A method and device for moving media sheets along a media path. In one embodiment, the media path comprises a metering nip, at least one transfer nip downstream from the metering nip, and a feed nip upstream from the metering nip. The feed nip moves the media sheet initially at a faster speed than the metering nip. This speed variation causes a buckle to form in the media sheet that aligns the leading edge. The media sheet is then moved from the metering nip into the transfer nip. The metering nip may move the media sheet at a faster speed than the transfer nip again forming a buckle in the media sheet. As the media sheet is moved through the transfer nip, it is tacked to a transfer belt such that it moves consistently through the remaining downstream transfer nips.