The verdict in three sentences
A vendor TMS (EUR 25-60 per user/month) is enough for a carrier that wants to plan and track without unusual processes. As soon as route planning, electronic proof of delivery and accounting integration must fit your business rules, custom (EUR 40,000-95,000) regains the edge. The right ROI metric is not the license price but the kilometers and hours saved per vehicle per month.
Vendor vs custom: the 2026 benchmark
A generic TMS imposes its screens and connectors. Custom builds in your constraints (time windows, vehicle types, client tariffs) from day one.
| Criterion | Vendor TMS | Custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | EUR 0 to 5,000 | EUR 40,000 to 95,000 |
| Monthly cost | EUR 25-60/user/month | EUR 400-800 (maintenance + hosting) |
| Route planning | standard engine | engine tuned to your constraints |
| Real-time tracking | included (basic) | precise, dedicated driver app |
| Proof of delivery | add-on or basic | native signature + photo + timestamp |
| Accounting integration | limited connectors | native (billing, export) |
| Scalability | vendor-capped | total |
ROI: what each item returns
Gains come from fewer empty kilometers, less planning time and fewer delivery disputes. Take a 12-vehicle fleet.
| Lever | Current | After software | Est. annual gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilometers driven | baseline | -8% | ~EUR 9,600 fuel |
| Planning time | 3 h/day | 1 h/day | ~EUR 11,000 (staff time) |
| Delivery disputes | 4%/month | 1.5%/month | ~EUR 6,000 |
| Accounting re-entry | 2 h/day | 0 | ~EUR 7,300 |
| Total | ~EUR 33,900/yr |
With a custom investment of EUR 65,000, payback lands around two years, even before customer-satisfaction gains.
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Mini case study
Karim, operations director at a regional carrier in Lille, runs 12 trucks and 15 users. On a vendor he pays 15 x EUR 45 x 12 = EUR 8,100/year, but proof of delivery stays basic and accounting re-entry costs him 2 hours a day. He invests EUR 65,000 in a custom TMS with EUR 5,000/year maintenance. Native proof of delivery cuts disputes, accounting export removes re-entry: estimated gains of EUR 33,900/year. First-year total cost: EUR 70,000, absorbed in 25 months, then EUR 5,000/year against over EUR 33,000 in recurring gains.
FAQ
What does custom transport software cost in 2026? Between EUR 40,000 and 95,000 depending on modules (planning, tracking, proof of delivery, billing, client portal) and fleet size.
How long to deliver? Expect 12 to 22 weeks for a usable version, depending on route-optimization complexity and accounting integrations.
Do drivers need an app? Yes, it is the core of the system: it carries the route sheet, tracking, proof of delivery (signature, photo) and real-time updates.
Does custom integrate with my accounting? Yes, native integration generates billing and exports entries, eliminating double entry.
Can a vendor TMS suffice? For small volume and simple routes, yes. Custom is justified by volume, planning constraints and the need for solid proof of delivery.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fleet size, route volume and accounting integrations: we cost vendor vs custom TMS and expected 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.
