A321
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors
We were pulling onto the gate in ZZZ. As we approached both the First Officer and I verbally stated that the clear area was clear and everything was behind the line. As we approached the gate and while I was on the guidance system; at approximately 40 feet remaining; I noticed movement out of my left peripheral vision. I glanced over to my amazement there was now a white [company] crew cab pickup truck; with 'Stores' marked on it that had parked inside the clear area and was in front of my left wing. I stopped the airplane; that's how I remembered we were at 40 feet; made a PA to the passengers to remain seated and signaled to the ramp crew that the truck would have to be removed. The driver was flagged down by the ramp crew and he returned and moved the truck. The amazing thing is that this truck maneuvered around a taxing airplane to park in front of my left wing. The entire truck was over the red line; if I would have continued forward I believe that my wing would have passed over the truck. How can anyone driving on the flight line think it is OK to pass a taxing airplane onto a gate and stop in front of it; get out and leave the area?I can only assume gross incompetence of the driver.
A321 Captain reported that a pickup truck maneuvered and parked in front of the aircraft during arrival at the gate.