B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 122; Flight Crew Type 10000
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
While we were starting our initial taxi after the pushback; a catering truck approached us (from left to right) at a fairly high speed and without any apparent regard to our position and the left hand turn we had started.   Their speed and proximity were so concerning we had to abruptly stop and wait for him to continue.  He did so with no apparent hesitation or change in speed or direction.   We needed a fairly large left hand turn and were fearful our right wing was an impending conflict.  I called back to Ops to please notify the driver but was not sure that process is worthwhile or fruitful. I did submit a note to Chief so that this can be addressed in a timely manner.
B737-800 Captain reports having to brake to avoid a catering truck during initial taxi off the gate.