The verdict in three sentences
A route optimization engine (AI and algorithms) costs EUR 20,000 to 70,000 depending on constraint depth. It cuts kilometres by 10 to 25 % and raises deliveries per day per vehicle. The choice is between an off-the-shelf API (billed per request) and a custom engine integrated with your TMS and business rules.
Off-the-shelf API or custom engine
Optimization APIs start fast but bill per request or per vehicle and handle very specific constraints poorly (tight time windows, driver skills, tail lift, weight/volume). Custom encodes your exact rules and removes the variable cost.
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf API | Custom engine |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 2,000 - 8,000 (integration) | EUR 20,000 - 70,000 |
| Recurring cost | EUR 0.02 - 0.10/request or 20-50/vehicle/month | Hosting EUR 200 - 800/month |
| Business constraints | Standard | Custom (windows, tail lift, skills) |
| Real-time re-optimisation | Depends on plan | Native |
| TMS integration | Connector | Native |
| Model ownership | No | Yes |
The custom budget breakdown
Price follows constraint complexity and volume. An engine for simple routes starts around EUR 20,000; adding real-time re-optimisation, delivery windows and TMS integration raises the budget.
| Block | Scope | 2026 range (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Optimization engine | Multi-vehicle routing | 15,000 - 35,000 |
| Advanced constraints | Windows, skills, capacities | 6,000 - 15,000 |
| Real-time re-optimisation | Disruptions, new orders | 8,000 - 20,000 |
| TMS/ERP integration | Orders, route returns | 6,000 - 14,000 |
| Dashboard | KPI tracking, simulations | 4,000 - 10,000 |
The fuel and labour ROI
Cutting kilometres directly affects fuel, vehicle wear and driving hours. An 18 % drop in kilometres across 15 vehicles also frees capacity to deliver more without hiring.
| Indicator | Before | After AI engine | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilometres/day (fleet) | 2,400 km | 1,970 km | -18 % |
| Annual fuel | EUR 190,000 | EUR 156,000 | -EUR 34,000 |
| Deliveries/vehicle/day | 42 | 51 | +21 % |
| Driving hours/day | 120 h | 99 h | -21 h |
| Planning time | 2.5 h/day | 20 min/day | near-automatic |
Mini case study
Julien, who runs a delivery company (15 vehicles, 630 deliveries/day), planned routes manually in a spreadsheet. A custom optimization engine at EUR 48,000 (routing + window constraints + real-time re-optimisation + TMS integration) cut kilometres by 18 %, saving EUR 34,000 of fuel a year, and raised deliveries by 21 % with no new hire. Adding 2 h of planning freed each day, payback lands in 10 months.
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FAQ
Isn't an off-the-shelf API enough?
For simple routes and low volume, an API can do the job. As soon as you have specific constraints (tight windows, tail lift, driver skills) or high volume, per-request cost and functional limits tip the balance toward custom.
What realistic gain on kilometres?
Between 10 and 25 % depending on your starting point. Manual spreadsheet planning usually leaves the most room: 15 to 25 % of kilometres saved is common after a serious engine.
How long to build the engine?
Allow 3 to 6 months: 3 months for a routing engine with basic constraints, up to 6 months with real-time re-optimisation and full TMS integration.
Is real-time re-optimisation useful?
Yes, as soon as you add orders during the day or handle disruptions (delays, absences). It recalculates routes on the fly and avoids wasted kilometres, a major asset in dense urban delivery.
Does the engine integrate with my TMS?
Yes, via integration with transport orders and route returns. Allow EUR 6,000 to 14,000 depending on data depth, for a fully automated planning-execution flow.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your vehicle count, delivery constraints and current TMS: we will price a custom optimization engine. 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.
