Suppose ABC Co$.$ is trying to handle its uncertain demand by becoming more responsive. It decides to contract with third$-$party distributors to help get products to customers. How might this contract improve the ABC Co$.$s responsiveness?

Group of answer choices

The third$-$party distributors may help reduce transportation costs by combining ABC Co$.$s deliveries with those of other companies

The third$-$party distributors may help reduce holding costs by eliminating excess inventory

There is no way for such a contract to improve responsiveness

The third$-$party distributors may help improve customer service and reduce lead time