I think many places charge a minimum $5 handling fee they "roll" into the shipping costs. I do not buy from them if I can help it - I've had too many instances where the shipping was more than the parts!
As for UPS, if you deliver to a business it is definitely cheaper. If you are not retired, check where you work and see if they have a discounted UPS/Fedex shipping account. If they will allow you to use as a "perk" for working there, you can get their discounted rate but charge it to your own personal CC. I work for a college and my rate is about 1/2 of what I'd pay at a UPS store.
If I really want a part but the shipping is too high, I tell the vendor/person to give me the size and weight of the box and I'll send them a shipping label (using my discounted rate). If they won't deal, I go somewhere else.