That sucks. Sorry to hear that. I always use a shipping broker so I know the exact cost upfront and they deal with FedEx directly.

Its just going to get worse. With diesel skyrocketing the days of 350 shipping are over.

2800 though is ridiculous.

If you call fedex freight directly with no account you will get some ridiculous retail rate.

They don't deal with consumers or want to do one off shipments, they are setup to deal with corporate accounts or brokers.

Just call a proper broker or beltman or whatever.. they get better rates than you ever will going direct. Prices are up for sure but that is ridiculous...

make sure you pay up for cargo insurance also not just use carrier insurance (because its worthless)

R&L, Forward Air, any freight forwarder (broker), Beltmann, hell maybe try U-Ship at those rates.

I used to ship games to my buddies in Chicago for like $100.

Tell the seller to arrange their own shipping and then they cant bitch at you about the cost -

FedEx and UPS are buys screwing the little guy as hard as possible so they can make up the big accounts for whom they practically ship for free. When you can buy from Amazon an 8 foot bed mat that weighs 42lbs. shipped to your house for less than you can buy it at a local store.... you know something's funny.

They don't screw anyone... like any company they give discounts based on volume.

It's not their fault most people are too dumb to look into their options, there are a number of ways to get cheaper rates as a consumer if people bother to look.

Most people just walk into a UPS or Fedex retail store and pay the highest rates possible.