The verdict in three sentences
A custom TMS in Rotterdam costs between EUR 70,000 and EUR 200,000 in 2026, the range driven by route optimization, real-time tracking and EDI/telematics integrations. A SaaS TMS starts lower (EUR 300 to 2,500/month) but hits a ceiling on specific business rules and multi-depot logic. For a fleet of 30+ vehicles, custom software typically pays back in 18 to 30 months through saved kilometres and fewer disputes.
What drives the budget of a custom TMS
The price depends directly on the modules enabled and the complexity of the optimization. Here is a realistic breakdown (2026 order of magnitude) for a regional carrier.
| Module | Complexity | 2026 budget (EUR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orders & shipments core | Standard | 15,000 - 30,000 | 4-6 wks |
| Route optimization (VRP) | High | 25,000 - 60,000 | 6-10 wks |
| Real-time tracking + driver app | Medium | 12,000 - 35,000 | 4-7 wks |
| Telematics integration (devices) | Medium | 8,000 - 20,000 | 3-5 wks |
| Client & carrier EDI | High | 10,000 - 30,000 | 4-8 wks |
| Billing & pre-rating | Standard | 10,000 - 25,000 | 4-6 wks |
A full project therefore easily totals EUR 80,000 to 200,000. A first functional release (core + routing + driver app) fits within EUR 70,000 to 100,000.
Custom vs SaaS TMS: the real math
SaaS looks cheaper in year one. Over 5 years the gap narrows, especially if you pay per licence or per vehicle.
| Criterion | Custom TMS | Market SaaS TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 70,000 - 200,000 | EUR 0 - 8,000 (setup) |
| Recurring cost | Hosting EUR 150-600/mo | EUR 300 - 2,500/mo |
| 5-year cost (30 veh.) | EUR 110,000 - 240,000 | EUR 100,000 - 180,000 |
| Specific business rules | Unlimited | Limited / paid options |
| Code ownership | Yes | No |
| Fine route optimization | Tailored | Standardized |
| Vendor lock-in | Low | High |
Custom wins when your constraints (delivery windows, tail lifts, ADR, multi-depot) do not fit a standard mould.
Mini case study
Sarah, COO of a 34-truck carrier in Rotterdam, drives 2,400,000 km/year at a fully loaded cost of EUR 0.95/km, i.e. EUR 2,280,000 in operating costs. A custom TMS at EUR 120,000 cuts kilometres by 12% (288,000 km x 0.95 = EUR 273,600 saved/year) and reduces billing disputes by 25% (estimated EUR 18,000/year). Payback in under 6 months on kilometres alone, before dispatch productivity gains.
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FAQ
How long to deploy a custom TMS?
Expect 4 to 8 months depending on scope. A core with route optimization and a driver app can go live in 4 to 5 months, then you add EDI and telematics in batches.
Isn't SaaS safer to start with?
Yes for testing a simple need. But once you exceed 25-30 vehicles with strong business rules, per-licence costs and functional limits make custom competitive over 5 years (often under 20% difference, with owned code as a bonus).
Can we integrate our existing telematics devices?
In the vast majority of cases yes: most providers expose an API or an FMS feed. Integration averages EUR 8,000 to 20,000 depending on the number of sources.
What real kilometre saving can we expect?
On unoptimized routes, 10-15% fewer km is realistic in the first year. At EUR 0.90-1.00/km, every point of reduction weighs heavily on a 30-vehicle fleet.
How are recurring costs handled?
Hosting, monitoring and evolutions typically run EUR 150 to 600/month plus a maintenance package. You retain code ownership and drive the roadmap.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your fleet, depots and delivery constraints: we frame a first TMS release between EUR 70,000 and 120,000. 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.
