If you can put up with a "slow boat" class of service, have you talked to any freight forwarders/consolidators? Your crate may be to small for their trouble, but maybe not.

This page shows a few forwarding outfits in Charlotte. Still won't be cheap, but it sounds like if you could get it under $200 you'd be pleased.
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Jim


'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.