Prioritize measurable KPIs: order accuracy, dock-to-door lead times, inventory turn, on-time shipments, and returns processing time. Also assess system integration (WMS/API), SLA penalties, peak capacity plans, and visibility tools for real-time tracking and exception management.

Zharkent’s road and regional rail access shortens inland transit to Central Asia and Almaty, lowering last-mile costs. Multimodal options enable consolidation and route optimization, which can reduce freight spend and inventory days in transit—key to improving landed cost and service consistency.

Expect itemized pricing: storage (per pallet/m2), labor (pick/pack), inbound/outbound handling, value-added services, cross-dock fees, and carrier pass-throughs. Clarify peak surcharges, minimum monthly charges, and billing cadence to compare total cost-to-serve across providers.

Choose 3PLs offering bonded facilities or established customs brokerage to accelerate cross-border flows and defer duties where applicable. Verify documentation processes, pre-clearance capabilities, and experience handling HS classifications to minimize border delays and mitigate compliance risk.