Gordon,
I'll bet you can NOT ship it cheaper and meet the requirements. It only took me ONE time (the first and only time) to see that it was not cost effective at all. I lost my rear on the shipping. Fortunately, my FFL only charges me his cost but I always throw a $5 or $10 at him above the cost. They have the advantage of being able to use the USPS -which is the most cost effective way to ship a handgun- whereas you can't.