sucks.
sorry to hear.
but yah, when shipping wheels/tires, one is better off using mirror sheets (thin foam sheet) on the face side (add painter's tape on spokes that protrude past the rim), then tape circular cardboards (2 layers each side) on both the face and back sides of the wheel/tire.
use packing to tape at least 4 diameter lengths. the tire treads can be exposed, but the wheels must be taped securely.
dont use bubble wrap as heat can potentially leave marks on the finish.
you might be able to buy this return packaging from tirerack. it's about $20 or so + shipping.