That 14" Partner demolition saw I just sold through the trading post cost $28 to ship to Texas from NW Indiana. I forget the particulars on size and weight but you got a idea with what was shipped. Granted it was only insured for the $100 selling price but that $100 is included up front and another $400 would be around $4 more.
I have said it before and I'll say it again, bigger then a shoe box and more then a couple states away, UPS is the way to go period. This is with a account and printing your own labels or going through PayPal shipping. If you have a insurance issue, I'll take my chances collecting through UPS over USPS any day of the week. UPS tracking also works..
California, Washington and Oregon is another matter all together, I have know idea what the hell is going on there.