The verdict in three sentences
A SaaS TMS starts at 40-120 EUR/user/month and works fine while your routes stay standard. Once you bill carriers, handle specific proof-of-delivery flows or integrate a WMS, custom software (55,000-110,000 EUR) takes the lead. The tipping point sits around 20 users and 15 % of empty kilometres to recover.
Off-the-shelf or custom TMS: the real cost
SaaS wins on speed of deployment, but its cost climbs with every driver and dispatcher. Custom requires a heavier upfront investment, amortised over 3-5 years, and makes you the owner of your business logic.
| Criterion | Market SaaS TMS | Custom TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0-5,000 EUR setup | 55,000-110,000 EUR |
| Recurring cost | 40-120 EUR/user/month | Hosting 250-600 EUR/month |
| Rollout time | 4-8 weeks | 16-24 weeks |
| Driver app | Standard, non-editable | Custom (offline, photos, signature) |
| ERP/WMS integration | Limited connectors | Full dedicated API |
| Carrier billing | Rare or optional | Native and configurable |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
For a fleet of 25 users, SaaS at 80 EUR already means 24,000 EUR/year, over 100,000 EUR across four years before any upgrades.
The modules that make the difference
A custom TMS aligned with your operations bundles the following building blocks, with 2026 order-of-magnitude figures per development lot.
| Module | Key function | Order of magnitude (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Route planning | Multi-constraint optimisation | 12,000-22,000 |
| Mobile driver app | Proof of delivery, offline | 10,000-18,000 |
| Real-time tracking | Position, ETA, client alerts | 8,000-15,000 |
| Carrier billing | Rate grids, disputes | 9,000-16,000 |
| Client portal | Order tracking, documents | 6,000-12,000 |
| Operations reporting | Empty km, load factor | 5,000-10,000 |
Mini case study
Claire, logistics director of a distribution SME in Lyon, runs 22 drivers and 1.4 million kilometres a year. Her SaaS TMS costs 22,000 EUR/year and does not handle sub-contractor billing. She invests 78,000 EUR in a custom TMS. Result: 15 % fewer empty kilometres (210,000 km saved at 0.45 EUR/km = 94,500 EUR/year in fuel and wear) and 30 % fewer delivery disputes. Net annual saving near 110,000 EUR: the investment pays back in under 10 months.
FAQ
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What does a custom TMS actually cost in 2026?
Expect 55,000 to 110,000 EUR depending on the number of modules and the complexity of route optimisation. Hosting and maintenance add 250 to 600 EUR/month.
How long does it take to deliver?
A full project takes 16 to 24 weeks. A first version with planning and a driver app can ship in 10-12 weeks.
Can the TMS connect to our ERP and WMS?
Yes, through dedicated APIs. That is the core benefit of custom software: syncing orders, stock and billing without double entry, where SaaS connectors fall short.
Does the driver app work without a network?
Yes. A custom app supports offline mode: proof of delivery, photos and signatures sync as soon as the network returns, essential in rural areas.
When does custom become profitable?
Usually from 20 users, or as soon as you recover 10-15 % of empty kilometres. The calculation runs over 3-4 years, factoring in fuel, disputes and admin time.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your fleet, volumes and ERP/WMS integrations for a costed scope (indicative budget 55,000-110,000 EUR). 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.
