At Stroked's request I checked into shipping. It may not be too terrible after all, for the east coast at least, if sent as two packages.
Bars 51" x 4" x 4" for the pair, with feet removed. Need to add a bit of packaging around them.
Box with parts 21" x 5" x 5".
Combined weight is just under 12 lb. Guessing that will be around a 8/4 split but not sure yet as the feet are attached to the bars for the moment.
According to USPS that would be $17.10 for the bars and $11.55 for the box, for Priority Mail to his zip code in MD. Haven't checked the other couriers but happy to use them if they're cheaper.
For a random zip code in CA, it'd be $36.75 plus $23.15.
Exact prices can be calculated later if anyone is interested enough for me to disassemble the feet from the bars.