The verdict in three sentences
In Amsterdam in 2026, a SaaS TMS covers the essentials for 60 to 160 EUR per user per month, while custom software becomes justified from 60 000 EUR when your routes, dock constraints or carrier EDI fall outside the standards. The switch to custom pays off when route optimization saves more than 15 % in kilometers and 22 % in cost per parcel. The right call depends on your number of daily routes, not on the license price.
What a TMS costs in 2026
The Amsterdam market is structured around three families: standard SaaS, verticalized SaaS and custom development. The 2026 orders of magnitude below (net) frame the discussion before a quote.
| Option | Entry cost | Recurring cost | Time to launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard SaaS TMS | 0 to 8 000 EUR (setup) | 60 to 100 EUR/user/month | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Verticalized SaaS TMS | 8 000 to 25 000 EUR (integration) | 100 to 160 EUR/user/month | 2 to 4 months |
| Custom Kolonell | 60 000 to 150 000 EUR | 12 to 15 %/year maintenance | 6 to 10 months |
| Optimization module only | 15 000 to 40 000 EUR | 12 %/year maintenance | 2 to 4 months |
For 12 connected dispatchers, a SaaS at 120 EUR costs 17 280 EUR/year in licenses, excluding WMS and telematics integration. Over five years that is 86 400 EUR in licenses alone: the tipping point toward custom arrives fast for structured fleets.
Inside a custom project
A custom TMS is priced on day rate, between 500 and 820 EUR in Amsterdam depending on profile. The typical breakdown of a 95 000 EUR budget informs the negotiation.
| Item | Budget share | Indicative amount |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping and design | 12 % | 11 400 EUR |
| Route optimization engine | 26 % | 24 700 EUR |
| Tracking and client portal | 20 % | 19 000 EUR |
| Integrations (WMS, EDI, telematics) | 22 % | 20 900 EUR |
| Testing, rollout, training | 20 % | 19 000 EUR |
The optimization engine is the core value: it cuts empty kilometers and balances driver workload. Then budget 12 to 15 %/year maintenance, roughly 11 400 to 14 250 EUR for this budget.
Mini case study
Sarah, COO of a food distribution firm in Amsterdam, runs 9 trucks and 540 000 EUR of fuel per year. She invests 92 000 EUR in a custom TMS with route optimization. Over twelve months: -15 % kilometers (81 000 EUR saved on fuel and wear) and -22 % cost per parcel thanks to delivery consolidation. With 12 500 EUR/year maintenance, ROI is reached in around 14 months, then annual net savings exceed 68 000 EUR.
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FAQ
Is a SaaS TMS enough to start?
Yes, for a fleet under 5 vehicles with regular routes, a SaaS at 60-100 EUR/user/month covers 80 % of needs. Custom is justified once your business rules (delivery windows, tail lifts, controlled temperature) become blocking.
How much does telematics integration cost?
Budget 8 000 to 20 000 EUR depending on the number of flows (GPS positions, temperatures, tachograph). Price it separately as it depends on your telematics vendor's APIs.
What is a realistic timeline for a custom TMS?
Between 6 and 10 months in Amsterdam in 2026, of which 2 to 3 months for the optimization engine alone. A pilot-branch MVP can ship in 4 months.
Is maintenance negotiable?
Yes. At 12 to 15 %/year of the initial cost, it covers fixes, regulatory changes and small improvements. It can be shaped into an annual bank of enhancement days.
Can we migrate gradually from Excel?
Yes, and it is recommended: start with route planning, then add tracking and EDI. It smooths both budget and field adoption.
Let's scope your project. Share your fleet size, route volumes and indicative budget, and we will define the most profitable TMS scope. 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.
