The verdict in three sentences
A SaaS TMS at 500-3,000 EUR/month launches fast and fits standard dispatch and billing needs. A custom TMS at 70,000-180,000 EUR is justified when your business (complex routing, e-CMR, specific billing rules) breaks the generic mold. On an average fleet, custom targets 15-25 % fewer empty miles, which reshapes the 3-5 year equation.
SaaS or custom: total cost compared
SaaS is predictable but recurring; custom is an investment amortized into an asset. 2026 order of magnitude:
| Item | SaaS TMS | Custom TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0-8,000 EUR setup | 70,000-180,000 EUR |
| Recurring | 500-3,000 EUR/mo | Maintenance 12-16 %/yr |
| e-CMR + proof of delivery | Add-on | Module 10,000-22,000 EUR |
| Telematics/GPS | Vendor-dependent | Integration 6,000-14,000 EUR |
| Specific business rules | Limited | Tailored |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
| Timeline | 1-3 months | 5-8 months |
SaaS at 2,000 EUR/month is 24,000 EUR/year, i.e. 120,000 EUR over 5 years with no asset.
The building blocks that justify custom
Custom pays off when business specificity creates measurable value. 2026 estimate:
| Block | Range (EUR) | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Dispatch + planning core | 25,000-60,000 | -15 to -25 % empty miles |
| e-CMR + proof of delivery | 10,000-22,000 | Fewer disputes, timestamped proof |
| Telematics/GPS integration | 6,000-14,000 | Real-time fleet tracking |
| Automated billing | 12,000-30,000 | End of accounting re-entry |
| Shipper/client portal | 8,000-20,000 | Visibility, fewer calls |
| Driver app | 10,000-24,000 | Field statuses and documents |
Mini case study
Sarah runs operations at a 22-vehicle regional carrier in Montreal. On a SaaS TMS at 2,200 EUR/month she pays 26,400 EUR/year. She commissions a custom TMS at 128,000 EUR (optimized dispatch, e-CMR, telematics, billing). Maintenance at 14 % is 17,920 EUR/year. Cutting empty miles by 18 %, against ~450,000 EUR/year of potential empty running, saves roughly 50,000-70,000 EUR/year in fuel and hours. The investment pays back in about 2.5 years, before counting documentary reliability gains.
FAQ
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What does a custom TMS cost in 2026?
Between 70,000 and 180,000 EUR depending on scope (dispatch, e-CMR, telematics, billing), with 12-16 %/yr maintenance.
When should you stay on a SaaS TMS?
For a modest fleet with standard needs, a SaaS at 500-3,000 EUR/month is the fastest, lowest-risk choice.
Does e-CMR hold legal value?
Yes, the electronic consignment note is recognized and reduces disputes via timestamped, signed proof of delivery.
Can we integrate our existing telematics?
Yes, GPS/telematics integration costs 6,000-14,000 EUR depending on the device and provider API.
How long to deploy a custom TMS?
Expect 5-8 months for a first version covering dispatch, e-CMR and billing, with a phased fleet rollout.
Let's scope your project. Give us your fleet size, specific business rules and indicative budget, and we'll price the most profitable SaaS-or-custom-TMS path. 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.
