It sounds more impresive! On Ice Road Truckers they are always carrying a "massive 20,000lb load". 9 tons doesn't sound as good...I carry more than twice that on my 8 wheel tipper!
The thing I'd like to know about RATW, is that they have at least one cameraman with them and last week, we found they have a medic too...how do they get the last seats on the bus/train/boat too? Do they go off to a nice hotel, whilst the team catches some shut eye in a hostel? How long is the 'rest' at the checkpoint? Anyone know?