Assess access to international air cargo services, rail links toward the Trans‑Caspian corridor, and reliable road networks to key domestic and regional markets. Verify bonded warehouse availability, customs brokerage capabilities, and on‑site carrier consolidation options to minimize transit time and reduce handling steps.

Almaty generally offers competitive real estate and labour rates relative to Western markets, with lower operating overhead than some neighboring capitals. Expect variable utility and customs fees; negotiate volume discounts, bundled services, and clear SLAs to control total landed cost and avoid hidden fees.

Key KPIs: inventory accuracy, pick‑and‑pack accuracy, order cycle time, dock‑to‑stock time, OTIF (on‑time in‑full) for shipments, return processing time, and system uptime/API integration latency. Define penalties and remediation steps for missed SLAs and routine performance reviews.

Confirm bonded warehousing options and the 3PL's customs brokerage expertise for ATA carnets, temporary admissions, and transit procedures. Verify tariff classification support, documentation workflows, and experience handling inspections to reduce clearance delays and storage penalties.