An ink stick for a phase change ink jet printer has a guide element formed in one portion of the ink stick body (such as the lower portion) for engaging a feed channel guide rail in a feed channel of a solid ink feed system of the printer. The guide element is substantially offset from the lateral center of gravity of the ink stick body. The guide element engages a feed channel guide rail in the printer. The feed channel guide rail is substantially narrower than the width of the feed channel. A second guide element is formed on the opposite side of the lateral center of gravity of the ink stick body. The second guide element engages a second feed channel guide rail in the feed channel.