The verdict in three sentences
An off-the-shelf TMS launches fast but locks you into its billing model and optimization limits. A custom TMS (50,000 to 150,000 EUR) pays off once you run more than 40 vehicles or have atypical business rules (multi-chartering, co-contracting, client-negotiated tariffs). The real lever isn't the license: it's the drop in cost per delivery through route optimization and fewer empty miles.
Off-the-shelf or custom TMS: the real trade-off
SaaS vendors charge per vehicle per month, with optimization modules as add-ons. Custom is an upfront investment amortized over 4 to 6 years, with no per-truck fee.
| Criterion | Market SaaS TMS | Custom TMS |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0-15,000 EUR setup | 50,000-150,000 EUR |
| Subscription | 25-70 EUR/vehicle/month | Hosting 150-500 EUR/month |
| Cost 40 vehicles/year | 12,000-33,600 EUR | ~3,000-6,000 EUR |
| Route optimization | Paid module | Custom, included |
| Atypical business rules | Limited | Unlimited |
| Time to launch | 4-8 weeks | 4-7 months |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Across a 40-vehicle fleet, subscription alone reaches 12,000 to 33,600 EUR per year. Custom drops below that threshold from year 3.
Where a TMS makes money
Transport is 55 to 65 % of logistics cost. Every point shaved shows up immediately in margin.
| Lever | Estimated 2026 gain | Impact on 40 vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimization | -8 to -15 % miles | 30,000-60,000 EUR/year fuel |
| Empty-mile reduction | -5 to -12 % | 20,000-45,000 EUR/year |
| Load / pooling | +6 to +10 % fill rate | 4-7 more deliveries/day |
| Billing automation | -60 % admin time | 1.5 FTE reassigned |
| Real-time tracking (disputes) | -30 % claims | Customer retention |
*2026 orders of magnitude, varying by route density and fuel.*
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Mini case study
Denis runs transport for a food distribution SME in Rennes: 48 vehicles, 320 deliveries/day, average cost 9.80 EUR per delivery. His custom TMS costs 95,000 EUR plus 350 EUR/month hosting. Route optimization cuts mileage by 11 %, lowering cost per delivery to 8.60 EUR. Over 320 deliveries a day, 250 working days, savings reach 96,000 EUR per year. The project pays back in under 13 months, excluding billing automation gains.
FAQ
Is a custom TMS really more effective than a vendor? On pure optimization, market engines are excellent. Custom wins when your rules (chartering, co-contracting, client tariffs, time windows) don't fit the standard boxes, which affects 60 % of carriers with over 30 vehicles.
How long to go live? Plan 4 to 7 months: 3-4 weeks of scoping, 3-4 months of development, then a gradual depot-by-depot rollout. A 5-vehicle pilot validates optimization before scale-up.
Can the TMS connect to our ERP and telematics? Yes. Standard APIs (ERP, GPS units, carrier EDI) are integrated from scoping. Real-time tracking pushes position and delivery status to the customer automatically.
What ROI to expect in year one? Between 8 and 15 % of the fuel budget, plus 1 to 2 admin FTEs reassigned. For a 40-vehicle fleet, that often means 60,000 to 120,000 EUR in annual gains.
Rebuild everything or modernize what we have? Often a custom core wraps your current tools (planning spreadsheet, ERP) rather than replacing everything, cutting risk and upfront cost.
Let's scope your project. Share fleet size, depots, delivery volume and ERP/telematics integrations: we'll price a TMS between 50,000 and 150,000 EUR tailored to your business rules. 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.
