I have always contacted a local freight broker. They make their living off negotiating shipping prices and take a little off the top. They will get you a MUCH better rate, it's simple business facts. Their 10,000 shipments they send to the freight companies per year will carry just a little more weight than your 4 or 5 per year. If you are willing to take the hour to pallet it and wrap the hell out of it, or crate it, it is way worth it in the end, never had a problem.
Edit: I just read what I wrote, holy run on sentence !!
Post edited by pinball_erie: Illiteracy