The typical annual turnover of a road train is $300,000 of which around 80 per cent goes on expenses, including fuel and tyres, a big shot in the arm for the local economy.
During testing at Northern Territory's Tanami Desert, the Kenworth hauled gold-bearing ore in 400 tonne, six-trailer road trains.
The proposal would see 4km of bitumen added to the partially sealed 47 km long Carnarvon-Mullewa Road for the purpose of transporting up to 100 road trains each day.
Mr Downs had seven years’ truck driving experience behind him including driving road trains in Australia.
In the Territory, locals and tourists are being asked to share responsibility for road safety - by respecting the big road trains that ply the north.