They're usually not familiar with shipping those kinds of things. I'd bet all they did was put in dimensions and weight on their FedEx/UPS/DHL quote system and it kicked back that number.
I'll second the recommendation to use freightquote.com I shipped an auto trans (225lbs on pallet) to CT from FL for under $200 last year. For the most savings I did have to bring the pallet to the freight carrier, but they forklifted it off the trailer and it was out of my hands.