The verdict in three sentences
For a logistics director optimizing routes and customer tracking on the last mile, custom software costs 40,000 to 90,000 EUR in 2026 and ships in 12 to 18 weeks. A routing SaaS (800 to 2,500 EUR/month) starts fast but standardizes your delivery constraints and carrier integrations. The switch turns on parcel volume, WMS/carrier/proof-of-delivery integrations and support-desk pressure.
Custom vs SaaS: the 3-year cost
A SaaS at 1,800 EUR/month is 64,800 EUR over 3 years, with no control over optimization rules and no code ownership. Custom pays off through on-time deliveries gained and support calls avoided.
| Item (2026 order of magnitude) | Custom | Routing SaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront investment | 40,000 - 90,000 EUR | 1,000 - 4,000 EUR (setup) |
| Monthly subscription | hosting 150-400 EUR | 800 - 2,500 EUR |
| Go-live time | 12 - 18 weeks | 3 - 6 weeks |
| Maintenance / year | 10 - 14 % of investment | included |
| 3-year cost (estimate) | 55 - 120 K EUR | 30 - 95 K EUR |
| Optimization rules | Custom | Standardized |
The requirements-spec scope
The last mile concentrates cost and dissatisfaction. Prioritize features that raise the on-time rate and relieve the support desk.
| Feature | Effect | Effort (person-days) |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimization + constraints | +10 to +14 % on-time | 15 - 25 |
| Driver mobile app + navigation | Fewer field errors | 12 - 20 |
| Customer tracking + ETA notifications | -20 % support calls | 10 - 16 |
| Proof of delivery (photo/signature) | Fewer disputes | 6 - 12 |
| WMS/carrier integration | End-to-end flow | 8 - 14 |
| GDPR compliance (geolocation) | Compliant processing | 4 - 8 |
Mini case study
Julien, logistics director of an e-commerce firm in Grenoble, delivers 1,200 parcels/day across 18 routes. Before the project: 79 % on-time deliveries, 320 support calls/week about tracking. He invests 68,000 EUR in custom software with route optimization, a driver app and ETA tracking. Six months later: +14 % on-time deliveries (79 % to 90 %) and -20 % support calls (320 to 256/week). The 64 calls/week avoided (~3,300/year) and saved re-shipments cover the investment in 12-16 months, ~8,500 EUR/year maintenance included.
FAQ
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How much does last-mile delivery tracking software cost in 2026?
From 40,000 to 90,000 EUR depending on parcel volume, route optimization and carrier integrations. Customer tracking alone, without advanced optimization, can start near 35,000 EUR.
What is the go-live timeline?
Expect 12 to 18 weeks: 3 framing, 7-10 development, 2-3 field testing, 1-2 driver rollout. The mobile app and optimization extend development.
What is the maintenance cost?
Maintenance of 10 to 14 %/year, i.e. 4,000 to 12,600 EUR/year, covers fixes, optimization-rule evolutions, support and map updates.
How does GDPR apply to geolocation?
Driver and parcel geolocation requires a defined purpose, limited retention, notice to individuals and EU hosting. It is a chapter of the spec.
SaaS or custom?
Below a few hundred parcels/day with standard constraints, SaaS suffices. Beyond that, with proprietary optimization rules and WMS integrations, custom gains on-time points and relieves the support desk.
Let's scope your project. Share parcels/day, number of routes and carriers to integrate: we frame a scope between 40,000 and 90,000 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.
