it is up to the driver's discretion whether to drop the package or not. unless you specifically declare insurance value or signature importance, they can choose to leave it. that sucks that it wasn't there when you got home, tho.

i can say with a lot of experience with these companies that fedex is amazing. contact their claims department. as long as you aren't requesting 500 bucks, they will usually mail you a check same day (although they probably won't tell you, it will just show up). they are way more concerned about return customers and reputation than losing a couple bucks for tires.

the secret is just to skip joe-blow who answers the phone and demand to speak to a manager. if you do this enough times, you will eventually reach a person who has enough priviledge to buy you off rather than waste their valuable time. it works every time. good luck.