I just shipped a frame and got some sticker shock. It cost significantly more than I expected. Hence this thread.

If you would, please share tips and stories on shipping bikes, framesets and parts, including:
- How much should it cost to ship a bike, a frameset, a small part? Within the continental US.
- How do you get that price? Box dimensions, choice of shipper, etc?
- How do you pack a bike or frameset or small part for shipping?
- How do you insure, or not?
- Any bad stories of loss or damage?
- Any good stories of great packing, rapid delivery, pleasant surprises?