Air carrier flight crew reported a conflict while taxiing with another aircraft that had exited the runway after landing. Pilots stated the taxi instructions were confusing and that both pilots used brakes to stop and avoid the landing aircraft.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a conflict while taxiing with another aircraft that had exited the runway after landing. Pilots stated the taxi instructions were confusing and that both pilots used brakes to stop and avoid the landing aircraft.
Narrative
We were cleared to taxi to Runway XXL via taxiways with no other mention of any conflicts with other taxiing traffic along the way. On another frequency presumably; Tower; (other carrier) aircraft was cleared to cross XXL on taxiway. As we were taxiing 1; Ground stated 'Company; let (other carrier) Aircraft Y get in front of you there'. Both Captain and I were thrown off by the non-standard phraseology and weren't sure who they were talking to or about. As we looked up we saw (other carrier) Aircraft Y coming off of Runway XXL; without standard lights on that they would normally have on a runway. Both Captain and First Officer (FO) hit the brakes to avoid a possible conflict with plenty of space between us.Suggestion: Proper staffing at a major airport so ATC doesn't miss important incursions. Tower stated they cleared (other carrier) aircraft long before we left the ramp and then took their eyes off of both of us; followed by a non-standard phraseology with no details about where the (other carrier) aircraft was coming from.
Second reporter narrative
PHX Ground issued us clearance to taxi to Runway XXL via taxiways. After turning onto taxiway; we received a call from Ground along the lines of 'Company Flight XXX; do you have other carrier?' Causing me to ask First Officer (FO) what they were talking about... we both looked ahead and saw an unlit other carrier aircraft exiting the runway about 200 yards ahead and we both hit the brakes to stop from full taxi speed. Apparently; the same ATC Controller had issued other carrier taxi instructions on Tower frequency prior to issuing us conflicting taxi instruction without including any reference to other carrier or any phraseology for us to either hold short; give way; or follow them. ATC attempt to deconflict by using imprecise and nonstandard phraseology only caused initial confusion; delaying action and elevating the risk to both aircraft.Suggestion: Increase ATC staffing and decrease or eliminate the practice of Controllers working multiple frequencies.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.