The verdict in three sentences
A custom TMS (Transport Management System) for a regional carrier costs 40,000 to 70,000 EUR, whereas a SaaS TMS charges 20 to 60 EUR per vehicle per month. The operational gains are concrete: -12 % kilometers through route optimization and -20 % calls through real-time tracking and mobile proof of delivery. ROI materializes in 12 to 18 months for a fleet of 20 to 40 vehicles.
From route to invoice: the modules
An effective TMS covers the full chain: plan routes, track vehicles, prove delivery, then bill without re-entry. Custom becomes relevant when your constraints (multi-depot, client EDI, complex pricing) don't fit a generic SaaS.
| Module | Scope | Indicative 2026 cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Route planning | Optimization, time windows, multi-depot | 10,000 - 18,000 |
| Real-time / GPS tracking | Position, delays, alerts, client ETA | 6,000 |
| Mobile proof of delivery | Driver app, signature, photos, disputes | 5,000 |
| Billing / EDI | Rates, accounting exports, client EDI exchange | 6,000 |
| Dashboard | Load factor, cost/km, on-time rate | 4,000 |
| Total build | Full scope | 40,000 - 70,000 |
SaaS TMS vs custom: the math for 30 vehicles
SaaS bills per vehicle; custom fixes the cost and makes you owner. Comparison for a 30-vehicle fleet.
| Item | SaaS TMS (40 EUR/vehicle/mo) | Kolonell custom |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 cost | 14,400 EUR (subscription) | 55,000 EUR (build) |
| Recurring annual cost | 14,400 EUR | 9,000 EUR (maintenance/hosting) |
| 5-year cumulative | 72,000 EUR | 91,000 EUR |
| Km gain (-12 %) valued | Vendor-dependent | ~ 40,000 EUR/yr potential |
| Pricing/EDI customization | Limited | Total |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
SaaS stays lighter on gross cost, but once kilometer savings and dispute reduction are valued, custom becomes clearly more profitable on a large fleet.
Mini case study
Karim, head of a 28-vehicle transport SME in Lille, drove about 1.1 million km/year at an average cost of 0.55 EUR/km, i.e. 605,000 EUR in kilometer cost. He invests 58,000 EUR in a custom TMS. Route optimization cuts km by 12 %, i.e. 72,600 EUR/year in fuel and wear savings. Add -20 % dispatch calls (about 1 role lightened) and the TMS pays back in under 12 months.
FAQ
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How much does a custom TMS cost?
Between 40,000 and 70,000 EUR depending on scope. Route planning with optimization is the heaviest item (10,000 to 18,000 EUR) as it embeds the constraint algorithms.
What concrete gains can we expect?
2026 order of magnitude: -8 to -15 % kilometers, -15 to -25 % dispatch calls, and fewer delivery disputes thanks to timestamped, photographed proof of delivery.
Can EDI with our clients be handled?
Yes, EDI exchanges (orders, shipping notices, invoices) integrate with the billing module. Each client format is configured during scoping.
How long to deliver?
Plan for 16 to 24 weeks. The driver app with proof of delivery can ship first (around week 10) for a quick win on disputes.
Is custom worth it under 15 vehicles?
Below 15 vehicles with standard needs, a SaaS TMS is often more rational. Custom is justified by volume or strong constraints (multi-depot, complex rates, EDI).
Let's scope your project. Give us your fleet size, routing constraints and EDI needs: we'll price a fitting TMS, indicative budget 40,000-70,000 EUR, delivery 16-24 weeks, target ROI 12-18 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.
