The honour recognises Mr Perry's 47-year commitment to the transport industry until his death from a heart attack in March 20 last year, aged 67.

His wife Helen, children Dean and Jo and their families will travel to Alice Springs in August to attend a hall of fame induction ceremony.

``We are very proud and honoured,'' Mrs Perry said. ``It brought a tear to my eye. I only wish he was here to collect it himself.''

Mrs Perry said her husband was a member of the Kenworth section of the hall of fame but it was a greater honour to be accepted by the wider transport industry.

She thanked long-time friend Geoff Rook for nominating her husband.

Mr Rook said he put Mr Perry's name forward because of his achievements in the transport industry.

``After Cyclone Tracey in 1974, Roger was one of the very few to drive up the centre, when most of the road was dirt, and he delivered loads of perishable goods into Darwin,'' he said.

``There wasn't a lot of people allowed into Darwin at the time because of looters.''

Mr Rook said Mr Perry had built his business to 100 registered vehicles and more than 50 staff.

``What he did for the community, he was a fantastic fella,'' he said.

``He would deliver food parcels from the Salvos to Jeparit and Rainbow at no cost.

``I've known Roger for years and what he achieved in his life was just phenomenal; it was through guts and sheer determination.''

Mr Rook said he and Mr Perry's family had produced a 400-word submission for the hall of fame committee to consider.

``The committee meets every year to work out who is accepted and who is not. Thousands of people go to the annual ceremony,'' he said.

``For a story like Roger's, it was bloody hard to sum up in 400 words.''

Mr Rook wrote in the summary: ``Roger was very particular about his fleet appearance and roadworthiness. He also had a very good relationship with depot workers, drivers and sub-contractors.