The verdict in three sentences
A TMS (Transport Management System) makes money on two levers: route optimisation (up to -12 % kilometres) and automated billing that eliminates missed re-invoicing. In 2026, a custom build costs between 50,000 and 130,000 EUR over 18-26 weeks, versus a SaaS licence at 40-120 EUR per user per month. The choice depends on how specific your business rules are: the more bespoke they get, the more custom pays off over 24-36 months.
Custom vs licence: the real 2026 maths
A licence deploys fast but gets expensive as user counts rise and your billing rules leave the standard track. Custom needs an upfront investment, but maintenance stays controlled at ~15 %/year of the build.
| Criterion | Custom | SaaS licence |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 50,000 - 130,000 EUR | 0 - 8,000 EUR (setup) |
| Recurring cost | Maintenance ~15 %/yr of build | 40 - 120 EUR/user/month |
| Go-live delay | 18 - 26 weeks | 2 - 8 weeks |
| Billing rules | Unlimited custom | Standard, limited options |
| Code ownership | Yes | No |
| Cost at 20 users / 3 yrs | ~110,000 EUR (build + maint.) | ~90,000 - 130,000 EUR |
The modules that drive ROI
Not all modules are equal. Focus the budget on those that touch cost-per-kilometre and cash directly.
| Module | Typical 2026 gain | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimisation | -12 % kilometres driven | High |
| Automated billing | -100 % missed re-invoicing | High |
| Real-time tracking (GPS) | -30 % "where is my order" calls | High |
| Customer EDI | -70 % re-keying | Medium |
| Proof of delivery (e-POD) | Disputes -40 % | Medium |
| Cost-per-km dashboard | Faster decisions | Medium |
Mini case study
Marc runs a transport SME in Lyon: 18 drivers, average cost of 1.45 EUR/km, 1,100,000 km/year. A custom TMS at 85,000 EUR (maintenance 12,750 EUR/yr) cuts kilometres by 12 %, or 132,000 km saved, worth 191,400 EUR/year in fuel and wear. Adding 26,000 EUR/year of recovered re-invoicing, the gross gain reaches ~217,000 EUR/year. Net of maintenance, ROI is reached in under 6 months on fuel alone — and the investment is paid back within the first year.
FAQ
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How long to get a custom TMS into production?
Expect 18-26 weeks in 2026: scoping, building route and billing rules, EDI integration, then testing. A pilot on one depot before rollout limits the risk.
Isn't a SaaS licence always cheaper?
No. From 15-20 users with specific billing rules, licence plus limitations often exceeds a custom build over 3 years (see table: ~90,000-130,000 EUR of licence vs ~110,000 EUR fully owned).
What route gain is realistic?
A 2026 order of magnitude of -8 to -12 % kilometres depending on delivery-point density. Long-haul routes gain less than dense urban rounds.
Do we need EDI from day one?
If your key accounts require it, yes — it is often contractual. Otherwise it can arrive in phase 2 to spread the investment.
How much is annual maintenance?
Expect around 15 %/year of the build cost: fixes, regulatory changes (driving-time rules) and small business requests.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your fleet, billing rules and EDI needs — we price build, maintenance and ROI. 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.
