The verdict in three sentences
A carrier's margin rides on cost per kilometer and billing lead time: without a tool, routes are suboptimal and proofs of delivery get lost. In 2026 a custom TMS app (planning, driver app, e-CMR) costs EUR 45,000 to 120,000, delivered in 5 to 8 months, versus EUR 40 to 150/vehicle/month for an off-the-shelf TMS. Route optimization cuts mileage by 8 to 15% and e-CMR speeds billing by 2 to 4 days.
What a TMS app covers
It manages transport orders, route planning and optimization, a driver app (route sheet, navigation, statuses), electronic proof of delivery (photo, signature, e-CMR) and linked billing. Add real-time tracking, KPIs (load factor, on-time rate) and data exchange with shippers.
| Function | Without TMS | With custom TMS | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route optimization | Manual | Algorithmic | -8 to -15% km |
| Proof of delivery | Paper | e-CMR + photo/signature | -2 to -4 days billing |
| Driver tracking | Phone | Real-time app | Fewer calls |
| Billing | Re-keying | Auto from order | Fewer errors |
| Fleet KPIs | Spreadsheet | Dashboard | Faster decisions |
2026 costs: off-the-shelf TMS vs custom
| Option | 2026 cost | Timeline | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMS SaaS | EUR 40-150/vehicle/month | Immediate | Standard fleet |
| Custom (MVP orders + driver app) | EUR 45,000-70,000 | 5-6 months | Specific process |
| Full custom (optimization + e-CMR) | EUR 90,000-120,000 | 6-8 months | Large fleet |
| Route optimization module | EUR 15,000-30,000 | Included/optional | Km reduction |
| Annual maintenance | 15-20% of build | Recurring | Custom |
For a fleet of 10-20 vehicles with standard needs, a TMS SaaS (EUR 400-3,000/month) is often most rational. Custom pays off with strong operational constraints (refrigerated, dangerous goods, multi-depot) or a large fleet.
Mini case study
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Sophie runs a carrier in Amsterdam, 28 trucks averaging 95,000 km/year each, i.e. 2.66M km/year. At EUR 0.42/km in fuel, the annual bill reaches ~EUR 1.12M. Route optimization cutting mileage by 10% saves ~EUR 112,000/year. A custom app at EUR 100,000 thus pays back in under a year on fuel alone, before the billing acceleration from e-CMR.
FAQ
Off-the-shelf TMS or custom? Below 20 vehicles with standard needs, a TMS SaaS (EUR 40-150/vehicle/month) is enough; custom pays off with strong constraints or a large fleet.
Is e-CMR legally recognized? The electronic consignment note is recognized within a defined framework; it speeds billing by 2 to 4 days by removing paper returns. The legal scope is validated during scoping.
How long to deliver? A transport orders + driver app MVP ships in 5 to 6 months; route optimization and e-CMR add 1 to 2 months.
What real saving on routes? Algorithmic optimization cuts mileage by 8 to 15%, with a proportional drop in fuel and wear.
Does the driver app work offline? Yes: route sheets, statuses and proofs of delivery sync in offline mode, essential in low-coverage areas.
Let's scope your project. Give us your fleet size, constraints (refrigerated, ADR, multi-depot) and an indicative budget, and we'll frame a profitable 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.
