Hague Protocol:
A text amending the provisions of the Warsaw Convention now in force in most countries with the significant exception of the United States.

Hague Rules:
An International Convention that established the basic duties of shipper and carrier for goods covered by a bill of lading. When incorporating amendments agreed on at Visby in 1968, these Rules are called the Hague Visby Rules.

Hamburg Rules:
An international convention that substantially changes the rules establishing the basic duties of shipper and carrier of goods.

Handshaking:
That portion of a communications protocol necessary to maintain the connection during periods of inactivity.

Hardlines Industry:
Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, home centers and retail chains of hardware and housewares products - see definition of EAGLE.

Header:
The portion of the message that precedes the actual body and trailer of the business transaction.

Holder
A party who has in its possession or under its control a document or key that gives control over goods.

Hub:
A large company very active in EDI, which strongly encourages business partners to use EDI. Also called "sponsor."