The verdict in three sentences
For a 35-vehicle carrier in Amsterdam, a vertical SaaS TMS at €8-20/month/vehicle is the rational entry point, but it constrains your processes and bills every module (telematics, POD, ERP connector). A custom TMS at €45,000-90,000 only pays off if route optimisation and billing integration deliver 10-15% fewer empty kilometres and 6-9% fuel saved. In 2026 the trade-off is settled at the diesel pump: every point of empty-km cut is worth thousands of euros a year.
Vertical TMS vs custom: the true 3-year cost
Vertical bills per vehicle per month; custom requires an upfront build plus maintenance. Across 35 vehicles, add-on modules quickly inflate the SaaS bill.
| Item (2026) | Vertical SaaS TMS | Custom TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Setup / build | €3,000-8,000 | €45,000-90,000 |
| Licence (35 vehicles) | €280-700/month | €0 (hosting €150-300) |
| Telematics module | +€4-8/vehicle/month | integrated |
| Mobile proof of delivery | add-on | native |
| ERP/billing connector | €2,000-6,000 | included |
| Annual maintenance | included | 15%/year (€6,750-13,500) |
| 3-year total | €32,000-62,000 | €66,000-120,000 |
Vertical stays cheaper raw; custom wins once route optimisation saves enough fuel and empty km to cover the gap.
TMS features to price
A TMS's value shows on the road: fewer empty km, fewer delivery disputes, faster billing.
| Feature | Vertical | Custom | Estimated gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route optimisation | standard algorithm | fine business constraints | -10 to 15% empty km |
| Mobile proof of delivery | add-on | photo + signature + GPS | -60% disputes |
| Telematics (fuel, driving) | paid module | integrated | -6 to 9% fuel |
| ERP/billing connector | separate | native | -4 days billing delay |
| GDPR (driver data) | configurable | by design | reduced risk |
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Sander, owner of a 35-vehicle carrier in Amsterdam, runs 2,100,000 km/year, ~19% empty. His fuel bill hits €620,000/year. With a custom TMS at €68,000, he cuts empty km by 12% (~48,000 km avoided) and consumption by 7%, saving ~€43,400/year in fuel. Adding faster billing (lower working capital) and -60% delivery disputes, the investment pays back in ~20 months, including €10,200/year maintenance.
FAQ
Is a vertical TMS enough for 35 vehicles? To start, yes, but add-on modules (telematics, POD, ERP) inflate the bill. Beyond specific routing constraints, custom pays back in 20-30 months.
How does a TMS cut empty km? Through route optimisation using your real constraints (time windows, gross weight, backhauls). A 10-15% gain is realistic on a poorly optimised fleet.
Is mobile proof of delivery reliable? Yes: timestamped photo + signature + GPS form defensible proof that cuts disputes ~60% and speeds billing.
How long to implement? Plan 12-18 weeks for a routing + POD + telematics + billing-connector core, depending on integrations.
What does 15%/year maintenance cover? Fixes, map updates, connector and security patches, support. On a €68,000 build that is ~€10,200/year.
Let's scope your project. Share your fleet size, annual mileage and routing constraints and we'll price a custom TMS (€45,000-90,000 range) for Amsterdam. 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.
