What good is UPS international shipping for?

I ordered a Jawbone Bluetooth headset on the August 1st. By about the 9th, I should be getting it in my hands. This would not be too bad, were it not that UPS Worldwide Expedited was paid for, at almost $50! Aliph’s site quotes 3-4 business days, but this will be more like 6-7. From now on, I think I’ll request USPS Air, as it costs a fraction, it usually arrives quicker, and has never been held up in customs (I can tell UPS horror stories of packages held for days while some stupid customs inspector felt like having a look at the paperwork…).