Tributes pour out for Dane Ballinger of Ballinger Transport who died in Pacific Highway truck crash near Nambucca

Tributes have been flooding the internet for the Bathurst boy who started his own transport business 15 years ago, at the tender age of 21, and who quickly established himself as a shining light in the industry.

"Dane you achieved more in your 36 years than most people would in two lifetimes. The business we all know as Ballinger Transport which graces our highways with equipment of the highest standards and presentation second to none was all achieved from your childhood dream and hard work. You definitely set the benchmark. You are so well respected, idolised and have influenced so many people young and old in our industry but have remained humble the whole time," one industry mate said.

Each year since 2006 he entered his fleet into the Penrith Working Truck Show and never walked away without an award to show for himself.

He also received the Kenworth Klassic Award of Excellence in 2017 for the "flawless presentation" of his rig.

"Absolutely devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Dane Ballinger. He was, by far, one of the nicest and smoothest operators on our roads and one who set the bar incredibly high. He had class, style and his trucks and drivers were a credit to our transport industry. I'm sitting here shaking hardly knowing just how to put my feelings into words but please know that today is a dark day as this forever smiling ambassador of the industry has left us," Klassic organiser Bruce Gunter said.

But Dane is being remembered not only for his business legacy, but for being a devoted husband and father to his four young children.

"The only thing that made him prouder than showing off his trucks was showing off his family. Rest easy Dane, you've left behind a lot of people who will never forget your shiny mark on the Road Transport Industry," one driver said.

No doubt the impact of his untimely death will reverberate through the industry for a long time to come.

And many are already calling for an investigation into the design of the stopping bays along the upgraded Pacific Highway, one of which the other B-Double which Dane collided with, was parked in.

The Macleay Argus wishes to extend our sincere condolences to Dane's family and friends in this terrible time.