The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for heating steel components in a continuous furnace, wherein a first transport device having an external drive receives the components in a precise position and transports them through the furnace in order to heat them, and a second transport device receives the parts, after the heating, from the first transport device at a predetermined transfer point or transfer region and conveys them out of the furnace at an increased speed and places them in a precise position at a further receiving point ready for further processing. The components are mounted on a support having engagement means for the different transport devices.