Green logistics and digitalization: a strategy for optimizing courier services in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Over the past few years, the rapid yet uneven digital transformation of logistics has intersected with an increasing demand for environmentally responsible practices, reshaping the courier sector in Kazakhstan. The study confirms that the adoption of digital tools – AI routing, IoT tracking, and parcel lockers – reduced average delivery time by 42%, increased customer satisfaction by 25%, and decreased CO2 emissions per parcel by 12-15% in Kazakhstan’s major cities. The research objective is to evaluate how the integration of green logistics and digitalization enhances courier service efficiency and supports urban sustainability. A mixed-method approach was applied, including quantitative assessment of performance indicators and qualitative insights drawn from semi-structured interviews with six courier and transport companies operating in Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent. The analysis shows that the use of smart routing, real-time tracking, and last-mile automation has led to tangible results: reductions in fuel consumption (on average by 15-18%), higher customer satisfaction, and a noticeable increase in delivery efficiency. Furthermore, initiatives such as the adoption of electric vehicles, energy-efficient logistics hubs, and biodegradable packaging have contributed to a measurable decline in CO₂ emissions, supporting national sustainability goals outlined in the “Digital Kazakhstan” strategy. Nevertheless, persistent barriers remain. These include a limited charging infrastructure, high upfront investment requirements, and a shortage of digitally skilled personnel. Addressing these issues calls for closer coordination between policymakers, business leaders, and the academic community. What makes this study distinctive is its focus on Kazakhstan’s transitional context – where both digital maturity and environmental policy frameworks are still evolving. The findings provide a practical and methodological foundation for designing ESG-oriented strategies aimed at transforming courier logistics into a more competitive, environmentally responsible, and future-ready component of the national economy.

Key words: green logistics, digitalization, courier services, sustainability, optimization.