The verdict in three sentences
A SaaS TMS at EUR 30-90/vehicle/month suits a homogeneous fleet with simple routes. As soon as you combine route optimisation, telematics and automated invoicing under strong business constraints, off-the-shelf hits its limits. Custom software (EUR 55,000-160,000) pays back through lower empty miles and a fuel saving of 10 to 18%.
Where the difference is made
A transport operator wants fuller trucks, real-time fleet tracking and re-keying-free invoicing. Three levers weigh heavily: optimisation, telematics and accounting integration.
| Function | Standard SaaS TMS | Custom platform |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimisation | Basic, fixed rules | Multi-constraint (slots, ADR, tail-lift) |
| Telematics / GPS | Paid add-on | Built-in, any device |
| Automated invoicing | Partial | Full, per-client rates |
| Proof of delivery | Simple photo | Signature + timestamp + dispute |
| ERP/accounting integration | Limited connectors | Custom, EDI |
| Empty-mile tracking | Rare | Dedicated dashboard |
| Shipper client portal | No | Yes, real-time tracking |
The real value hides in empty miles: cutting them by a few points frees capacity without buying a truck.
Cost per vehicle and fuel ROI
Here is a 2026 order of magnitude for a typical fleet, over 4 years.
| Fleet size | SaaS TMS at EUR 60/veh/mo (4 yrs) | Custom EUR 110,000 + 12%/yr |
|---|---|---|
| 10 vehicles | EUR 28,800 | EUR 162,800 |
| 25 vehicles | EUR 72,000 | EUR 162,800 |
| 40 vehicles | EUR 115,200 | EUR 162,800 |
| 60 vehicles | EUR 172,800 | EUR 162,800 |
| 90 vehicles | EUR 259,200 | EUR 162,800 |
The crossover sits around 55 to 60 vehicles. But fuel changes everything: a fleet of 40 trucks driving 90,000 km/year each, at 35 L/100 km and EUR 1.70/L, spends about EUR 2.14M/year on diesel. A 12% cut via optimisation is roughly EUR 257,000 in annual savings, before maintenance and driver hours.
Mini case study
Herve runs a parcel firm in Lyon, 32 vehicles, 78,000 km/year per truck. His annual fuel bill is around EUR 1.49M. He invests EUR 118,000 in a custom platform, about EUR 30,000/year over 4 years with maintenance. Multi-constraint optimisation gains him 11% of fuel, roughly EUR 164,000/year, and automated invoicing saves 1.2 admin FTE (about EUR 42,000). Net of the software cost, the gain exceeds EUR 175,000 per year.
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FAQ
What does custom transport software cost in 2026?
Between EUR 55,000 for a routing + invoicing core and EUR 160,000 for a full platform with telematics, shipper portal and EDI. Annual maintenance is 10 to 15% of the build.
Does route optimisation really cut fuel?
Yes, by 10 to 18% depending on route density and starting point. The gain comes mainly from fewer empty miles and better truck loading.
Can we keep our existing telematics devices?
Yes. A custom platform interfaces with most market devices via API, so you avoid replacing on-board hardware.
What is the implementation timeline?
6 to 12 months. The routing + invoicing core ships in 6-7 months; real-time telematics, the shipper portal and EDI add 3 to 5 months.
How do we integrate our ERP and accounting?
Via API or EDI, with a per-client rate mapping. We automate invoicing to remove re-keying and secure per-route margins.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fleet size, annual mileage and routing constraints, and we will price the core and the fuel ROI. 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.
