Is there a better way than brute force to get a refrigerator into and out of the bed of a pickup truck without using a forklift or similar mechanized equipment? (I'm aware of cautions elsewhere on this site about laying a refrigerator on its side.) Thanks!

Get or rent an appliance cart. It will strap around the unit and you will be able to pull it into the bed and get it out more easily. I still may take 2 people.

Note: Look at the packaging carefully. With some models, there is one side that you should NOT lay a refrigerator on. With these types, laying it on the wrong side can cause oil to go where it should not go - and possibly cause problems.

With the fridge strapped to a dolly set it upright against the truck bed. Have one person on top pulling and one on the bottom pushing - and just slide it up and in.