Shipping turtles safely is possible and is frequently done, a look at the breeders and classified ads on Kingsnake will show you hundreds of turtles being shipped on a regular basis.
I have both shipped and recevied several dozen turtles over the years.
Only certain carriers and locations can be used, DHL is one and UPS another, shipping must be done overnight/same day, special packing is helpful, and cooling packs and or heat packs are used as needed at various times of the year. I myself prefer to ship and recieve when temps stay between 50-75 although it is done successfully in all but the most extreme weather. Expect to pay at least $50 for safe shipping with a tracking number and it is important to know that accidents can occur.
Because there are so many shipments of reptiles from buyers and sellers all over the US there a now a few companies that specialize in this which can ease the process tremendously.
here is a link to one such company & their info.
http://www.shipyourreptiles.com/
While i understnad your hesitation to ship given the abundance or horror stories available online, and I acknowledge that some dangers are quite real. I can tell you with confidence that far more turtles die and or are harmed by inadequate care than by quality/careful shipping. In all of the turtles I've shipped or had shipped around 50 or so over the years, I've had one death and that turtle was newly hatched and in a bad way to start with which was why it was sent to me. Every other turtle has survived the process and for most it was a minimal stress. I have several turtles that i will be shipping later in the season myself and despite the extra work and concern involved I have no doubt that it is the best choice for them.
When their is a coice between driving and shipping I opt for driving, when shipping is the best option for getting a turtle to a quality home, it is worth the risk in my experience.
Caveat - turtles to be shipped shoul be in good health, carying good weight, well hydrated and packed correctly. The person on the receiving end should have a habitat set up and ready, be there ot meat the shipment - no wait times especially in temp extremes - and know what to do with the animal on immediate receipt.