Originally Posted by
RX_EVOLV
It's normal. They calculate the rate based on volumetric weight or actual weight, whichever is higher. For the box you are using, they are considering it a ~8kg package and charging you as such. ~$200 sounds about right.
You can try to bring it to a UPS store. They are usually locally owned franchises and have their own shipping discounts (say 50% off list price). Sometimes they are willing to offer you a shipping discount, say 30%, to get your business. For sure the one up the center street bridge will very likely offer it if you ask... they always do whenever I go in. Don't quote me on the % though as I've never taken up on their offer since we have our own UPS account/rate.
Your supplier definitly have a significant discount on their rates. Many years ago, back when we were shipping more direct to customer orders, we get ~65% off list price with UPS and Fedex by shipping on average 30 international packages a week.