The verdict in three sentences
A carrier with 8 to 40 vehicles around Amsterdam can optimize routes with a custom TMS at 35,000-80,000 EUR, covering planning, GPS tracking, a driver app and proof of delivery. The return comes first from fuel: 10 to 18 % savings on route optimization, then from automated invoicing and avoided disputes. Under 10 vehicles, a SaaS TMS at 25-45 EUR/vehicle/month stays rational; beyond that, custom software integrated with your ERP changes the scale.
Where a TMS makes money
| Lever | Typical 2026 gain | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimization | -10 to -18 % fuel | Fewer empty km |
| Electronic proof of delivery | -60 % disputes | Timestamped photo + signature |
| Automated invoicing | -3 to -5 days DSO | Invoice on delivery |
| Assisted planning | +12 to 20 % drops/route | Load optimizer |
| Real-time GPS tracking | -25 % customer calls | Tracking portal |
On a fleet of 20 trucks each burning 30,000 L/year at 1.75 EUR/L, the fuel bill hits about 1.05 M EUR. A 14 % reduction is 147,000 EUR saved per year.
Scope and pricing of a custom TMS
| Module | Content | Effort (person-days) |
|---|---|---|
| Route planning | Optimizer, time windows | 15-25 |
| Real-time GPS tracking | Device integration, live map | 10-16 |
| Driver app | Manifest, POD, incidents | 12-20 |
| Proof of delivery | Photo, signature, geoloc | 6-10 |
| Invoicing | Rates, flat fees, accounting export | 10-15 |
| ERP integration | SAP, EDI with clients | 12-22 |
A full TMS totals 65 to 110 person-days. The 35,000-80,000 EUR range depends on optimization depth (simple sequencing vs multi-constraint solver) and the number of ERP/EDI integrations.
Mini case study
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Sophie runs an 18-vehicle courier firm near Amsterdam. Her annual fuel bill is 920,000 EUR and her support team spends 4 hours/day answering "where is my delivery". A custom TMS at 62,000 EUR cuts fuel by 13 % (-119,600 EUR/year) and removes 3 hours/day of calls (about 19,000 EUR/year of time).
Combined annual gain: 138,600 EUR. Payback in 5.4 months, excluding fewer disputes and better on-time performance that retains shippers.
FAQ
How much is the driver app alone? A mobile app (manifest, proof of delivery, incidents) is 12 to 20 person-days, i.e. 8,000-15,000 EUR, deployable on existing phones with no dedicated hardware.
What is the real fuel gain? Route optimization cuts empty km and needless sequencing: 10 to 18 % depending on route density. On an average fleet, that often exceeds 100,000 EUR/year.
What is the implementation timeline? An operational TMS (planning + tracking + POD) ships in 3 to 4 months. ERP/EDI integration and an advanced optimization solver add 1 to 3 months.
Do trucks need GPS boxes? Often no: driver smartphones are enough for geolocation and POD. Dedicated boxes (150-300 EUR/vehicle) only matter for engine telematics.
SaaS or custom for 15 trucks? At 15 vehicles, SaaS costs 25-45 EUR/vehicle/month, i.e. 4,500-8,100 EUR/year; custom pays off as soon as you want deep ERP integration and fine route optimization.
Let's scope your project. Share your vehicle count, delivery zones and current ERP: we price a TMS scoped to your real fuel savings. 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.
