I wouldn't trust a shipping company to deliver them intact. Also, when considering the cost, if you buy a rack you have something to show for your $$$. Even if you never use it again, you can always sell it. Money spent on shipping is just gone. And, if your bikes are damaged, any insurance won't compensate you for the loss of use or time spent in getting the bikes repaired (if they can be) or replaced, so shipping could end up costing you a lot more than just the initial shipping charges.