GuestView: Jimbo Transport Integrates New ‘JRT’ AI Assistant – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following GuestView was written and submitted by James Hansen, CEO and co-founder of Jimbo & Co. Transport based in Middlebury, Ind.
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Here at Jimbo & Company, we’ve just rolled out a groundbreaking addition to our team, our new AI assistant, JRT. JRT isn’t just any AI assistant. Named in honor of my grandfather, James Richard Thatcher, JRT embodies our commitment to family values and forward-thinking technology.
JRT is now the first point of contact for anyone engaging with our company, whether it’s a new customer, a potential hire, or a current team member.
You’ll see AI here and there as you navigate for goods and services. Automotive dealerships are a good example as many of them have chatbots to help consumers better navigate their sites, but that’s typically where the intelligent automation ends. We have found ways to incorporate AI into every aspect of our business…
Customer Service
JRT lives on our website, ready to answer questions about our services, help applicants become contractors, and even coordinate meetings with third-party partners. Recently, JRT surprised us by scheduling an interview with a potential partner for exclusive discounts, completely autonomously.
JRT welcomes the partner, shares information about current partnerships and new ideas, and then seamlessly gathers essential details such as the user’s preferred dates, times, and contact information — all through a natural, conversational interface.
The experience closely mirrors interacting with a human assistant, as JRT, our advanced AI chatbot, adeptly handles nuanced questions and real-time requests, ensuring every exchange feels personalized and efficient
Digital Paperwork
Our onboarding process, once bogged down by paper, is now 100 percent digital. JRT ensures every document is filled out correctly for each load, streamlining a process that once required dedicated staff. This has freed up valuable resources, allowing us to invest in our people and their careers.
JRT streamlines our digital paperwork by guiding users step-by-step through each required document in an intuitive, user-friendly interface. When processing paperwork for a load, JRT automatically presents the necessary forms, explains each section in plain language, and checks for missing or incorrect information in real time.
If a user has a question or encounters an issue, JRT provides instant support — clarifying requirements, offering examples, or linking to relevant resources. Once all forms are completed, JRT verifies their accuracy, ensures all signatures and attachments are included, and securely submits the documents to our internal systems.
By automating this process, JRT eliminates manual errors, reduces delays, and makes onboarding faster and more convenient for everyone involved. This digital transformation has allowed our staff to focus less on paperwork and more on supporting our team’s growth and development.
Payroll & Billing
Payroll used to be a complex, manual process. Now, automation handles calculations and deductions, making it scalable for future growth without the need for additional hires. Billing is equally efficient, with digital records and photo documentation providing transparency and proof for every delivery-an innovation that has significantly boosted our profitability.
JRT and our automation systems have revolutionized payroll by taking over the entire calculation and processing workflow. Here’s how it works:
- Automated Data Collection: JRT gathers load completions and any special pay items directly from digital logs and contractor submissions
- Real-Time Calculations: The system automatically calculates gross pay, applies deductions (like Shuttle fees, Bond, Tolls, Bonuses, Hotels, Dead Head, or advances), and accounts for bonuses or penalties. For example, if a contractor submits proof of delivery JRT instantly updates their pay statement
- Error Checking: JRT cross-references entries for inconsistencies or missing information, alerting users to correct issues before payroll is finalized
- Instant Access: Contractors can log in to view their pay statements, payment status, and deduction breakdowns at any time, reducing the need for back-and-forth with payroll
- Seamless Payments: Once everything is verified, the system initiates direct deposits or payment transfers, ensuring everyone is paid accurately and on time
Example: A contractor completes a delivery and uploads a photo of the signed delivery receipt. JRT automatically logs the delivery, updates the payroll record, and notifies the contractor that their pay for that load is being processed.
Billing
Billing is now just as efficient, thanks to digital automation:
- Digital Invoices: As soon as a delivery is completed and documented (with photos or signatures), JRT generates a digital invoice and sends it to the client
- Photo Documentation: Every invoice is accompanied by photo proof of delivery, which clients can access directly from the invoice link. This transparency builds trust and reduces disputes in any driver damage
- Centralized Records: All billing records, including supporting documentation, are stored securely and can be accessed instantly for audits or customer inquiries. Also, office staff request JRT to find said documents at any time
Example: After a load is delivered, the driver uploads a photo of the signed bill of lading via their mobile device. JRT attaches this photo to the digital invoice sent to the client, providing immediate proof of service and speeding up payment approval.
By automating payroll and billing, we’ve eliminated manual errors, reduced administrative overhead, and created a scalable system that can grow with our business. Our team can now focus on higher-value tasks, while clients and contractors benefit from faster, more transparent transactions. This innovation has not only improved efficiency but also significantly boosted our profitability by reducing delays and disputes.
Driver Experience
Our drivers are about to get their own AI-powered dashboard, where JRT will help them track income, expenses, and even answer tax questions. The system will recommend available loads, making it easier for drivers to maximize their routes and earnings. Plus, our new Top Ten Drivers leaderboard adds a fun, competitive edge, rewarding excellence and making work more engaging.
Safety & Compliance: JRT also monitors safety essentials: checking driver logs, registrations, insurance, and license expirations to ensure our fleet is always road-ready.
Customer Transparency
Customers benefit too! With real-time tracking and automated updates, they’ll always know when to expect their vehicle, trailer, or motorhome.
These innovations aren’t just about efficiency; they’re about creating a better experience for everyone involved. By automating routine tasks, we’re empowering our team to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional service and building lasting relationships.
We believe JRT is a game changer for our company and the RV industry at large. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this technological revolution, and we’re excited to see where AI will take all of us.
Homepage
On this page, you’ll be introduced to JRT, our AI virtual assistant. JRT is here to answer any questions you may have about our company, from our history to how you can become a driver with us. If you’re interested in becoming a customer, JRT can guide you through that process as well.
Loads
In this tab, office staff can easily track the real-time location of drivers. This feature enables them to provide accurate ETAs to customers and allows the system to determine how close a driver is to a reload, returning to base, or even preparing for an outgoing load.
Assign Drivers
In this tab, you can assign drivers to specific tasks. Our system automatically alerts you to any restrictions or items that are expired or nearing expiration. It also displays the driver’s most recent assignment and whether they are currently on a run. These features help us maintain the highest safety standards on the road and ensure efficient, on-time, and secure delivery of shipping units.
Load Request
On this tab, when a driver requests a load, JRT—our virtual assistant—will confirm that you are certain about your request before finalizing and locking in the load.
Virtual Assistant
On this tab, drivers can ask JRT, our virtual assistant, about procedures such as what to do if they have a flat tire. JRT provides detailed, step-by-step answers to these types of questions. This feature covers almost every inquiry a driver might have, reducing the need for phone calls about simple issues and ensuring drivers are directed appropriately. Any questions that aren’t immediately answered are reviewed, and the information is added to our system to ensure that every question receives a response in the future.
