A beverage container packaging machine (10) which employs a series of pusher plates (28) to move groups of containers (C) into open-ended carrier sleeves (S). The plates are pivotally attached to two continuous chains (34, 42) which are arranged so as to maintain the plates parallel to the downstream direction of travel of the containers and sleeves. The chains move the plates in a diagonal run toward the loading station (17) wherein the downstream component of movement is at a speed similar to the speed of travel of the containers and sleeves, and the right angle component causes the plates to push the containers into the sleeves.