HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS (HX_) in the PREAMBLE of a radiogram are "shorthand" for how and when the message is to be delivered and any other special instruction from the ORIGINATING STATION regarding replies, confirmation of delivery, etc. As traffic handlers we are expected to carry out these instructions as part of delivering the message to the ADDRESSEE.
There are a total of seven (7) HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS. Formal messages are NOT required to have a HANDLING INSTUCTION (HX_).
Most common HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS are:
HXC - Report time and delivery (TOD) to originating station.
HXE - Delivering station get reply from ADDRESSEE, originate message back [to
originating station].
HXG - Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required. If toll or other
expense involved, cancel message and service originating station.
HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS (HX_) maybe combined such as HXCE.
A full list of these instructions are available on the FSD-218, the Pubic Service Communications Manual and the ARRL Operating Manual.
Traffic handlers are expected to follow these instructions as a courtesy to the ORIGINATING STATION.