Harmonized Code – An internationally accepted and uniform description system for classifying goods for customs, statistical, and other purposes.

 

Harmonized System (HS) – A key provision of the international trade bill, effective January 1, 1989, that established international uniformity for classifying goods moving in international trade under a single commodity code.

 

Hatch – The cover of, or opening in, the deck of a vessel through which cargo is loaded.

 

Hazardous Materials – (See Hazmat Definitions)

 

Heavy Lifts – Freight too heavy to be handled by regular ship’s tackle.

 

Heavy Lift Vessel – A vessel specifically designed to be self-sustaining with heavy lift cranes to handle unusually heavy or outsized cargoes.

 

Hi (or High) Cube – Any container exceeding 102 inches in height.

 

House Air Waybill – An air waybill issued by a freight consolidator. (See also Air Waybill)

 

Hub – A central location to which traffic from many cities is directed and from which traffic is fed to other areas.

 

Hundredweight (cwt.) – Short ton hundredweight = 100 pounds. Long ton hundredweight = 112 pounds.

 

Husbanding – A term used by steamship lines, agents, or port captains who are appointed to handle all matters in assisting the master of the vessel while in port to obtain such services as bunkering, fresh water, food and supplies, payroll for the crew, doctors appointments, and ship repair.