Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 166; Flight Crew Total 1635; Flight Crew Type 1361
Communication Breakdown
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Airport; Human Factors
While turning in to park at gate; there were two lav service trucks parked within the safety zone of the gate. I illuminated them with my taxi light to make sure they knew we were approaching the gate.One of the trucks backed out of the way while we continued to approach the gate.  The other truck; however; decided to dash in front of my aircraft to clear the area.  I stopped the aircraft to avoid a collision; then parked after the truck was clear. Ramp Tower was immediately notified of the incident.There is a service road painted in front of the gate; but ground vehicles are required to give way to aircraft.  Apparently; this driver thought it was the other way around.This is an increasing problem in different airports. In IAH; I personally have had to stop at least once a week to avoid vehicles driving in front of my taxiing aircraft over the past three months. These vehicles have been catering trucks; baggage carts; and lav service trucks.
Air carrier Captain reported a ground conflict at IAH airport with a vehicle during taxi-in to the gate near the safety zone.