Considering the service that STI provides compared to traditional shippers, the price is not that bad. You have to consider that normally, freight is wrapped or strapped on a pallet. There is also normally a $50 additional fee if the pickup or drop off is a residence, and another $75 for a lift gate. Sometimes these fees may be combined. A more traditional company only needs 1 driver at pickup, and 1 driver at drop off. STI always has 2 people to move the machine. STI also puts pads on the machine, and it takes considerably more labor at drop off and pickup. Many people have had issues with STI's packing, but I have used them 6 or 7 times without an issue.
I do remember 1 time when I needed STI to pickup an arcade machine from a location that could not accommodate a 53' trailer, and that came with a $300+ surcharge on top of the regular freight charge. On that occasion, I was not too happy, but other then that, they provide a service that no other freight companies want to.

I have been quoted prices from STI to and from Canada and I did not think it was bad. I have had tons of other freight shipped into and from Canada. There is just basically 1 page documentation that is needed stating country of origin. In my experience, it is maybe $75 more expensive then a shipment going the same distance within the states. STI generally picks up within a week of being contracted, and delivers in about another week, depending on the distance. It may take a few extra days, or possibly a week longer to or from Canada. STI makes the process easy for you.