Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We were taxiing into our gate at Miami when a blue pickup truck appeared from my left peripheral vision heading right toward our aircraft. I took evasive action by firmly applying the brakes. It instantly stopped the aircraft and was noticed by all onboard. The truck apparently noticed us at about the same time and veered hard to the left off of the painted roadway. A collision was avoided; but barely.This would have caused damage to the aircraft and truck; and maybe people too. The conditions were nighttime; and we were taxiing slowly; with taxi light illuminated. The truck came from under the terminal on the painted roadway; driving fast; and oblivious to the aircraft moving on the ramp. I tried to get a number on the truck; but they sped off before I could read it. I called the ramp tower and reported the incident; but he didn't have any luck finding the truck either. I made a PA to the passengers; and we continued to the gate. No injuries were reported to me due to the sudden stop.The driver of the pickup truck was not paying attention to his or her surroundings. I was taxiing slow; just approaching my gate area and didn't notice the truck until he was right below me.I will try to keep better vigilance in the ramp area. Vehicle operators need to slow down and pay attention!
Air carrier Captain reported he had to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision with a pickup truck on the ramp in MIA.