If you're shipping FedEx to a residential address, you have to request a signature for delivery. Otherwise they just leave it. I've shipped UPS but only to people with PO boxes or to business addresses. So far haven't had any problems. And when I order things I have packages delivered to my work address rather than risk having them sit on the porch waiting for me to get home.
HouseDragon, I'm happy things turned OK with your sewing machine. You'd think the shipper would request a signature for delivery on something that valuable.