Shipping charges should strickly depend on distance if using FedEx or UPS. Yes, the number of straws in the shipper doesn't make any difference.
UPS cost to return a dry shipper back to my bull stud is about $15, but he's only about 70 miles away.
ABS & Genex does not charge shipping if you have a dealer in your area to deliver it.
I figure you need to purchase at least 10 units to justify the cost of the shipping.
For this reason, I bulk purchase semen every spring for our NY Simmental members (anywhere from 400 to 700 units). They can order semen from anyplace, it's all shipped in to me & everyone comes here for a meeting & pick up semen and we get great discounts. Shipping costs usually end up about $0.10/unit. Shipping charges will kill you if you pick 1 bull here & 1 bull there.
Try to find someone else in your area needing semen. Doesn't make any difference what breed, they will mix orders.