Final answer:
Sneakers are transported from Asia to the United States through cargo ships, air freight, and trucking; each serves a unique role in the global supply chain, from economical sea transport to fast air delivery and inland distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three modes of transportation used to move sneakers from Asia to stores in the United States are cargo ships, air freight, and trucking. Cargo ships are often the primary method for transporting large quantities of goods economically over long distances. They are integral to the global supply chain, as depicted in Figure 1.9, which shows the scale of globalization and the role of cargo ships in moving consumer products such as sneakers. Air freight is a faster, albeit more expensive, mode of transportation often used for more time-sensitive or high-value shipments. Lastly, trucking is used for inland transportation, delivering goods from ports and airports to their final retail destinations across the country.