Home → Blog

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics, visibility into shipment status and conditions is paramount. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers face numerous challenges in managing complex supply chains, including fluctuating fuel prices, unpredictable port congestion, and the need for real-time data on carrier performance. Without a consolidated source of logistics intelligence, operators often find themselves stitching together multiple data feeds, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.

This is where FreightPulse comes into play. By offering a single REST API that consolidates critical logistics data, FreightPulse empowers 3PL providers to enhance shipment visibility and streamline operations. In this blog post, we will explore how FreightPulse can be utilized to improve shipment management, providing developers and logistics operators with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive landscape.

Why FreightPulse

FreightPulse stands out in the logistics data landscape for several 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

1. GET /fuel-prices

This endpoint provides national diesel and gasoline prices along with a breakdown by PADD region. It is essential for logistics operators to monitor fuel costs, which directly impact shipping expenses.

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
}
}
}
}
}

Field Explanations:

2. GET /freight-rates

This endpoint provides live FTL truckload quotes for US lanes, which is crucial for 3PL providers to offer competitive pricing to their customers.

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"
}
}

Field Explanations:

3. GET /port-congestion

This endpoint provides insights into port activity, which is essential for understanding potential delays in shipments due to congestion.

Key Parameters: 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"

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
}
}
]
}
}

Field Explanations:

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 fuel prices. By integrating this data, they can automatically calculate surcharges based on fluctuating fuel costs, ensuring that pricing remains competitive and transparent.

2. Port-Congestion Dashboard

A freight forwarder can develop a port-congestion dashboard that utilizes the /port-congestion endpoint to monitor congestion levels at key ports. This tool can help operators make informed decisions about routing and scheduling, ultimately reducing delays and improving service levels.

3. Carrier Vetting Tool

3PL providers can create a carrier vetting tool that leverages the /carriers endpoint to verify the status and safety ratings of trucking carriers. This ensures that only reliable carriers are used for shipments, enhancing overall service quality and reducing risk.

FAQ

How often do FreightPulse fuel prices update?

Fuel prices are updated weekly, providing users with timely information to make informed decisions regarding shipping costs.

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

Yes, the /carriers endpoint allows users to look up both ocean NVOCC/OTI carriers and trucking carriers, providing comprehensive carrier verification capabilities.

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 is useful for trend analysis but should not be relied upon for immediate operational decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FreightPulse offers a powerful solution for 3PL providers looking to enhance shipment visibility and streamline operations. By consolidating critical logistics data into a single API, FreightPulse eliminates the need for multiple integrations and provides developers with the tools they need to build effective logistics applications. From monitoring fuel prices to assessing port congestion and verifying carriers, FreightPulse is the fastest path from zero to production logistics data.

Ready to take your logistics operations to the next level? Try FreightPulse for free and discover how our API can transform your supply chain management.