I just received a notice that shipping rates are going up on April 10th. If it can fit into a USPS flat rate box, that is your cheapest way to ship small items.
My system checks USP, FedEx, and the USPS. USPS is usually a few dollars cheaper.
As per the above comment, I try to post everything I can which "includes" shipping charges. It's the clearest way to ship your items.
I have also found that certain areas you ship to have drastic differences between carriers. Usually UPS, and the USPS is the cheapest and it's the two services offered.
Some items require special packaging, plus insurance is also included in the shipping price.
April 10th is going to be about the 3rd increase I have seen within the last year.
We will see in a few days.
Vendor who use UPS and inflate your shipping costs, are
making a % of that cost from the carrier.
This is the first time I have heard the above. Usually I get a bill for "additional" charges from UPS. Even with a stated price from them, they figure out a way to add "surcharges" to your monthly bill.
Dennis
PS: If there is a difference in the shipping price charged to you, vs. what I actually paid, I will refund the difference. I do ship in crush proof boxes vs. padded envelopes. It's not worth it for you or I to have damaged parts. They always seem to get under a piano or something similar.