A semi-trailer fire has caused major headaches for motorists on the Monash Freeway in Melbourne's east this afternoon.

It is understood the brakes of the truck overheated, setting the rear of the vehicle ablaze.

The fire then spread to a shipping container, but the driver was able to pull his rig onto a grass median strip near Yarra Boulevard.

All of the inbound lanes of the Monash Freeway from Toorak Road were closed as fire crews extinguished the blaze, but have now been reopened.

Traffic is being diverted at Toorak Road junction and the Yarra Boulevard exit remains closed.

Drivers have been warned to expect delays.

Truck fire causes traffic chaos on Monash Freeway. Photo: 7News