So here's where I'm at. I've used a couple local pressors.
One kept my books for more than 3 months before submitting to CGC, I believe he was waiting for enough customer's books to fill a short box. I wasn't too happy with the delay but to be fair speed isn't my #1 priority, getting books pressed safely and with good results is most important. And while all of the books he pressed came back as I expected there were no 'good' surprises. Nothing that surprised me to the positive.
The second pressor only worked on one book, Hulk 181, and I was happy with the result. He's actually 200 miles South of me so it's a pain to deliver and pick up books from him so haven't used him since. But a few years ago his business imploded, there's accusations of partners taking money and missing books and it's a mess.
So my gentle advice is to be very very careful who you pick to work on your books. If something goes wrong you may be in a world of hurt and you'll have no good resolution. Look for someone who's been in the pressing business for a long time and who has a sterling reputation. If you want to choose a local guy who you can get to know face-to-face I can understand that. As far as reducing the amount of shipping I don't see any difference between giving them to a local guy and him sending them to CGC versus sending them to a pressor located in Florida who delivers them to CGC after he's done his work. There's shipping to Florida either way and you'll have to drive to a local location versus the pressor driving to the local CGC facility.
And if you want to read a thread about 'trusted restoration/pressing company' going wrong check this out. It's a Stephen King comic horror movie.