I used to use ego quite a lot some time ago, sending longish tubes all over Australia, then suddenly ther prices more than tripled! I then changed to Interparcel - competitive rates, and door-to-door service with pretty quick times.

Unlike AP - bought a small package from Brisbane. Tracking stated 'received by AP 04/03/15'. I received it on 16/03/15, and tracking still showed 'received by AP 04/03/15', on 19/03/15! No updates, but delivered!  Still took nearly two weeks for postage, though!

I also buy a fair bit from suppliers in both QLD and NSW - who both use Startrack, (AP-owned). Most deliveries are received witthin 48 hrs of dispatch.

However, I agree that couriers are just too expensive for many ebayers to use.