"MarketLink" is a program that helps small-scale farmers sell produce. Economists studied the program and found that farmers who live far from the city visit the market less frequently than those living nearby, but bring significantly larger loads of produce when they do come. The economists assert that this behavior represents a rational strategy to offset transportation costs.
Which finding, if true, would most directly corroborate the economists' assertion?
The market fees charged to farmers are based on a percentage of their daily sales total.
Farmers living near the city typically grow crops that spoil faster than the crops grown by distant farmers.
The fuel and time costs to drive to the city are high and remain roughly the same whether the truck is empty or full.
Customers at the city market prefer to buy produce from farmers who visit on a weekly basis.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The economists argue that the behavior (infrequent trips with large loads) is a "rational strategy to offset transportation costs." If the cost of the trip (fuel/time) is high and fixed (same cost empty or full), it makes economic sense to spread that cost over a larger volume of goods by visiting less often with more product.
Choice A discusses variable fees (percentage), which wouldn't necessarily encourage bulk trips over frequent trips. Choice B discusses spoilage, which would actually encourage more frequent trips, contradicting the farmers' behavior. Choice D discusses customer preference, which would also encourage frequent trips, failing to explain why farmers do the opposite.