Police are now investigating how the fatal crash took place on a straight stretch of road following reports the van drove into the back of a parked truck on Fuller Road in Ravenhall about 7.50am.
The driver of the white van, who has not been identified, died at the scene.
The driver became trapped under the semi-trailer following the crash, police said.
The exact circumstances of the collision remains unclear.
Highway Patrol officers are now investigating the incident.
Anyone with information or CCTV/dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
