A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies, including a carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The products generally can be grouped into a series of products, such as for forming six-packs, four-packs or other package configurations, and will be wrapped by or loaded into a series of carton blanks, after which the loaded cartons will be moved through a discharge station. The discharge station meters the loaded cartons or packages for discharge from the packaging machine.