Russ, I share your pain. The last time I shipped a gun at the local UPS place it was $81.00 IIRC. We don't have an official FedEx place that will accept firearms so that is not an option, but I have no doubt the cost would be similar to UPS. Of course I have known for a very long time that a non-FFL/ individual cannot legally ship handguns through the Post Office. Some people brag on the internet about shipping their handguns through USPS, saying it's "machined parts", etc. I take laws relating to firearms Very seriously, but some folks obiviously don't, implying those of us who play by the rules are fools. So be it. I now ship through a local FFL, pay the Priorty Mail/insurance charges,etc, and FFL's fee and still save money over what my personally shipping through UPS or FedEx would cost. Still not dirt cheap, but at least it's legal...ymmv
BTW, Another local FFL told me he would charge me $100.00 to ship a handgun. Once I found out what USPS charges him for shipping a handgun by Priority Mail, I realized I had made the wrong career choice.