Every available Freight Lines truck across the central North Island turned out at company founder Jim Barker's funeral at Baypark as a mark of respect for an industry pioneer.

Freight Lines is just one of Jim's transport legacies in New Zealand, the Strait Shipping Cook Strait ferries Straitsman and Strait Feronia are his others.

Freight Lines trucks lines up at Jim Barker's funeral at ASB Stadium today. Photos: Chris Callinan.

Jim passed away in his home at the weekend and a funeral was held at ASB Arena this afternoon to farewell him.

'The New Zealand road transport industry has lost a true icon with the passing of Jim Barker,” says Road Transport forum chief executive Ken Shirley.

'The legacy of what Jim achieved, not only with Strait Shipping and Otorohanga Transport, but across the entire industry will be felt for decades to come.

'He was instrumental in modernising the efficient movement of freight across the country.

'The thoughts of the Road Transport Forum, our associations and the entire road transport industry are with Jim's family and close friends at this time.”

Hundreds of people turned out for Jim's funeral.

Jim Barker, a coal-miner's son from Huntly, was born in 1938.

Along with his brother-in-law, Jim bought Otorohanga Transport Ltd in 1963.

The small general carrying company went on to become one of New Zealand's biggest locally owned and operated transport companies and now includes Stocklines, Freightlines, Bulklines and Streamline.

The Mount Maunganui resident also introduced to the industry a driver training scheme and supported the introduction of the iShift transmission into New Zealand, contributing to a safer and more fuel efficient truck fleet.

Read more about Jim's achievements here.