It might be a combination depending on the airline. The fees for the first two are usually relatively reasonable (i.e. cheaper than shipping) and then the prices skyrocket. But check luggage shipping places like lugless
https://app.lugless.com/pricing/. I picked from random dates from Newark to Orlando for 3 bags and the fee was under $100.
You could also get a credit card from that airline and usually get 2 bags for free and the 3rd one should be at the "first" bag fee (this would probably be the cheapest, but of course you have to get that credit card, but the first year is usually free and you can cancel it if needed)