The verdict in three sentences
In transport, margin is eaten by empty kilometres, delays and delivery disputes; route software acts on all three. A custom build at 30,000-90,000 EUR excl. VAT, delivered in 4 to 7 months, includes route optimisation, proof of delivery and fleet tracking. The return is read in fuel saved: -15 % kilometres is enough to pay off the tool in under a year on an average fleet.
Route software levers and their ROI
Each function acts on a specific cost line. Here are the levers and their 2026 impact.
| Lever | Cost line hit | 2026 gain |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimisation | Fuel, km | -15 % km |
| Digital proof of delivery | Disputes, credits | -40 % disputes |
| Real-time fleet tracking | Delays, aftersales | -25 % delays |
| Automatic scheduling | Dispatch hours | -6 to 10 h/week |
| Driving-time management | Compliance | Fines avoided |
| Actual-usage billing | Margin leakage | +2 to 3 margin pts |
ROI simulation by fleet size
The return depends mainly on fleet and annual mileage. 2026 order of magnitude, pro diesel estimated at 1.60 EUR/L, consumption 30 L/100 km.
| Fleet | Total km/year | Km saved (-15 %) | Fuel saving/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 vehicles | 400,000 km | 60,000 km | ~29,000 EUR |
| 10 vehicles | 800,000 km | 120,000 km | ~58,000 EUR |
| 20 vehicles | 1,600,000 km | 240,000 km | ~115,000 EUR |
| 40 vehicles | 3,200,000 km | 480,000 km | ~230,000 EUR |
Mini case study
Sophie is logistics manager at a regional carrier in Lille: 12 vehicles, 950,000 km/year, 2.4 M EUR revenue. Her routes are planned manually and delivery disputes cost her regular credits. She invests 56,000 EUR excl. VAT in custom software with route optimisation and proof of delivery. She cuts mileage by 15 %, i.e. ~68,000 EUR of fuel saved per year, and halves disputes. Payback: about 10 months, even before the gain on dispatch time.
FAQ
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Does route optimisation handle real constraints?
Yes: time windows, vehicle capacity, tonnage, low-emission zones and driver skills are taken into account. That is exactly what generic tools handle poorly and custom solves.
Is proof of delivery legally usable?
Signature, photo, timestamp and geolocation form solid evidence in a dispute. This sharply reduces credits granted for lack of proof.
Can the fleet be tracked in real time without costly hardware?
Yes, via a driver smartphone app, with an optional telematics box if needed. This limits hardware investment at launch.
How long before a first gain?
An optimisation + proof-of-delivery module can ship in 3 to 4 months, generating fuel savings within the first weeks of use.
How is the custom budget calculated?
Between 30,000 and 90,000 EUR excl. VAT depending on modules: optimisation and fleet tracking are the most structural, actual-usage billing and telematics add on later.
Let's scope your project. Send us your number of vehicles, annual mileage and route constraints: we will simulate your ROI and price a first module. 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.
