Large Transport
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 399
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Human Factors
The following event occurred after we landed in CLT and exited Runway 36R on Romeo Taxiway. We were given taxi via a left turn on Alpha; then right turn on Alpha 4; cross Runway 5; join Bravo and contact Ramp West Control for further taxi instructions. We complied with those instructions and the First Officer contacted Ramp west Control for clearance into the ramp. Ramp Control told us to join the 'inner line' right side and taxi to Spot X and hold for further instruction. What he wanted us to do was turn right into the ramp area and taxi around the east side of the 'west hard stand' near Terminal Bravo and hold at Spot X.What we did was continue straight ahead on the 'inner line' thinking we would taxi around the west side of the 'west hard stand'. Unfortunately; as we soon found out; that put us in direct conflict with aircraft taxiing southbound around the west side of the 'hard stand.' The Ramp Controller; of course; asked us where we were going and we told him; having misunderstood his instructions that we were continuing on the 'inner line' around the 'hard stand' to Spot X. He then told us to turn right and taxi through the 'west hard stand' to join the inner line near Terminal Bravo and hold at Spot X for further clearance to our gate. When the taxiway was clear; Ramp Control then gave us further clearance to Terminal Alpha and our gate. Both the First Officer and I thought we were complying with the Ramp Controller's instructions; but we simply did not understand the airport specific language that was being used.Obviously; if there's ever any doubt about an assigned clearance just ask the Controller. The problem here was more with the language being used or local. The SIP page for CLT doesn't contain much information at all concerning taxi instructions; or what to expect from Ramp Control when taxiing inbound or outbound such as use of the inner ramp lines. It would definitely help with anticipated taxi instructions. Especially after landing; when tasks are high and radio congestion is common.
Air carrier Captain reported misunderstanding taxi instructions leading to a conflict with oncoming traffic at CLT airport.