Shipping time is my only beef with AP. As far as paying more for shipping I dont think that is the issue. I am pretty sure they are doin in part time and theyt just cant keep up. Once it ships I get it in a day. If you can stand the wait go with AP and you probably wont be diapoointed. I was thinking about goin with a RBI for my next rack just because of the shipping time but I really am impressed with the quality of AP.