[pct-l] Bounced packages--no "free lunch"?

[Mike Yanasak]

Hi,

I just today phoned the USPO (national office) with a question and was
surprised at the answer.  My question was:
Hypothetically, if I were to take delivery of a package at a USPO in San
Francisco and, not immediately needing the contents, could I forward said
package, unopened, to myself at a USPO in Portland, free of charge?".  The
answer was "Yes, but only if you re-package the box and pay postage on it
(again)".

This is not consistent with the information I thought I had been hearing on
this site and elsewhere.  Did I ask the wrong question, word it incorrectly,
misunderstand the nature of "bounce box" mailing, or was the USPO official
with whom I spoke uninformed?

Also, which might be the better and cheaper options for mailing (box sizes,
weights, etc.) and is it a hassle to mail butane canisters?  Any other
mailing advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Amuddler