I wanted to pass on some advice for shipping heavy items (like engine blocks and transmissions) cheap!
I figured this out a while back when I found a Fiero transmission cheap, but way far away.
Craig's list has a section called "ride share".
These are people who are planning a long drive, and are looking for someone to share the cost.
Look in these listings for someone who is going from where your transmission (or other heavy part is) to where you are.
Then ask them if they will accept a few buck to bring it along.
I have found I can get heavy items shipped this way for just some gas money.
Most drivers prefer this to actually sharing the ride. They know they will not get carjacked by your transmission.
The average car part takes up less space than a person.
The average car part is less annoying than the average person.
I hope this helps you guys out.

That's a great idea. Maybe put them into a Tupperware crate first?