Bairdstravel would like to thank Mae from Perth Australia for giving us an insight into new mordern farming.
The "road trains" are usually 3 trailers each long, sometimes 4. This is the quickest and most reliable way to move the cattle from the outback. Before they were in use, most of the cattle were moved to Darwin or Alice Springs, from the cattle stations by droving them. This was sometimes very treacherous, as there was lack of fodder and water. Many cattle died. The distances were vast, and trains few.
When we were in the NT, on a number of occasions we were driving behind road trains. If there was 2 or 3 of them, no way would you attempt to pass, you just pulled over and had a cuppa or 2 until they got ahead of you. Even though the roads are fairly flat, the speed needed to pass 2 or 3 of these monsters was pretty excessive. Besides, in the time you spent passing, there very well could be another road train approaching in the other direction. Not worth the risk.