As a UPS employee...let me tell you a little secret....know thy shipping zones.  I have one for my area here in Maine.  Various colored zones show how fast & far Ground will get places.  Sometimes 2nd Day is only a few bucks extra, while in others, Red is the way to go.  Anything from West of the Mississippi, I do 3-day select.  Few bucks extra, but I get my toys so I can play with them on the weekend  

I'm looking now, but check UPS.Com for shipping zones for your own area.  If I find the URL, I'll post it.
Alternatively, ask your local driver.