The verdict in three sentences
For a licensed customs broker working PortMiami and MIA, the company website alone costs USD 6,000 to 12,000, and the shipment tracking portal adds USD 9,000 to 20,000 depending on how deeply it connects to your brokerage software. The real return comes from fewer calls: 30 % fewer status calls, thanks to a client portal and WhatsApp notifications at each step, which matters in a market where many importers trade with Latin America. Plan 8 to 12 weeks, including testing with real entries.
What each building block costs in 2026
Importers compare brokers on three criteria: responsiveness, transparency on fees and the ability to say where the container is. The website must answer all three before the first call.
| Building block | 2026 price (USD) | Timeline | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company website, 8 to 12 pages | 6,000 to 12,000 | 4 to 6 weeks | Services, entry types, licenses, contact, EN/ES |
| Indicative fee estimator | 2,000 to 4,000 | 2 weeks | Duty and service estimate by commodity type |
| Client portal with entry tracking | 9,000 to 15,000 | 4 to 6 weeks | Status by step, documents, history |
| Brokerage software connection | 3,500 to 5,000 | 2 to 3 weeks | Status sync every 15 minutes |
| WhatsApp Business API notifications | 1,500 to 3,000 + 0.01 to 0.03 per message | 1 to 2 weeks | Vessel arrival, release, delivery |
| Maintenance and hosting | 200 to 500/month | Recurring | Backups, fixes, support |
These are 2026 order-of-magnitude figures. The most variable item is the software connection: a daily spreadsheet export costs a third of an API integration, but the data lags by a few hours.
The entry stages to show the client
Useful tracking reuses the vocabulary your clients already know. No need to expose every internal task: seven statuses cover 90 % of the questions asked on the phone.
| Displayed status | Trigger | WhatsApp notification | Question avoided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documents received | Bill of lading, invoice, packing list validated | Yes | "Did you get my paperwork?" |
| Vessel arrived | Berthing date confirmed | Yes | "Is the ship in?" |
| Entry filed | Submission to customs system | No | "Have you filed?" |
| Duties calculated and paid | Amount computed, payment notice | Yes | "How much do I owe?" |
| Exam or hold | Inspection ordered | Yes | "Why is it stuck?" |
| Released | Customs release obtained | Yes | "Can I send the truck?" |
| Delivered | Signed proof of delivery | Yes | "Did it reach the warehouse?" |
Add the name of the responsible entry writer and a direct WhatsApp button on each file: a client who needs a human gets one without going through the switchboard.
Content that reassures an importer
The website must prove you are serious in under a minute: license number, years in business, volume handled (for example 1,800 entries a year), entry types mastered (consumption, in-bond, temporary import), average clearance times. A clear fee page, with fixed service fees in USD and a note that disbursements are passed through at cost, filters out unserious leads. A Spanish version opens the Latin American importer base.
Mini case study
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Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Carlos runs a 22-person customs brokerage in Miami. His team takes 40 status calls a day, 5 minutes each, so 200 minutes daily. With 30 % fewer calls, he recovers 60 minutes a day, about 22 hours a month. At USD 30 an hour fully loaded, direct savings reach USD 660 a month, but the real gain is elsewhere. Two new importer accounts per quarter, at USD 1,200 margin each, cover a USD 18,000 project (website plus tracking) in about 18 months, before counting the time saved.
FAQ
Do we need compatible brokerage software to offer tracking?
No, a daily spreadsheet import is enough to start, for about USD 3,500 less than an API. Move to 15-minute sync once volume passes 150 entries a month.
How much do WhatsApp notifications cost?
Between USD 0.01 and 0.03 per message depending on the Meta template category in 2026. For 150 entries a month and 6 notifications each, the budget stays under USD 30 a month.
Can clients download their documents?
Yes, entry summaries, duty receipts and release notices can be posted to the portal with secure access. Count USD 1,000 to 2,000 more for encrypted storage and per-user permissions.
Can the website show prices online?
Yes for fixed service fees and an indicative estimator, never for final duties, which depend on classification. A clear disclaimer avoids 80 % of disputes.
Can the project be paid in installments?
Yes, typically 40 % on order, 30 % on design approval and 30 % at launch, by bank transfer or card.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your entry volume, your brokerage software and your indicative budget, and we will price a website and tracking portal deliverable in 8 to 12 weeks. 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.
