The verdict in three sentences
A custom TMS (Transport Management System) costs between 35,000 and 100,000 EUR and ships in 4 to 8 months, whereas an off-the-shelf SaaS rents for 30 to 90 EUR per vehicle per month. The real payoff isn't the software: it's -10 to -18 % mileage from route optimisation, the end of delivery disputes via electronic proof, and +15 points of service level. For a fleet above 15 vehicles, custom typically pays back in 12 to 24 months on fuel alone.
Custom or SaaS: the real trade-off
SaaS wins at the start: fast go-live, no upfront cost, updates included. Custom wins the moment your business rules turn specific — time-window constraints, multi-depot routing, freight quoting, customer EDI, WMS integration. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude for the French market.
| Option | Upfront cost | Recurring cost | Timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry SaaS TMS | 0 EUR | 30 EUR/vehicle/month | 2-4 weeks | < 10 vehicles |
| Advanced SaaS TMS | 3,000 EUR (setup) | 60-90 EUR/vehicle/month | 1-3 months | 10-40 vehicles |
| Custom module (ERP add-on) | 35,000-55,000 EUR | 12-18 % maintenance | 4-5 months | specific rules |
| Full custom TMS | 60,000-100,000 EUR | 12-18 % maintenance | 6-8 months | > 30 vehicles, multi-site |
Simple rule: below 15 vehicles, stay on SaaS. Above that, per-vehicle subscription quickly overtakes the amortised cost of dedicated development, and every rule the SaaS doesn't cover creates invisible but costly manual work.
The three levers that fund the project
A TMS only pays off through field effects. Three areas concentrate the return on investment.
| Lever | Mechanism | Typical 2026 gain | Annual impact (20-vehicle fleet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route optimisation | -10 to -18 % km | Fuel + driver hours | 45,000-80,000 EUR |
| Electronic proof of delivery | End of disputes and credits | -1 to -2 % of revenue in disputes | 20,000-40,000 EUR |
| Real-time tracking | +15 pts service level | Fewer penalties, more loyalty | 15,000-35,000 EUR |
| Automated planning | -30 % dispatch time | 0.5-1 FTE dispatcher freed | 20,000-35,000 EUR |
These are estimates, 2026 orders of magnitude: they depend on initial load factor and address data quality. But even at the low end, the total far exceeds the cost of a custom TMS within the first year on a mid-sized fleet.
Mini case study
Marc runs operations for a regional carrier in Lyon: 22 vehicles, 480,000 km per year, fuel around 1.75 EUR/litre and average consumption of 28 L/100 km. Annual fuel cost: about 235,000 EUR. Route optimisation at -14 % saves nearly 33,000 EUR of fuel, plus 0.7 FTE dispatcher redeployed (28,000 EUR) and a 18,000 EUR drop in disputes. Total: 79,000 EUR/year. His custom TMS at 72,000 EUR pays back in 11 months, then delivers a recurring net gain.
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FAQ
What does a custom TMS actually cost in 2026?
Budget 35,000 to 55,000 EUR for a module grafted onto an existing ERP, and 60,000 to 100,000 EUR for a full solution with route optimisation and a driver app. Annual maintenance runs 12 to 18 % of the initial amount.
Isn't SaaS always cheaper?
At 60 EUR/vehicle/month, a 25-vehicle fleet pays 18,000 EUR a year — 90,000 EUR over five years — while never owning the tool or covering your specific rules. Custom becomes cheaper once the fleet exceeds 15 to 20 vehicles.
How long until it's operational?
An add-on module ships in 4 to 5 months, a full TMS in 6 to 8 months. We work in increments: planning and tracking first, route optimisation and driver app next, so value lands from month two.
Does electronic proof of delivery really change disputes?
Yes: photo, timestamped signature and geolocation close 80 to 90 % of challenges. On revenue where disputes weigh 1 to 2 %, that often recovers 20,000 to 40,000 EUR per year for an SME.
Can the TMS connect to our accounting and customers?
Yes: automatic freight invoicing, customer EDI, WMS connection and onboard telematics are standard integrations. This is exactly where custom beats generic SaaS.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your fleet, depots and customer constraints: we'll frame a costed TMS scope, from an add-on module (from 35,000 EUR) to a full solution. 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.
