Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Human Factors
We were making the turn into the gate to park. I had just shut off my taxi light so I wouldn't blind the rampers and checked to see that the area was clear. I saw a catering truck on our right and thought it was slowing so I turned my head back to the left towards our parking spot. Just then I saw movement out of the corner of my eyes and the First Officer braked hard to prevent a collision with the catering truck that tried to speed in front of us. If we didn't stop and the catering truck kept going then we would have been close to colliding. I always brief my First Officer's to use the brakes if they think they need to and I will thank them later. That was exactly how that worked out.The driver of the truck was either poorly trained or was inattentive.Briefing the First Officer to use the brakes empowers them to use their judgment to keep us safe. Ramp drivers need better training.
Captain reported a catering truck crossed in front of the aircraft causing the First Officer to brake hard to avoid a collision while approaching the gate.