I was able to ship for $50 using a puropak, I had to repackage to fit in the envelope. I shipped to Hitec since I also included a receiver for checkout due to a couple of crashes. I think the reason for the costs may be due to my remote location in Northern Ontario, but I'm not sure. Futaba no longer seem to be supported in Canada either, or at least they don't have anything on their website. It has been about ten years since I sent anything futaba or hitec out for repair. I'm pretty much all Hitec now, except for my transmitter. I will say that I have been totally satisfied with all of the Hitec equipment I own.
I will search some more on the shipping issue Mike because I think you are right that more people would be complaining. My mistake may have been the need for insurance, this may be what flags it for brokerage fees? I don't feel at ease sending out expensive parts with no tracking or insurance.
Trade between Canada and US seems to be discouraged.
I will update you on final costs, and I will be particularly interested in the shipping method Hitec uses to send the stuff back to me. They probably know the best method.