The verdict in three sentences
Below 15 vehicles, a TMS SaaS (60,000-150,000 FCFA/month) is enough and launches in two weeks. Beyond that, or with specific routing rules and complex client billing, a custom app (5,000,000-9,000,000 FCFA) pays back on fuel savings alone. The decisive lever: real-time GPS that cuts 12-18 % of the diesel bill and photo proof-of-delivery that kills disputes.
The invisible cost of manual dispatch
Dispatching by phone and notebook means empty miles, delivery disputes with no proof, a full-time dispatcher. The 2026 orders of magnitude for a mid-size fleet:
| Indicator | Manual dispatch | With dispatch app |
|---|---|---|
| Fill rate | 55-65 % | 78-88 % |
| Fuel consumption | baseline | -12 to -18 % |
| Delivery disputes | frequent | -90 % (photo proof) |
| Planning time / day | 4-6 h | 30-45 min |
| Manual dispatcher cost | 180,000 FCFA/month | partly freed |
| Empty miles | high | sharply reduced |
On a 20-vehicle fleet with a 6,000,000 FCFA/month fuel bill, -15 % is 900,000 FCFA/month saved on diesel alone.
TMS SaaS vs custom app: the match
| Criterion | TMS SaaS | Custom app |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0-300,000 FCFA | 5,000,000-9,000,000 FCFA |
| Recurring cost | 60,000-150,000 FCFA/month | hosting 40,000-90,000 FCFA/month |
| Timeline | 1-3 weeks | 10-16 weeks |
| Route optimization | standard | custom business rules |
| Photo proof-of-delivery | often yes | yes + GPS signature |
| Driver payment | rare | mobile money integrated |
| 3-year cost | 2.2-5.7 M FCFA | 6.4-12.2 M FCFA |
SaaS fits a standard fleet; custom wins the moment your routes, clients or billing leave the beaten path.
Mini case study
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Kwame runs 18 distribution trucks in Accra, a 5,400,000 FCFA/month fuel bill, a dispatcher at 180,000 FCFA. Before: 60 % fill rate, frequent disputes, 5 h/day of planning.
He deploys a dispatch app with GPS and photo proof. Fuel drops 15 %, or 810,000 FCFA/month; disputes fall 90 %, fill rate climbs to 82 %. Even on a 7,000,000 FCFA app, fuel savings alone amortize the investment in under 9 months.
FAQ
How does GPS cut fuel by 12-18 %? By clustering routes, avoiding empty miles and detours, and flagging unjustified stops; the cumulative effect shows directly on the monthly diesel bill.
Is photo proof-of-delivery enforceable? Yes: a timestamped photo, GPS position and recipient signature form a strong bundle that cuts "parcel not received" disputes by about 90 %.
Is a TMS SaaS enough for 12 vehicles? Usually yes: at 60,000-150,000 FCFA/month it handles planning, tracking and proofs. The custom app becomes profitable beyond 15-20 vehicles or with specific rules.
Can drivers be paid via mobile money? A custom app integrates mobile money to pay bonuses and per diems directly, with a traceable history that simplifies accounting.
How long to deploy? Count 1-3 weeks for a SaaS and 10-16 weeks for a custom app, driver training included.
Let's talk about your project. We audit your fuel bill and disputes, then choose a TMS SaaS or a custom app with mobile money. 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.
