As part of our renowned Global Transportation Finance (GTF) group, the attorneys of our GTF Rail Finance practice bring a deep bench of experienced lawyers to every type of transaction involving railcars, locomotives, and rail-related assets. We represent manufacturers, leasing companies, commercial banks, private equity funds, hedge funds, and export credit agencies, as well as borrowers, lenders, servicers, and investors across the rail industry.
Our clients participate in a wide range of railcar financing arrangements. They come to us for sophisticated debt and equity structurings, especially asset-backed securitizations and warehouse loan facilities.
Our clients know that few law firms can match our knowledge of rail finance. They rely on us to stay ahead of market trends and legal developments , and to find innovative ways to meet achieve their goals.
Clients in the industry trust us to negotiate and facilitate complex rolling stock transactions in practical, cost-effective ways. We help parties structure new leasing platforms, joint ventures and structured finance vehicles, drawing on the breadth and depth of our rail industry experience.
Our clients participate in a wide range of railcar financing arrangements. They come to us for sophisticated debt and equity structurings, especially asset-backed securitizations and warehouse loan facilities.
Our clients know that few law firms can match our knowledge of rail finance. They rely on us to stay ahead of market trends and legal developments , and to find innovative ways to meet achieve their goals.
We serve our rail financing clients on the following types of transactions:
- Asset-backed securitizations
- Warehouse loan facilities
- Strategic joint ventures
- Acquisitions and divestitures of railcar and locomotive portfolios
- Export credit agency supported financingsPrivate placements
- Leveraged Leases
- Operating Leases (both full-service and net leases)
- Servicing Agreements
Tier 1: Industry Focus: Transport: Rail and Road—Finance, 2018-2025
"Experience is unrivaled in the rail industry"
"The team at Vedder has extensive experience in all aspects of rail finance work. They have worked on virtually every rail-related ABS or bank financing deal in the past decade-plus and are at the forefront of developments in this area"
Global Transportation Finance Newsletter
December 2025 Issue
Covering the latest in legal updates for global transportation finance.
Insights & Events
Publications
Global Transportation Finance Newsletter December 2025
December 22, 2025
Publications
East Palestine Derailment Lawsuits Highlight the Limits of Lessor Liability
September 9, 2025
Publications
Global Transportation Finance Newsletter September 2025
September 9, 2025
Publications
100% Bonus Depreciation Returns: What OBBBA Means for Aircraft, Rail and Heavy Equipment
July 15, 2025
News
Clay Thomas Named to LABJ Thriving in Their 40s List
January 2, 2025
News
Twelve Vedder Price Practice Areas and 46 Attorneys Distinguished in The Legal 500 United States in 2023
June 12, 2023
Primary Contacts

Michael E. Draz
Shareholder
Chair, Global Transportation Finance Practice Area
Member, Board of Directors
Chicago