The verdict in three sentences
A TMS (Transport Management System) plans routes, tracks the fleet in real time and digitises proof of delivery, with an average gain of 12 % fewer kilometres. In 2026, a SaaS licence costs EUR 40 to 100 per vehicle per month, while custom software integrated with your ERP ranges from EUR 60,000 to 140,000. The right choice depends on fleet size, business rules and the required level of integration.
SaaS or custom: the real 2026 math
A licence deploys fast but gets expensive beyond 30 vehicles; custom pays off once your processes are too specific for an off-the-shelf catalogue.
| Criterion | SaaS TMS (licence) | Custom TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | EUR 0 to 8,000 (setup) | EUR 60,000 to 140,000 |
| Recurring cost | EUR 40 to 100/vehicle/month | Hosting EUR 300 to 900/month |
| Time to launch | 3 to 6 weeks | 4 to 7 months |
| ERP integration | Limited connectors | Custom, unlimited |
| Specific business rules | Hard | Native |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
For a 20-vehicle fleet at EUR 70/month, SaaS costs EUR 16,800/year; over 4 years, that is EUR 67,200, matching the price of a dedicated build that then amortises.
The modules that generate ROI
Not all TMS are equal: value comes from route optimisation and field digitisation.
| Module | Function | Estimated gain (2026 ballpark) |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimisation | Multi-constraint routing | -12 % km, -8 % fuel |
| Real-time fleet tracking | Geolocation, customer ETA | -30 % dispatch calls |
| Proof of delivery (ePOD) | Signature, photo, disputes | -50 % billed disputes |
| Resource planning | Drivers, capacity, CSR | +10 % routes/day |
| ERP/accounting integration | Automated invoicing | -3 days billing lead time |
| Customer portal | Self-service parcel tracking | -25 % complaints |
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Mini case study
Marc, logistics director of a refrigerated distribution SME in Lyon, runs 24 vehicles covering 1,800 km/day. With fuel at EUR 1.75/L and average consumption of 28 L/100 km, he spends about EUR 882/day, i.e. EUR 194,000/year over 220 days. A TMS cutting mileage by 12 % saves him EUR 23,000/year in fuel, plus a reduction in delivery disputes (estimated at EUR 9,000/year). Against a SaaS licence at EUR 20,160/year, the return is clear in year one; for a custom build at EUR 95,000, payback comes in under 3 years.
FAQ
How much does a TMS cost for a 10-vehicle fleet in 2026? In SaaS, expect EUR 400 to 1,000/month depending on modules, i.e. EUR 4,800 to 12,000/year, excluding initial setup of EUR 2,000 to 5,000.
Is custom worth it under 30 vehicles? Rarely for TMS alone, but yes with complex business rules (multi-temperature, regulated routes): a dedicated build at EUR 60,000 to 140,000 becomes profitable over 4 to 5 years.
What real gain on mileage? 2026 feedback points to -10 to -15 % kilometres driven thanks to multi-constraint optimisation, and -8 % fuel on average.
Is electronic proof of delivery legally reliable? Yes, a timestamped ePOD with signature and geolocation cuts billed disputes by about 50 % and serves as evidence in case of challenge.
How long to deploy a TMS? SaaS launches in 3 to 6 weeks; a custom build integrated with the ERP takes 4 to 7 months across scoping, development and fleet rollout.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fleet, routing constraints and ERP: we price licensing versus custom for an indicative budget of EUR 15,000 to 140,000 depending on 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.
