No, it's not a racket, it's a business with overhead to cover and profit to be made. Nobody twists your arm to use them. It's the nature of a free (more or less) economy.

You can pack it yourself or have someone else pack it and pay them whatever they want to charge you. You can go online and do all the paperwork and pay UPS directly yourself at UPS.com and drop it off at that same UPS store for FREE.

I know a number of owners of UPS Stores and other similar businesses. None of them are getting rich, they all work long hours and they provide a valuable service at a reasonable price, all things considered. Disliking paying for the service is one thing. Wishing it were cheaper? Open your own or find someone who can provide the service cheaper. However, calling these stores "major rip offs" or a "racket" is simply not justified.