A321 Captain reported a ground conflict with a truck traveling at a high rate of speed requiring evasive action. Captain also reported overall concerns with the lack of SOP procedures utilized by ground personnel.

Narrative

During pre-pushback communications with the ground crew; tug driver did not ask for chock removal. Upon asking why; tug driver stated that they were already removed. This is non standard per SOPs. Many times; specifically at ZZZ; the ground operations verbiage has been egregiously non standard. I have submitted reports in the past; with no change in the station's behavior. After engine start checklist completed; taxi clearance obtained; began taxiing from push back spot. Initially clear both sides; too late to stop with FAs standing for their departure checks; noticed a catering van moving at a high rate of speed toward the aircraft on the service road just in front the spot where the tug disconnected. Steered the aircraft as hard as possible to the left to avoid the catering van; coming within 20-ish feet of the nose. As the driver was speeding past; I was trying to get their attention by flashing my taxi/T/O lights on and off; but to no avail. Realizing the wing might be closer to the van; I shallowed the turn as the FO (First Officer) monitored clearance of the wingtip. The FO commented that the clearance of the wingtip was approximately the same as the nose. The ground crew at ZZZ has access to our procedures; but continually disregards our verbiage. Pulling chocks prior to the CAs coordination is an unsafe practice that needs to be addressed.The driver neither acknowledged the aircraft he narrowly missed; nor looked in our direction. While trying to flash my lights at him; I saw him repeatedly look away from the aircraft towards the terminal. As he was driving past; I could see that he was driving relaxed with at least one of his feet up in a lounging position. The sun was not in his eyes in our direction and didn't even look around at his surroundings in a critical area. This particular driver needs to be removed from the flight line for remedial training at the very least.