If an “RQ” appears before or after the item description on the shipping paper, who must report the spill?

• A. Carrier must report a spill of this material
• B. Shipper must report the spill
• C. Receiver must report the spill
• D. Local authorities must report the spill

Answer: (A)

An RQ marks a reportable quantity for a hazmat, meaning a spill must be reported to the National Response Center. In transit, the party in control of the shipment—the carrier—bears the responsibility to file that report. The shipper’s role is to correctly describe and document the hazardous material on the shipping paper, not to handle spill reporting during transportation. The receiver isn’t the designated reporter for spills that occur while the cargo is en route, though they should cooperate with responders if a spill has occurred. Local authorities may be involved in the incident response, but the formal NRC report comes from the carrier.