Build vs Buy: Why Shipping Companies Are Choosing SaaS Over Custom Software

In today’s fast-paced logistics world, shipping companies are under increasing pressure to modernize. With customers expecting real-time updates, smoother workflows, and digital access to everything from booking to delivery, it’s clear that digital transformation is no longer optional.

That leads to a critical question every freight forwarder, NVOCC, or CHA must answer:

Should we build a custom logistics software solution or buy a ready-to-use SaaS platform?

More and more logistics businesses are choosing SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), and for good reason. Let’s break down why.

The Allure of Custom Software: Control and Flexibility

For years, the “build” approach was attractive for one big reason: control. A custom-built platform can be tailored exactly to a company’s workflows, branding, and internal processes.

But that flexibility comes with hidden downsides:

• High development costs
• Long implementation timelines
• Continuous need for updates and fixes
• Heavy reliance on IT vendors or internal developers
• Lack of integration with third-party tools or APIs

Many companies that started with custom builds eventually found themselves stuck with outdated, clunky systems that couldn’t keep up with modern logistics demands.

The SaaS Revolution: Speed, Scalability, and

Enter SaaS. Platforms like MoncWare are built specifically to serve the shipping and logistics industry, offering pre-configured, cloud-based solutions that are ready to deploy, easy to scale, and packed with industry best practices.

Here’s why shipping companies are embracing the “buy” route:

1. Faster Time to Market

Why wait 6 to 12 months to build something that a SaaS platform like MoncWare can launch in just a few days? Time is money, and SaaS gives you a head start.

2. Lower Cost of Ownership

With SaaS, there are no upfront development costs, no surprise maintenance charges, and no need for a large IT team. Just a predictable, affordable subscription.

3. Continuous Innovation

While custom software gets outdated, SaaS platforms evolve constantly. MoncWare releases new features, updates, and improvements without you lifting a finger.

4. Industry Best Practices Built In

From digital booking forms to customer portals, container tracking, document uploads, and performance dashboards, SaaS platforms like MoncWare come loaded with the tools your business needs.

5. Scalable and Future-Proof

Whether you’re a small CHA or a growing NVOCC, SaaS scales with you. Need new modules, more users, or to support new customer segments? Just turn them on. No rebuilding required.

Real Talk: What Happens When You Outgrow Your Custom Tool?

Many businesses that chose to build a few years ago are now stuck with:

• Obsolete tech stacks
• Inflexible systems
• Unreliable vendors
• Frustrated users
• And worst of all, missed opportunities

Making the shift to a modern SaaS platform not only solves these pain points but also positions you for growth.

Why MoncWare Is Built for the Future of Logistics

MoncWare isn’t just another logistics tool. It’s a unified, intelligent logistics platform that helps shipping businesses digitize everything from customer data to bookings, tracking, and reports.
Whether you’re replacing outdated tools or avoiding the cost of custom builds altogether, MoncWare offers:

• Real-time container tracking
• Digital documentation and customer booking portals
• Automated reports and insights
• Smart workflows designed for NVOCCs, CHAs, and FFs
• B2B collaboration modules for seamless communication

Final Verdict: Buy Smart, Grow Fast

Custom software might seem appealing, but the speed, simplicity, and cost-efficiency of SaaS platforms like MoncWare are impossible to ignore.

In a world where agility wins, SaaS is the smarter choice.