In a transfer device for workpiece carriers (18), with a number of segments (10, 10′, 10″) in which a control unit (14, 14′, 14″) respectively activates a linear motor (12, 12′, 12″), in a phase of the transfer of the workpiece carrier (18) from a first segment (10) to a neighbouring segment (10′) synchronization of the linear motors (12, 12″) is no longer effected on the basis of control commands of a central controller but instead the control unit (14) of the first segment (10) makes itself the master (S18) and subjugates the control unit (14′) of the neighbouring segment (10′) as the slave (S20). A position measuring device (22, 24) makes it possible for the master control unit (14) to carry out speed control for the workpiece carrier (18). The control unit (14′) receives information on the commutation angle and the actual force value and can therefore issue the control commands to the associated linear motor (12′) for the control process.