I ran across this the other day on a yahoo search, it shows an alternative way to "box" up your birds for shipment.....and it does seem it would be cheaper, check out the link below, might be what you are looking for.
http://www.utm.edu/departments/ed/cece/idea/shbox.shtmlAlso, Cutler's supply seems to always have good prices on items we need.
Good day to ya,
Lynny - W W Quail Ranch