The verdict in three sentences
A haulier with 70 trucks moving boxes between the Maasvlakte terminals, inland depots and customers without real-time visibility pays demurrage and detention and idle days it could avoid. Custom haulage software costs roughly 60,000 to 120,000 EUR in 2026, delivered in 5 months. With a target of 30% less demurrage and tighter fuel control, the project usually pays back in under 12 months.
Where money and time go today
Around Rotterdam, a container trip combines terminal slot booking, waiting at the gate, delivery and empty return to a depot, often within 1 to 2 days. Without a proper tool, planners track trucks by phone and empty returns in spreadsheets. Free time granted by shipping lines (often 3 to 7 days in Rotterdam) runs out without anyone anticipating it.
| Item | Current situation | With the software | 2026 estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demurrage and detention | Discovered on the carrier's invoice | Alert 2 days before free time ends | 30% fewer penalties |
| Truck positions | Calling drivers | Real-time GPS tracking | 2 planning hours saved per day |
| Fuel | Fuel cards, unexplained gaps | Litres per km per truck | 2 to 3% lower consumption |
| Breakdowns | Reported late, rush parts orders | History and preventive plan per truck | 15% less downtime |
| Invoicing | Keyed in at month end | Invoice generated per closed trip | Cash collected 10 to 15 days earlier |
| Reporting | Rebuilt spreadsheet | Profitability per customer and truck | Evidence-based pricing |
Scope and budget in EUR
The software covers the transport order (customer, container, shipping line, free time), truck and driver assignment, GPS tracking, terminal slot references, fuel, workshop and per-trip invoicing. A simple mobile app lets drivers confirm pick-up, delivery and empty return with a photo.
| Module | Content | Indicative 2026 budget (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport orders | Containers, shipping lines, free time, alerts | 13,000 to 25,000 |
| GPS tracking and map | Telematics integration, geofencing of terminals, depots, customers | 10,000 to 20,000 |
| Driver app with offline mode | Steps, photos, signature | 10,000 to 20,000 |
| Fuel and workshop | Fuel cards, ratios, breakdowns, preventive | 10,000 to 20,000 |
| Per-trip invoicing | Customer rates, surcharges, credit notes, accounting export | 9,000 to 18,000 |
| Dashboards | Profitability, delays, demurrage | 8,000 to 17,000 |
| Total | 5 months | 60,000 to 120,000 |
On top of this: telematics units, around 150 to 300 EUR per truck depending on the model, plus 10 to 20 EUR per month for connectivity (market estimates). Hosting and maintenance usually run at 12 to 18% of the build cost per year.
Mini case study
Sander, operations director of a 70-truck haulier in Rotterdam (illustrative case), sees an average of 25,000 EUR of demurrage and detention per month. A 30% cut is worth 7,500 EUR per month, or 90,000 EUR a year. His fleet burns about 175,000 litres of diesel per month; a 2% saving at 1.60 EUR per litre adds 5,600 EUR per month. With software at 90,000 EUR, 70 telematics units at 200 EUR (14,000 EUR) and 13,000 EUR of first-year maintenance, the total first-year investment of about 117,000 EUR is covered in roughly 9 months.
FAQ
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Do we need to replace our current telematics units?
Not necessarily. If your units expose an API or position feed, the software connects to it. Otherwise new units cost 150 to 300 EUR per truck.
How does the software reduce demurrage?
Each container carries its free-time end date and the software alerts planners 2 days ahead. Hauliers who act on these alerts target about 30% fewer penalties.
Does the driver app work without signal?
Yes, it stores steps and photos on the phone and syncs as soon as the network returns. A standard Android phone at around 150 EUR is enough.
Can it connect to terminal and port community systems?
Yes, links to port community platforms or terminal booking systems can be added, typically 8,000 to 20,000 EUR depending on the interfaces available.
Can we start with a first batch?
Yes, batch 1 with transport orders, GPS and free-time alerts can be delivered in 3 months for about 40,000 EUR. Fuel, workshop and invoicing follow in batch 2.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fleet size, lanes and current tools: we price a scope in batches, with a budget and delivery date. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
