I fly for American and we have an Interline agreement with Fed Ex. I use them all the time. I am surprised at the cost of Fed Ex home delivery ( ground) is that expensive. They are usually in the 35.00 range, retail. Is the box oversize? They charge by dimensional weight. UPS has got ridiculous. 7 days for them to ship from Salem Oregon to Colleyville, TX. Fed Ex is usually four days or less.
Did you go into a location that is corporate, or one of the contract locations? I assume you're taking it to the station? There is quite a surcharge for pick up, especially in rural locations for both entities.
-Keith