We use the United States Postal Service (USPS) and UPS for shipping, Shipping rates are calculated solely on the product weight and dimensions in the cart and the zip code they are going to. Zip codes further away from our home base in Huntsville, Alabama will be more expensive than those closer to us. Generally USPS provides a better rate for smaller items with UPS becoming a better option as the cart gets heavier. I would say right around the 6 to 7 pound mark is where the split between the shippers becomes pronounced. The weight of the materials we use to ship, including the box / padded envelope, plastic wrap, protective bubble wrap, are not calculated in what you pay for shipping. Additionally, how quickly we process your order is not impacted by the shipping cost. We treat every order with the same attention and our goal is to get orders out the same or next day. You'll know it too, as we will keep you informed on when we have your shipment packed up and provide the tracking email as well. Also, if the weight of our box and padding push the item over the weight threshold you paid for, we pay for that difference as well. This is why we package everything with the same care regardless of if you paid for shipping or you've met a Free Shipping threshold - because that cost is already ours to bear.