The verdict in three sentences
For a transport SME, a vertical TMS is enough while your routes and billing stay standard: clear subscription, built-in optimization. The moment telematics, customs/ERP integration and your pricing rules turn specific, a custom build at 70 000-160 000 EUR pays back through lower mileage and fewer disputes. The ROI lives in fuel: -10 to -20 % of kilometres transforms a fleet's margin.
Vertical vs custom TMS: the real 2026 cost
Fuel and driving time weigh heaviest. 2026 order of magnitude for a 30-vehicle fleet:
| Line item | Vertical TMS | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| License / seat / month | 50-160 EUR | 0 EUR |
| Upfront investment | 6 000-14 000 EUR | 70 000-160 000 EUR |
| Route optimization | standard | to your constraints |
| Maintenance / year | included | 15-20 % of build |
| ERP/customs integration | limited | native |
| Onboard telematics | add-on | native |
| Code ownership | no | yes |
For 25 seats at 95 EUR/month, the vertical costs 28 500 EUR/year, 142 500 EUR across 5 years. A custom build at 120 000 EUR plus 50 000 EUR run over 5 years lands at 170 000 EUR, justified when your optimization rules are a competitive edge.
Modules and fuel / km gains
The ROI comes first from lower mileage and better load factor.
| Module | Indicative build cost | Measured 2026 effect |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimization | 16 000-32 000 EUR | -10 to -20 % km |
| Real-time tracking / telematics | 13 000-26 000 EUR | -8 % idle time |
| Transport billing | 11 000-21 000 EUR | -30 % billing delay |
| ERP/customs integration | 13 000-25 000 EUR | -50 % re-entry |
| Mobile proof of delivery | 7 000-14 000 EUR | -40 % disputes |
| Load-factor management | 10 000-19 000 EUR | +5 to 10 pts load |
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Mini case study
Lucas is logistics director of a 30-truck SME in Rotterdam. His fleet runs 1.8 M km/year at 0.45 EUR/km of fuel, or 810 000 EUR/year. A custom route-optimization module (30 000 EUR) cuts mileage 14 %, saving 252 000 km and 113 000 EUR/year of fuel, before wear and driving hours. ROI lands in under four months, well inside the stated 12-24 month window.
FAQ
Is route optimization really better in custom? It is when your constraints (windows, tail-lifts, tonnage, ADR) are too specific for a generic engine. Otherwise a vertical TMS with a good optimization module is enough.
How long for a custom TMS? A routing + tracking + billing scope takes 5 to 8 months in 2026. An MVP focused on route optimization can ship in 10 to 12 weeks.
Can we integrate our existing telematics box? Yes, most expose a GPS/CAN API. Integration costs 8 000 to 18 000 EUR depending on the data (fuel, temperature, braking).
How do we de-risk customs integration? By framing exchange formats and tariff references early. It is a full work package; underestimating customs is the #1 cause of TMS budget drift.
What ROI can we realistically expect? On a 20+ vehicle fleet, the mileage cut alone often funds the project in 12 to 18 months, before dispute and billing gains.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fleet size, your routing constraints and an indicative budget: we'll price vertical vs custom TMS including the fuel gain. 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.
