The verdict in three sentences
A custom TMS (Transport Management System) costs, in 2026, between 40,000 and 70,000 EUR (about 43,000-76,000 USD) for route planning, a driver app and a client portal. The payback comes from empty miles (-12 to -18%) and from delivery disputes, cut in half thanks to timestamped, signed electronic proof. It is an investment that repays itself first in fuel and optimized driving hours.
The scope of a custom TMS
| Functional module | Contents | 2026 order of magnitude (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Route planning | Orders, assignment, optimization | 10,000 - 20,000 |
| Driver app + POD | Route sheet, scan, signed proof | 8,000 - 15,000 |
| Client tracking portal | Real-time tracking, ETA, alerts | 6,000 - 12,000 |
| Transport billing | Rates, per-km pricing, flat fees | 5,000 - 10,000 |
| Telematics / fleet | Position, fuel, maintenance | 6,000 - 12,000 |
| Typical full scope | routing + app + portal | 40,000 - 70,000 |
Route optimization is the most profitable module: by cutting empty miles and densifying routes, it attacks a carrier's number-one cost directly. Electronic proof of delivery (POD) secures billing and shuts down disputes.
Custom vs off-the-shelf TMS
| Criterion | TMS SaaS (Shippeo, Dashdoc...) | Custom Kolonell |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 30-80 EUR/user/month | 40,000-70,000 EUR once |
| Cost at 15 users / 5 years | 27,000-72,000 EUR | 40,000-70,000 EUR + maintenance |
| Route optimization | Standard | Custom (business constraints) |
| Telematics integration | Via partners | Custom, multi-device |
| Proof of delivery | Included | Custom, full workflow |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
A TMS SaaS suits standard fleets and a fast start. Custom wins when your routing constraints are specific (cold chain, ADR/hazmat, multi-depot, tight windows) or when you want to integrate several telematics devices and your own billing with no per-seat cost.
Mini case study
Sarah, COO of a regional carrier with 22 vehicles near Rotterdam, ran at 21% empty miles and handled 4-5 delivery disputes a week. After deploying a custom TMS (budget 58,000 EUR / ~63,000 USD) with route optimization and signed POD, empty miles fell to 16%. On 1.4 million km/year at 0.42 EUR per-km cost, a 5-point cut is about 29,000 EUR/year. Disputes dropped to 2 a week, nearly 11,000 EUR in avoided credit notes. Estimated payback: around 18 months.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
How much does a custom TMS cost in 2026?
Expect 40,000 to 70,000 EUR for planning, driver app and client portal. An orders + POD core can start around 22,000 EUR.
Is route optimization really reliable?
Yes, once we model your real constraints (windows, capacities, temperature control, hazmat). It is the best-ROI module, targeting empty miles directly.
Can we connect our existing telematics devices?
Yes. A custom TMS integrates with several telematics providers via API, avoiding a full device replacement.
How does POD reduce disputes?
Electronic proof of delivery (timestamp, GPS, signature, photos) documents every drop. Disputes often halve in the first year.
What implementation timeline?
A first usable release (orders + driver app) in 10-14 weeks, then iterations. Full scope in 5-7 months.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fleet size, routing constraints and indicative budget, and we'll frame optimization and proof of delivery as priorities. 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.
