The verdict in three sentences
A packaged TMS rents for 40 to 100 EUR per vehicle per month: ideal to start fast, expensive at scale and rigid on your specific flows. Custom software (55,000 to 110,000 EUR) pays off from 15 vehicles upward, especially when route optimization saves you 10 to 20% on fuel. The real trade-off isn't the purchase price but the total cost over five years relative to how specific your operation is.
What a modern transport system covers
A transport management system (TMS) runs the core of operations: route planning and optimization, GPS fleet tracking, electronic proof of delivery (photo, signature, code), automated invoicing and integration with your ERP or accounting. In 2026, measurable gains come mainly from three levers: fewer empty kilometers, fewer failed deliveries, and the end of double data entry between the field and back-office.
| Function | Packaged TMS | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimization | Standard, configurable | Algorithm fit to your constraints |
| Real-time GPS tracking | Yes (often an add-on) | Integrated with existing units |
| Electronic proof of delivery | Yes | Yes, custom workflow |
| ERP/accounting integration | Limited connectors | Custom, two-way |
| Offline driver app | Variable | Yes, guaranteed degraded mode |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
What it really costs in 2026
The 2026 orders of magnitude below cover France and French-speaking Europe. SaaS TMS bills on usage; custom requires an upfront investment but removes the per-vehicle subscription.
| Line item | Packaged TMS (SaaS) | Custom software |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0 to 5,000 EUR (setup) | 55,000 to 110,000 EUR |
| Monthly subscription | 40 to 100 EUR / vehicle | 0 (annual maintenance) |
| Annual maintenance | Included | 10,000 to 18,000 EUR |
| Route optimization | Add-on +10 to 25 EUR / vehicle | Included |
| Go-live time | 2 to 6 weeks | 3 to 5 months |
| 5-year cost (25 vehicles) | 90,000 to 200,000 EUR | 110,000 to 175,000 EUR |
Mini case study
Marc runs a regional courier SME in Lyon with 28 vehicles. His SaaS TMS costs 70 EUR per vehicle per month, i.e. 23,520 EUR a year, plus 20 EUR per vehicle for the optimization module, i.e. 6,720 EUR a year: total 30,240 EUR/year, before price rises. Over five years he'll pay roughly 151,000 EUR. Custom software at 95,000 EUR plus 15,000 EUR annual maintenance comes to 170,000 EUR over five years — pricier on paper, but he owns the code, escapes per-vehicle billing (decisive if he grows to 40 trucks) and integrates invoicing natively. The moment he passes 32 vehicles, custom becomes cheaper, on top of the 10-20% fuel saved (about 18,000 EUR/year on his current consumption).
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At how many vehicles does custom pay off?
Generally above 15 vehicles, and clearly advantageous around 30. Below that, a SaaS TMS stays faster and less of a financial risk.
What real gain from route optimization?
Between 10 and 20% on fuel and kilometers, plus fewer overtime hours. For a 25-vehicle fleet, that's often 15,000 to 25,000 EUR saved a year.
Can we keep our current GPS units?
Yes. A custom build integrates with your already-installed telematics units via their APIs, avoiding hardware re-purchase (saving 150 to 400 EUR per vehicle).
How long to deploy?
Expect 2 to 6 weeks for a packaged TMS and 3 to 5 months for a full custom build, driver app and accounting integration included.
Is electronic proof of delivery legally usable?
Yes: timestamp, geolocation, signature and photo form a solid evidence bundle in disputes, and cut contestation-driven unpaid invoices by 20 to 30%.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fleet size, your integrations (ERP, accounting, GPS) and an indicative budget: within an hour we'll tell you whether SaaS or custom is the right call. 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.