i've used greyhound twice at a bit over $40, for whole bikes shipped more than half-way across the continent.

i used fedex once for about the same distance. it initially cost about $150, but they made a mistake and only charged me a pickup fee of $12.

i get free medium-sized road bike boxes from bike shops that sell new bikes.

to pack, i remove the seatpost/saddle, front wheel, front caliper, and pedals, remove the stem/bars (and place atop the top tube), and turn the fork around.