The verdict in three sentences
For an empty container depot and inland yard in Singapore holding 14,000 TEU, custom yard management software costs between SGD 300,000 and 700,000 in 2026, delivered in about 6 months. It replaces radio-based location with a real-time slot map, mobile EIRs backed by photos and automatic EDI CODECO messages to shipping lines. Search time per box typically falls by a factor of 4, and every storage day finally gets billed.
What a radio-run yard costs
In a yard of 14,000 TEU stacked 4 or 5 high, a mislocated box ties up a reach stacker and a truck for 20 to 40 minutes. Paper equipment interchange receipts (EIRs) get lost, damage disputes with lines drag on, and CODECO movement messages go out late, triggering contractual penalties. Storage beyond free time is often underbilled because gate-in dates are unreliable.
| Module | 2026 range (SGD) | Measurable effect |
|---|---|---|
| Yard plan with block, row and tier slots | 60,000 to 130,000 | Search time cut by 4 |
| Mobile EIR with photos and driver signature | 40,000 to 90,000 | Damage disputes down 70% |
| Work orders for reach stackers and forklifts | 40,000 to 95,000 | Fewer unproductive moves |
| EDI CODECO and COPARN with shipping lines | 50,000 to 110,000 | Sent within 15 minutes |
| Storage, repair and handling billing | 45,000 to 105,000 | Free time calculated automatically |
| Haulier portal and truck appointment booking | 35,000 to 95,000 | Shorter gate queues |
| Operations dashboards and customs interfaces | 30,000 to 75,000 | Shift-level management |
The total ranges from SGD 300,000 to 700,000. Maintenance and hosting run about SGD 8,000 to 15,000 per month, with on-call cover for night shifts. For comparison, the same scope for a depot in Lomé costs 30 to 55 million FCFA (about SGD 65,000 to 120,000).
Custom or international TOS: the comparison
| Option | Upfront cost (SGD) | Annual cost | Fit for a 14,000 TEU depot | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom yard software | 300,000 to 700,000 | 96,000 to 180,000 | Yes | 6 months |
| International TOS for large terminals | 3,000,000 and up | 500,000 and up | Oversized | 12 to 24 months |
| Depot management SaaS | 20,000 to 60,000 setup | 80,000 to 200,000 | Partly | 3 months |
| Spreadsheets and radio | Low | Lost billing | No | Immediate |
| Configured general ERP | 800,000 to 1,500,000 | 150,000 to 300,000 | Poor EDI fit | 12 months |
Terminal operating systems built for quayside terminals are designed for millions of TEU and ship-to-shore cranes. For an empty depot or inland yard, custom software covers the essentials at a fraction of the cost and integrates with local systems such as Portnet and TradeNet for documentation.
Typical 6-month rollout
Month 1: yard survey, block, row and tier numbering, physical count of the 14,000 TEU. Months 2 and 3: slot management, mobile EIR and equipment work orders. Month 4: EDI CODECO and COPARN, tested with 2 pilot lines. Month 5: billing, haulier portal and truck appointments. Month 6: cutover, training for 40 checkers, operators and billing staff, then 4 weeks of shift support.
Mini case study
Wei Ling, operations director of a Singapore depot, handles 18,000 moves a month. Each box search averages 24 minutes; with the software it falls to 6 minutes. If 30% of moves require a search, she saves 5,400 × 18 minutes, or 1,620 equipment and driver hours a month. At SGD 180 per reach stacker hour with operator, that is about SGD 290,000 a month of freed capacity. Adding 3% of storage days previously unbilled, a SGD 550,000 project pays back in about 2 months of operation.
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FAQ
How much does container yard software cost in Singapore in 2026?
Plan for SGD 300,000 to 700,000 for custom software, plus SGD 8,000 to 15,000 per month in maintenance, a 2026 estimate.
Does it send EDI messages to shipping lines?
Yes, CODECO movement and COPARN booking messages are generated in EDIFACT format and sent within 15 minutes of each gate move.
Does the mobile EIR work without signal?
Yes, the tablet stores photos and signatures offline and syncs as soon as yard Wi-Fi or 5G returns.
Do we need to replace our billing system?
Not necessarily: storage charges can be exported to your accounting system, and free time is calculated automatically per line.
How long until we are live?
About 6 months, including one month of physical count and yard numbering.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your TEU capacity, shipping lines and monthly move volume, and we will price a SGD 300,000 to 700,000 system delivered in 6 months. 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.
