I doubt that the location of your UPS matters, but how about distance, exact size and weight of box (packing materials, tires, etc can add substantial weight), tipping the clerk, seasonal demand, etc.
Don't they have a printed rate chart? FWIW, the shipping calculators online for USPS has never given me rates close to what the P.O. actually charged, but I didn't make much of a study of it as the available shipping options were also different. I've also had to take stuff out of small boxes to fit into their overseas envelopes, but I'm gradually smartening up and fabbing up my own suitable packagings, especially to Japan.
David Snyder
Auburn, CA usa
>I sold the Rigi this last week, and when I put in the dimensions and
>weight, the Ebay Calculator gave me around $40. When I called UPS for a
>pickup the price seems to have morphed into $66 to Utah. How is this
>possible? Do I have to know some secret. In the last 12 months I have
>purchased 4 bikes and no one has charged anything like $66. Last week there
>was a thread on the list that stated that Fed Express charges different
>rates depending on how the wind blows. Any ideas about the discrepancy?
>
> Garth Liberman in Miami Fl.