The information relating to Current and Alternative Transportation will be used to analyze the choice between using Maersk $($Ocean Freight$)$ and UPS $($AirExpress$).$ Use the $2024$ forecasted demand you recommended in question $2.$

a$)$ What are the annual direct transportation costs for each of the two options?

b$)$ Based on the information provided in the case, are there other cost impacts $($e$.$g$.$ inventory, quality$)$ that Throx should consider when making this decision? Do these outweigh the direct transportation cost differential calculated above? Please quantify any additional costs that you are considering.

c$)$ Based on your analysis, which option would you recommend.