Here's one to consider, last year i posted a mini-bike on U-ship from Florida to Wyoming. Went with flexible dates on both ends, cost me $275 bucks. They wanted $460. I refused, no way i was gonna pay that.
Then posted another one from Ft. Worth to Wyoming, again with flexible dates. Moved it for $150 bucks.
Granted mini-bikes are small yet they still wanted stupid money to move them.
You can post your price to move whatever on there. Just 'cuz they want stupid money doesn't mean your at their mercy if you can be flexible on your dates.
Hope that gives you some insight. I was just like you, why does everthing cool and cheap enuff have to be a kazillion miles away?
It paid off bein flexible and not jumping on the 1st quote thrown your way.