to assess congestion levels at various ports.
Key Params: 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"
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:
- port: The name of the port being queried.
- congestion: The level of congestion (low, moderate, high).
- metrics: Contains metrics such as recent average port calls per day and a ratio compared to the baseline.
Real-World Use Cases
FreightPulse's API can be leveraged in various ways to enhance logistics operations. Here are three concrete examples:
- Fuel-Surcharge Calculator: Logistics teams can build a fuel-surcharge calculator that uses the GET /fuel-prices endpoint to retrieve current fuel prices and calculate surcharges based on fluctuating fuel costs.
- Port-Congestion Dashboard: Freight forwarders can create a dashboard that utilizes the GET /port-congestion endpoint to monitor congestion levels at key ports, allowing them to make informed routing decisions.
- Carrier Vetting Tool: 3PL providers can develop a carrier vetting tool that employs the GET /carriers endpoint to verify the safety ratings and operational status of trucking carriers before engaging their services.
FAQ
How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?
Fuel prices are updated weekly, providing users with timely information to make informed decisions regarding fuel surcharges and budgeting.
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 GET /carriers endpoint, providing comprehensive carrier information.
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, allowing users to assess congestion levels over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, FreightPulse offers a powerful solution for supply chain teams seeking to enhance visibility and streamline logistics operations. By consolidating critical logistics intelligence into a single REST API, FreightPulse eliminates the need for multiple integrations and costly data feeds. With access to real-time fuel prices, freight rates, port congestion data, carrier information, and natural disruption alerts, teams can make informed decisions that drive efficiency and reduce costs.
Whether you are a developer, logistics operator, or supply chain analyst, leveraging the FreightPulse API can significantly enhance your operational capabilities. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your logistics data strategy. Try FreightPulse for free today and unlock the power of real-time logistics intelligence.