Why are Cat parts expensive...

One reason is the packaging: Little bushing =large box=$

Yes much like Kubota. Part is put into a plastic bag which is put into a plastic bag then put into a plastic bag to put into a box.

True. Bagged/tagged and repeat...then put into a box so large its ridiculous. Its also expensive. Not a good business practice IMO. A three ounce bushing the size of your thumb, put into a box large enough for two pairs of work boots. I've seen this so many times now. Its a clear deparure from the past. But why.

I would say maybe the easiest to make dollars from cubic size of the box in transit, they calculate freight cost on cubic and weight, either way your out of pocket, most likely to hard to reach a bit further to get a smaller size box

Yhis isn't the worst example. I had a small gasket delivered...maybe 2"x4" in a box larger than this. Boggles me. But you may be correct.