You can't compare ARB shipping to the Calmini bumper unless you take into account the total weight of both bumpers and/or the totale chargeable weight which is based on the volume of the bumper. Shipping also goes by the amount of space an item takes up in transit. From there, a classification is used that is set by the National Motor Freight Association which is based onthe density, fragility, handling and sotrage needs of the package. This classification uses that information to form a basis for competitive pricing amongst carriers. Also, freight companies charge you extra to deliver to residences which have no loading docks. These are all standard industry practices.

Places like 4wheel parts ship IN BULK with these carriers which entitles them to large discounts on shipping with them, something that Calmini more than likely cannot counter with. It is not unheard of for shipping companies to arrange for discounts of over 40% to companies who ship in quantity daily.

As far as a slower method, there is none. You are dealing with LTL carriers which means Less-than Truck Load freight. A carrier sends a truck out and picks up here and there. Freight is bought back to a terminal where it is consolidated onto trailers with other freight bound for the same area (a carrier simply cant justify sending just one bumper on a trailer by itself to your house). The freight is then sent to another terminal near where you live where it is loaded onto a delivery truck which takes it to where you requested delivery.

You can look for another carrier, but you will need to find a national carrier that serves both coasts. Smaller companies can do it, but you will get stuck interlining your bumper. Interlining is when LTL carriers use other carriers to get freight from one point to another. And as with anything, with interlining, the more people that handle the freight, the higher the risk of something going wrong with it.