In article <0mXSrw200WB6JiMnVx@andrew.cmu.edu>, tsesung+@CMU.EDU says...
[...]
>The only time I used UPS COD I too had problems. I agreed
>to purchase a light meter from someone in WA. It took 3 to
>4 weeks to arrive in Penna. He had sent it through
>Mailboxes, Inc. ....[rest deleted]

Umm, rather than blame UPS, I would look to the adviseability
of using places like Mailboxes, Inc. - the package shipment
costs much more, and is less direct than using UPS itself
(UPS will pick up, if getting to a UPS office is inconvenient).
I have used UPS extensively for years with nothing but efficient,
safe transport (with no mix-ups on COD's either when sending or
receiving). USPS deliveries often take excessive time for delivery
(and the insurance costs on expensive items are much higher than
when they are sent sent through UPS). On the occasions that I have
priced FedEx, the $30 or so for the same box that UPS ships for
about $10 quickly moves me back to UPS. Just my experience with
shippers...
Hope This Helps