You do not have to be a member to submit directly to CGC.

I've been sending books directly to CGC from the begining without a membership. I am a free member here & I am a free member of the dealer I use to submit my books directly to CGC and still receive a 10% discount. I personally use comicspriceguide.com. I don't even have to log in. All you have to do is click on the 10% off CGC link and it will take you straight to the submission page.

I pack my own books and send them out. I send my books out UPS ground and have my books returned to me via UPS ground to save on shipping. I use my companies UPS account number and get their shipping rates. I just pay them when I get the charges.