The verdict in three sentences
In 2026, a SaaS TMS costs 50 to 150 EUR per vehicle per month, while a custom TMS requires 60,000 to 140,000 EUR over a 5-to-9-month build. Custom wins once you run more than 25 to 30 vehicles or when route optimization and ERP integration become strategic. Below that, SaaS stays the rational choice: fast, predictable, no technical debt.
Off-the-shelf TMS or custom: 2026 comparison
Market TMS handle standard transport plans well but stumble on specific business constraints (time windows, quotas, ADR, in-house ERP integration). Custom fits your exact rules.
| Criterion | SaaS TMS | Custom TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0 to 3,000 EUR setup | 60,000 to 140,000 EUR |
| Monthly cost | 50 to 150 EUR/vehicle | 500 to 1,200 EUR maintenance |
| Timeline | 4 to 8 weeks | 5 to 9 months |
| Route optimization | generic algorithm | tailored business rules |
| Proof of delivery | standard mobile | mobile + signature + photo |
| ERP integration | limited connectors | full custom API |
| Scalability | vendor-bound | unlimited |
Fuel ROI and kilometers saved
Most of the gain comes from route optimization: fewer empty kilometers, better fill rates. Here is a 2026 order of magnitude for a 30-vehicle fleet each covering 3,000 km/month at 0.35 EUR/km fuel cost.
| Item | No optimization | With TMS | Annual gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Km/vehicle/month | 3,000 km | 2,640 km | -12 % |
| Fleet fuel cost/month | 31,500 EUR | 27,720 EUR | 45,360 EUR/year |
| Fill rate | 74 % | 86 % | +12 pts |
| Deliveries/route | 14 | 17 | +21 % |
| Delivery-proof disputes | frequent | timestamped records | claims -40 % |
Mini case study
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Aurelie, logistics director of a distributor in Dubai, runs 30 vehicles. Her annual fuel cost is around 378,000 EUR. She invests 95,000 EUR in a custom TMS with route optimization and proof of delivery. The 12 % kilometer cut saves her ~45,000 EUR/year in fuel, plus productivity gains. The project pays back in about 2 years, maintenance included, then generates a recurring surplus.
FAQ
What is the price of a SaaS TMS in 2026? Plan 50 to 150 EUR per vehicle per month by module (optimization, tracking, ERP). For 30 vehicles that is 18,000 to 54,000 EUR/year.
When to move to custom? From 25 to 30 vehicles or when your business constraints (windows, ADR, in-house ERP) exceed what a standard TMS handles. Custom starts at 60,000 EUR.
How much fuel can you save? Route optimization cuts kilometers by 8 to 15 % on average. On a 30-vehicle fleet that often means 40,000 to 55,000 EUR/year.
Is proof of delivery included? Yes, the mobile app captures signature, photo and GPS timestamp. This cuts delivery disputes by roughly 40 %.
Can we integrate our ERP? A custom TMS exposes a full API to sync orders, stock and invoicing. SaaS TMS offer connectors, often limited to major ERPs.
Let's scope your project. Share your fleet size, routing constraints and ERP integration: we compare off-the-shelf and custom TMS with quantified figures. 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.
