The verdict in three sentences
For a transport SME of 10 to 40 vehicles, a well-configured TMS cuts empty kilometres by 10 to 15% and secures proof of delivery. An off-the-shelf TMS (SaaS) starts at a few hundred euros a month, while a custom build costs EUR 40,000-120,000 but matches your routes and connects to your ERP. The ROI isn't read on the licence but on the fuel, planning hours and delivery disputes avoided.
Off-the-shelf or custom TMS: the comparison
The TMS market is broad. Custom is justified for specific logistics patterns (multi-depot, routing constraints, atypical transport billing).
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf TMS (SaaS) | Custom TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 3,000 to 15,000 (setup) | EUR 40,000 to 120,000 |
| Recurring cost | EUR 300-1,500/month | Hosting EUR 150-500/month |
| Deployment time | 1 to 3 months | 5 to 9 months |
| Route optimization | Standard | Tuned to your constraints |
| Transport billing | Generic modules | Bespoke |
| ERP/WMS integration | Connectors | Bespoke |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
The features that return margin
A TMS makes money in three places: the road, the proof and the invoice. Here are the blocks to demand in 2026.
| Feature | Role | Quantified impact |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimization | Fewer empty kilometres | -10 to -15% of km |
| Real-time tracking | Client visibility | Fewer calls to dispatch |
| Proof of delivery (POD) | Mobile signature/photo | Disputes settled fast |
| Transport billing | Auto rates and surcharges | Fewer missed invoices |
| Cost tracking | Margin per route | Pricing decisions |
| ERP integration | End of double entry | 3-5 h/week saved |
Mini case study
Sarah, transport manager at a parcel SME in Amsterdam (22 vehicles, 1.8M km/year, average cost EUR 0.45/km), ran 18% empty kilometres. A custom TMS at EUR 72,000 brings that rate to 13%, i.e. 90,000 fewer empty km per year, about EUR 40,500 saved in fuel and wear. Adding proof of delivery that avoids about ten disputes per year worth EUR 8,000, the tool pays back in under 18 months, hosting included.
FAQ
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Is an off-the-shelf TMS enough for an SME?
Often yes, up to 20-30 vehicles and standard routes. Custom becomes relevant with strong constraints (multi-depot, time slots, atypical billing) the vendor doesn't cover.
How much does route optimization return?
A 2026 order of magnitude: 10 to 15% fewer empty kilometres. On a fleet running 1.5M km/year at EUR 0.45/km, that's EUR 65,000 to 100,000 a year.
Is proof of delivery really useful?
Yes: timestamped signature and photo settle receiving disputes in minutes instead of several exchanges. It's also a sales argument towards your shippers.
What ERP integration budget should I plan?
Expect EUR 8,000-25,000 depending on APIs. The goal is to remove double entry between orders, routes and billing, often 3 to 5 h/week saved.
How long to deploy a custom TMS?
Between 5 and 9 months depending on scope. A routing + tracking + POD core is faster than a full system with transport billing and WMS integration.
Let's scope your project. Send us your fleet size, routing constraints and indicative budget, and we'll frame off-the-shelf vs custom TMS. 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.
