A How to Guide to Packing and Rates to Ship

Fragile items
Make sure you have cushioning made of crumpled newspaper, peanuts or air-cellular material (bubble wrap).
Have boxes big enough to fit contents with cushioning snug but not tight.
Seal all packages with packing tape 2" wide. Do not use duct tape, masking tape, cellophane tape (scotch tape), string or rope. Make sure the box is securely taped on all edges of the opening
Clearly printed labels placed in a highly visible place. In center away from corners and seams. Make sure there is no other writing or labels with addresses on the package.
Place all items in a corrugated box for best protection. Even if the item is in its own box. Most items are not packaged in strong enough boxes for shipping. Make sure the items in the inner box are securely cushioned and the box is taped. Place more cushioning around the inner box so it doesn't shift in the outer box. The outer box should be about 6" bigger all around the smaller box to allow for ample cushioning. Items without boxes make sure you individually wrap each item and place them in the center of the box with plenty of cushioning materials.
If an item is heavy use a doubled wall box for extra support.
If you are shipping liquids make sure the container is upright with packaging around it to contain any liquid that may spill or leak especially if it breaks.
Any items that can be damaged by moisture place in plastic to keep it safe and dry.
Wrap and tape all corners of odd shaped items to protect from jarring during shipping.
Before sealing up the outer box enclose an extra address label in case the outer one is damaged.

Perishable items
Make sure you insulate it. The most recommended material is EPS(expanded polystyrene foam) and dry ice.
Make sure the foam containers are at least 11/2" thick minimum.
Wrap the items in plastic and use an outer box.
Enclose an address label inside also in case the outside one is damaged.

Shipping rates

FedEx
For a one pound package the fee starts at $4.57 up to $5.48. A 10lb package rates are from $6.06 to $10.15.
All depending on how far they are shipping.
For Priority overnight, standard overnight and two day add an additional $2.40.
For an additional fee of $2.05 per package FedEx will deliver directly to residential homes.
You can opt for signature confirmation for $1.75 to $3.75.

UPS
A one pound package is from $6.67 to $32.48. Ten pounds range from $8.84 to $58.74.
Confirmation with signature from an adult $5.25.
Residential surcharge on ground is $2.05. Air and three day is $2.40 more.

USPS
Parcel post starts at $4.90.
Priority starts at $4.95 and express overnight starts at $13.05.

Rate amounts for all depend on the zones that they are shipping. Usually the rates increase in increments as follows:
1-50 mile radius
50-150 mile radius
150-300 mile radius
300-600 mile radius
600-1000 mile radius
1000-1400 mile radius
1400-1800 mile radius
and 1800-up.