________ is a cost factor performance characteristic of Manufacturer or Distributor Storage with Customer Pickup that is lower than the use of package carriers,especially if using an existing delivery network.

A) Transportation
B) Inventory
C) Information
D) Facilities and Handling

Manufacturer or Distributor Storage with Customer Pickup is a cost-saving measure since it eliminates the need for using package carriers. It involves customers picking up their orders directly from the manufacturer or distributor's storage facility. Transportation costs are lower since it eliminates the need for package carriers, especially if the manufacturer or distributor already has an existing delivery network. Therefore, transportation is the cost factor performance characteristic that is lower compared to using package carriers.