There has also been a thread lately on outers in relation to freight from the US, and apparently huge differences in pricing. I thought I'd just put some info in here from my experience.
My stuff came in a box about 400X400X200mm and weighed 11.0lb (5kg)
It was freighted USPS (United States Postal Service) "EMS" or "Global Express"
My supplier has a freight rate based on $$$ spend, not weight or volume. In my case, for a USD$200 spend, the freight was USD$50
On dispatch of the items, I received a tracking number just like with a private courier (UPS/DHL etc) and this number tracked the freight from Missouri to Chicago... and then it all seemed to go quiet. Anyways, I was told to go to the Australia Post website and put my tracking number there. Sure enough, it confirmed my shipment had moved to a mail centre for delivery.
As it turned out, from dispatch to my door was 7 days. the freight receipt showed the actual cost of shipping was USD$61.53
The cost for UPS (not offered by this supplier) would have been over USD$100, and I might have ad the item in about 4 days. I understand that there are better insurance and recovery services offered by UPS, and it is quicker, but you do pay for that service.
In any case, it just goes to show: Don't confuse UPS and USPS, USPS seems pretty good, and just because a seller in the US doesn't UPS, they should still do USPS, and th service is still timely and reliable (this experience was backed up by RUFF on outers, who said he has shipped heaps of stuff via USPS and they're good.
Steve.
Joe Public generally pays full price but most businesses get a discount rate with the % depending on volume.