If the HM column on a shipping paper shows X or RQ, what does this indicate about the material?

• A. The shipment is regulated by Hazardous Materials
• B. The shipment is exempt from regulation
• C. The shipment is non-hazardous
• D. The shipment is prohibited

Answer: (A)

Hazardous materials in the shipping paper’s HM column are regulated under HazMat rules. Seeing an X or RQ means the material is regulated. An X indicates the shipment must comply with all HazMat requirements—proper shipping name, classification, packaging, labeling, placarding where required, and the appropriate documentation and training. RQ means the material has a reportable quantity, so the amount triggers additional reporting and regulatory duties. In short, the HM column marking shows the material is subject to HazMat regulations. If it were exempt or non-hazardous, or if it were simply prohibited, those would be reflected by different markings or absence of the HazMat designation.