Fresno Area CHP says the crash happened at E Lincoln Rd and S Temperance Avenue, near Fowler, at about 6 pm.
The victim has been identified as 57-year-old Lorene Negrete of Del Rey.
CHP officers say it appears the driver of the tractor-trailer, 29-year-old Pardeep Singh from Fremont, didn't see Negrete's car approaching and pulled out in front of the car, causing the collision.
Negrete died at the scene.
The CHP says alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the crash and that all involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts.
It says Singh is cooperating with the investigation and will be facing charges of vehicular manslaughter.