A laboratory sample distribution system (100) comprises: a number of container carriers (1), said container carriers each comprising at least one magnetically active device, preferably at least one permanent magnet, and being adapted to carry a sample container (3) containing a sample, a transport plane (4) being adapted to carry said multiple container carriers, a number of electro-magnetic actuators being stationary arranged below said transport plane, said electro-magnetic actuators being adapted to move a container carrier on top of said transport plane by applying a magnetic force to said container carrier, and at least one transfer device (33) being arranged to transfer a Sample-Item, said Sample-Item being a container carrier, a sample container, part of the sample and/or the complete sample, between said transport plane and a laboratory station (22), preferably a pre-analytical, an analytical and/or a post-analytical station.